Writing Resources

As beginning writers, we're always looking for advice. Where do you go to get it? Some very good resources:

Podcasts - there are many film comment podcasts that review and analyze recent and past films. Listening to film criticism will enhance your understanding of film and the things you notice within them - techniques, structures, casting choices, why something works or doesn't, the list is endless. There are also a handful of podcasts out there that interview professional, working writers at various stages in their careers. There's no one better to learn from than them, especially if you don't live in Los Angeles and don't regularly bump into Oscar winning screenwriters at your local Starbuck's. Simply go to itunes and look up tv/film podcasts, you will find a host of podcasts to peruse, some will be helpful, some, not so much. But podcasts are a terrific FREE resource for studying and understanding all aspects of filmmaking. Some of my favorite & most trusted weekly podcasts:
Creative Screenwriting Magazine
On The Page
Script Magazine
The Hollywood Saloon
/Film
KCRW's The Business
KCRW's The Treatment w/Elvis Mitchell

Now on to Professional Writer's Websites - do you frequent any? You should be! There are hundreds (maybe thousands?) of screenwriters out there who have their own websites and blogs, and you'd be wiser for surveying them. Many of these guys & girls are just a rung or three above you on the career ladder, and have valuable insights on navigating the business of writing. Among my favorites:

Wordplayer.com - read every article on this vast site at least twice!

Aspiringtvwriter.blogspot.com

Complicationsensue.blogspot.com

Kfmonkey.blogspot.com

Sex-in-a-sub.blogspot.com
Gointothestory.com
Johnaugust.com
Mysteryman.org
Unknownscreenwriter.com

And a hundred others I have bookmarked! The real value for me in these sites is not only do you receive street-tested knowledge from other writers, but you have an opportunity to converse with these writers (at least online), get some one-on-one advice and build relationships. Again, if you don't live in Los Angeles, a very useful way to learn the art, the business, and cultivate those all important "connections". 

A word of caution though - show some professional courtesy when contacting these people! Use tact, be polite, concise and to the point. Don't ramble on and don't EXPECT anything in return - you're already getting great advice for free, don't wear out your welcome by being too pushy, asking too many questions, "depending" on anyone to solve your story problems or give you the golden keys to the kingdom. These people are much too busy to entertain endless correspondence from an army of unemployed writers!

Just read what they have to offer, glean what you can, correspond when necessary, and thank them for their valuable time and insights. Remember, no one is forced to start a website, they do this in hopes that beginning screenwriters will learn something and maybe not be so green or make the same mistakes they did. Don't let them - or yourself - down!

There are many other film/TV related websites and publications you should always be checking - Variety.com, boxofficemojo.com, Done Deal Pro, Hollywood Reporter, etc. should all be a daily stop for you. The value in these sites is to know what's going on in the business TODAY - who's doing what, who's selling what, who's buying what, etc. And funny as it may sound, TAKE NOTES! Are any of the people/companies mentioned in the articles working with new writers? Are the kinds of projects they produce/want to produce up your alley? This research and your notes will come in handy once it's time to market your own screenplay - you'll already have a rough list of production companies, producers, agents, managers etc. to query!

Another very important aspect of your web toolkit are screenplay contests and writing communities. If you're a writer with no credits yet, placing in a recognized contest can be used to beef up your queries, build connections, or give some form of credibility/vetting to entice those who are too busy to read your screenplay.

And join a writing community - somewhere online or off - gives you a safe environment in which you can discuss your work with other writers, get feedback, put your script on its feet, etc. And let's not forget - connections. Maybe your comedy writing buddy has a relationship with a producer that doesn't do comedy, but may be very interested in your summer action script!

All this to say, in today's world there are more resources available to aspiring writers than ever before to learn your craft and learn the business. Take advantage of these opportunities, or others will, and you will be left in the proverbial dust. Good hunting!

PS - let me know of any sites you find exceptionally informative!