Is there a big difference bewteen writing for film and writing a novel?
The biggest difference is my favorite thing about writing novels; that you’re actually writing something that people will read. This may sound weird but the fact of the matter is that not that many people “read” screenplays. They are only outlines for you and the actors. In fact, the whole crew doesn’t even read the screenplay. And that’s no dis to them…they don’t have to. A movie is this huge collaboration with tons of artists and craftsman working together on the set whereas a novel is just me writing all the funny stuff that pops into my head. I love that it’s a more direct connection between my head and the audience. And that they’re actually reading the words. Other than that, making up the story and characters is really about the same. The main thing is that you really have to plan ahead and know where the story’s going and have some good, juicy obstacles along the way. And, always keep the audience guessing that eternal question: what the hell is gonna happen next?
