You want to write a script but aren't sure where to start? You have a story in you that would be fantastic on the screen? After working as a screenwriter and screenwriting tutor for over two decades, I have written this book to help you to turn your ideas into screenplays, moving from an examination of what you need in terms of an idea that will work on screen all the way through to first draft.
Screenwriting is a tight and demanding medium but it is also one of the most exciting forms in which to write. Write That Script! brings together all the theory you need, examples of how the theory works and challenging exercises to oil those writing muscles that will see you through to the end. Write That Script! will steer you through the stormy seas from wanting to write a script to having your first one down on the page or screen.
Endorsements for Write That Script:
“Written with great passion for and insight into the craft of screenwriting, 'Write that Script! And write it now', is an inspirational, practical and detailed manual on how to write your first screenplay - but also one that will help you write any screenplay. Reading it gave me a strong urge to apply everything that is recommended in the book to the next screenplay I write. Lindsay's guidance is clear, helpful and fun and it's backed up by numerous filmic references which she analyses expertly. Her writing exercises will build confidence and craft. Lindsay was my first screenwriting teacher way back in 1996 and set me on my way to becoming a professional screenwriter. It is a delight to see all her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm distilled into a book that will add richly to the education of screenwriters everywhere.” – Christian O’Reilly, screenwriter
“What I love about this book is that it's all practical and actionable advice, with effective exercises and brainstorming tips. Great for those starting out and getting more familiar with the challenges of screenwriting, as well as those want to develop their craft in a committed and professional way.” – Danny Stack, writer director Nelson Nutmeg
“What Lindsay has done wonderfully well in this book is to give screenwriters a helpful and practical guide to fire imaginations and to get words flowing onto the page. It’s full of advice, filled with insightful examples and bursting with practical exercises that will have you finishing your screenplays with confidence and creativity. It’s the how-to book that inspires as much as it teaches and enlightens. She has distilled the essence of screenplay craft and technique into a practical guidebook that’ll motivate you to overcome the screenwriter’s hardest obstacle – the first draft.” – Alan Fitzpatrick, MD Filmbase
“A practical inspiration for getting that script out of your head and on to the page/screen from someone who has done just that and done it brilliantly.” – Paul Donovan, Producer, Deadpan Pictures
Welcome to my world of words...
I write books because I love creating characters and worlds and stories. By the time they become scripts or stage plays or books, the stories are demanding to be told. A screenwriter since the 90s, Dad's Red Dress and The Angelica Touch are my first published novels but I'm working on the sequel to Dad's Red Dress and a handful of other books, all at different stages and look forward to introducing them to you here.
Next month (April 2018), I am launching my first non-fiction book. Write That Script! And Write it Now is for everyone who has tried to write a script or who has an idea that would be perfect for TV and film. There's just enough theory so you know where you're going and what you need to do - I've taught screenwriting since 1996, given courses or workshops in most Irish unis and many of the colleges across the country. But because completing a screenplay is a huge enterprise, I've included original and film-based examples to explain everything in bite-size chunks and added loads of writing exercises I've used with students over the years, to oil those writing muscles and stimulate your imagination. There's lots more but I'll tell you more closer to the time. - Lindsay
“Off the wall and gorgeous. I love every word!” – Maria MacDermottroe, actress, The Boxer about The Angelica Touch
L. J. Sedgwick
L. J.SEDGWICK is an award-winning screenwriter whose credits span genres and form, from feature films, television drama and children’s series, to short films, radio plays and game narrative. Her first novel (Dad’s Red Dress, 2017) was described as ‘joyous, loving... truly unique among the vast canon of coming-of-age stories...a delight to read’. Her second has been reviewed as ...Another gift of joy from Sedgwick, the Angelica Touch is filled with heart and warmth. With a setting and characters that fire the imagination, the reader gets sucked in to Angelica's world immediately and pulled along on an incredible ride of the emotions... This is a wonderful, imaginative tale that will leave you smiling.
In addition to screenwriting credits, Lindsay’s plays have been produced throughout Ireland and in the UK and her writing has been described as ‘gripping,’‘gut-wrenching’ and ‘seductive’.