Thanks to my friend Jason’s tweet, I re-discovered this resource. Just wanted to highlight some of my favorites — and it’s always interesting how your favorites will change with each review or re-reading. Hope you find some favorites too!
Rule #3: Trying for theme is important. However you won’t see what the story is about until you’re at the end of the story. Got it? Now rewrite.
Rule #11: Putting it on paper lets you start fixing it. If it stays in your head, a perfect idea, you’ll never share it with anyone.
Rule #12: Discount the first idea that comes to mind. And the 2nd, and the 3rd and 4th and 5th. Get the obvious ones out of the way. Surprise yourself.
Rule #17: No work is ever wasted. If it doesn’t work, let go and move on. It’ll come back around and be useful later.
Rule #20: Exercise: Take the building blocks out of a movie you dislike. How’d you arrange them into what you do like?