Screenwriting : What's Your Preference? by Libby Wright

For me, it depends on the project, but I usually start with a structured universe and a clear framework of beats, especially when developing something like The Light of Sunless.

I create a “Bible” of sorts outlining characters, worldbuilding, and major story arcs but I also leave room for organic creativity as the story evolves.

I’ve found that having a solid foundation gives the story direction, while flexibility allows for discoveries and ideas that emerge naturally during writing.

I agree Seventy Diogo André. I tend to write the "major beats" then see where the story takes me!

I do like to write out a rough outline first, then try to follow it as best I can when actually writing. That being said though, I pretty much always end up writing by the seat of my pants lol

By the seat of my pants.

I begin with a concept and a few lines that I've gathered, and write without any restrictions, letting the story find it's own way. Once I've generated enough to form a core ( at least 20 to 50 pages), I sit back and identify the story arc in it. Then I'll sort what I have into first, second and third acts so I can better visualize some structure and pacing. That helps me identify what needs fleshing out in this skeleton of a story. More writing binges and then subsequent updating of my major and minor story arcs and three act structure outlines. Eventually, it grows to look more like Swiss cheese that needs holes filled. Once all of those holes are filled I send it off to my Editor or Story analyst for an initial read and feedback and work on it from there. I don't tend to create a beat sheet unless I get stuck and need another way to examine the story to identify the problem.

I write out the major beats and details, then get to writing. I often go back the beats and especially the details, to tweak them and incorporate the new into the first draft. It's a weird balancing act that's somehow settled.

All of the above methods and a few people have never mentioned. Depends on what it is. There is no wrong way, just what best suits you and the piece. When you are done, you do need all the bits and pieces - Script; Logline'; Tagline; Short Synopsis; Full Synopsys; Bibles - character outlines - - the whole nine yards. If you're writing for others, they dictate what gets provided and when.

I have a general idea in my head, but build the whole story scene by scene with a general idea of how it’ll end. Sometimes the ending actually changes too as I build the story. I do this so that each scene plays a role and isn’t just boring filler. Each scene has purpose and pushes the movie forwards.

Loving all of the comments! Curious- have you ever tried writing in a different way? What was your result?

I prefer writing the beats and building a full Bible first Libby Wright. I usually leave the dialogue for the end. I learned that when I write without planning, I struggle to finish the story or even complete the Bible. Once I started outlining and organizing the beats first, it became much easier for me to finish projects and keep the world consistent.

I prefer to gather a few strong scenes with my overall story structured then fly by my pants. let the story unfold as I write.

I typically use a skeletal outline. Sometimes I'll start writing scenes knowing only the inciting incident and plot point I. Then later I'll stop to identify the midpoint and plot point II before continuing to write scenes. But every script is a little different.

Libby, I like to write out all the beats...in fact, I like to structure a story made-for-TV-movie style (with six acts...you can call them "beats," too; I term them "plot points").

This also borrows from Michael Hauge's story-structure method.

Once I've found six acts/beats/"plot points," I create an "outline/scene list." After that, I come up with profiles for the script's major characters.

As long as everything works out, I'm ready to write the script itself.

Sometimes, the script doesn't adhere to the original scene list...and that depends on what the characters actually do. But it's all in an effort to make the script believable.

I just want to come up with something that makes sense...something that resonates with people who read it.

Libby Wright, I usually work with a mix of a beat sheet and a loose skeleton structure. I like having the major beats mapped out, but still leaving room for things to evolve as I write — that balance tends to work best for me.

I usually like combining structure with creative discovery. Emotional direction and character arcs help me stay grounded while still allowing scenes to evolve naturally.

Something in the middle. I know the general plot and the rest comes out in the writing.