Coming up short

Kosh · Mar 12, 2008

I'm on the first draft of a screenplay and I've noticed I'm coming up short. I already know things I've should have add and explored more in previous scenes.
Should I go back and fix this now (it will actually involve erasing and rewriting scenes), or should I just make a note of mistakes and fix it in the next draft?

Plot Device · Mar 12, 2008

What does "coming up short" mean? Length??

Kosh · Mar 12, 2008

Plot Device said:
What does "coming up short" mean? Length??

My scenes are too short. I'm into my second act on page 25.

MrJayVee · Mar 12, 2008

Short...

At what page does your second act begin? If it begins it page 12, then yeah, there might be a problem.

Act two typically begins in the neighborhood of page 20, so if you're into your second act at page 25, that's fine.

But I'd just get the draft done then go back and bolster those early scenes.

Kosh · Mar 12, 2008

MrJayVee said:
At what page does your second act begin? If it begins it page 12, then yeah, there might be a problem.

Act two typically begins in the neighborhood of page 20, so if you're into your second act at page 25, that's fine.

But I'd just get the draft done then go back and bolster those early scenes.

Alright, thanks.

shutterspeed · Mar 12, 2008

Add a B and/or C storyline... AFTER you finish your first draft. Then you'll have a better idea where you're at.

preyer · Mar 15, 2008

well, i suppose it's hard to add a C storyline without having a B first, no? lol. just teasing on ya.

when i write fiction, i don't need no stinkin' outline. however, as i'm beginning on my first script, i'm quickly seeing how outlining will be very useful, if not flat-out necessary for me. i also very much like the idea of putting your individual scenes on cards for easy re-arranging.

mommyjo2 · Mar 15, 2008

Be careful with rewriting before you finish a first draft. Rewriting is a great way to procrastinate actually finishing!

Kosh · Mar 15, 2008

Thanks for all the advice. I had an outline (well, a bunch of color coded index cards), but for some reason, the scene on paper isn't the one in my head.

I'm starting over. I know, I know, this is most likely some subconscious procrastination (of which I'm not new to), but I really need some feeling of "flow" when going from one scene to the next. And I also thing I have to go back to the board and rethink some scenes.

I'm also more comfortable writing too much than too little.

Again, thank you for all your help.

LIVIN · Mar 15, 2008

Do what's right for you as a writer. Period.

Coming up short

Kosh

Will Write for Food

Plot Device

A woman said to write like a man.

Kosh

Will Write for Food

MrJayVee

Pro scribe

Kosh

Will Write for Food

shutterspeed

preyer

excessively spartan

mommyjo2

Bad grammar make me [sic]

Kosh

Will Write for Food

LIVIN