Category: Writing Tips

Characters Must Be Interesting.–Most People read for amusement and entertainment. It will be well for the young writer to bear this fact constantly in mind in planning who his characters will be and what they will do. What they will be will depend largely on whether his story is to be one of action of […]

What Plot Is-Plot consists of the series of incidents which present a picture of life—logical—clear—interesting. In a previous chapter I treated of the types of stories—the places, people, and circumstances from which plot-germs might be obtained. Now that the author possesses an idea, a character, a setting or an emotion to bring out, it is […]

Its Scope.—The scope, or view, encompassed by a photo-play camera is commonly called the “photoplay stage,” no matter whether in a studio or out-of-doors. The photoplay stage, then, may seem to the beginner to be quite a large area; but, in reality, it is not so large as it at first seems. The fact of […]

Why the Human Element Is Important.—The human element-heart interest and human interest—sells more manuscripts than anything else. No matter how cleverly your work is written, how carefully constructed your plot, how gripping the events, it will fail if it lacks heart interest or human interest. You must capture the interest and smypathy of your audience. […]

Avoid Impossible, Impracticable and Too Expensive Subjects. The preceding chapter has indicated the importance of knowing what to write about. It is also vital for the beginner. to know what he should not write about, for there are many subjects which, in themselves, make the sale of a photoplay practically impossible. The beginner often writes […]

The Four Types of Humorous Plays.—In the photoplay world, there are few fine distinctions between the different types of manuscripts. Plays are loosely classified as “dramas” or “comedies,” depending on whether they are inclined to be serious or merely funny. There are four distinct types of comedy subjects: (1) Extravaganza, (2) burlesque, (3) farce, (4) […]

Is Book Education Essential?—I wish I could proclaim the following to the whole world as my audience. It is such good news to all who are held down by doubt that every-one should know about it. Let me state with the utmost emphasis at my command that thousands of writers have succeeded and are succeeding […]

Do Not Despise a Humble Beginning.—While the writer should always aim to do the best work of which he is capable, this does not mean that he should despise the day of small beginnings. Better work tomorrow can only be accomplished upon the foundation of good work, carefully finished, today. It is not unusual to […]

Nine Reasons Why a Photoplay May Be Rejected. —The rejection of a manuscript is generally a mystery to its author; he can’t understand why his work should be returned. On the contrary, he fails to perceive how any editor could exist without his brain child. In the light of this, a few words from one […]

The lour Ways to Sell a Manuscript.—There are four ways of selling stories and photoplays: (I) selling under con-tract; that is, preparing a certain story or play at the editor’s order arid request; (2) offering your manuscript in person to the studio or magazine to whom you think it is best suited; (3) submitting your […]