Lately, I’ve been realizing how much of writing isn’t just about getting the story down but understanding what the story actually is.
With my current feature, Pie & Coffee, the first draft helped me find the characters. The rewrites are where I’m really discovering what the film wants to say.
It’s interesting how feedback, time away from the script, and even silence from the outside world all play a role in that process. Sometimes not getting immediate responses forces you to rely more on your own instincts and in a strange way, that can be valuable.
I’m currently in that phase of refining focusing on emotional clarity, character choices, and making sure every moment feels earned rather than just written.
Curious to hear from others
Have you ever had a phase where things felt quiet externally, but internally your work was evolving the most?
Abhijeet Aade I'm still new enough that I am experiencing a lot of 'firsts' but it has been really eye-opening to experience what you are talking about. For me, I was reading into my script things that weren't evident to some readers. I thought they 'weren't getting it' but finally found someone who has been very insightful and 'plain-spoken'. I can't tell you how helpful it is to get feedback and input that is not filled with jargon and 'writers' speak. Just plain words and using examples from other works to better illustrate the point is SO helpful and it allowed me to understand that what I was seeing on the page is not what others were seeing. I've already used that concept on new scripts and I can see how positive of an impact it has been.
2 people like this
Darrell Pennington That’s a great realization and honestly a tough one to come to.
I think every writer goes through that phase where what we intend on the page doesn’t always translate the same way to the reader. It’s not that they’re missing it it’s that the writing hasn’t fully communicated it yet.
And you’re right clear, plain-spoken feedback is incredibly valuable. When someone can point things out without hiding behind jargon, it becomes much easier to actually apply the note instead of just understanding it intellectually.
It’s interesting how once you become aware of that gap, it starts improving not just one script, but everything you write after.
1 person likes this
Absolutely, Abhijeet! I can relate—some of my best breakthroughs happen when things feel quiet externally. It’s like the silence gives your instincts room to guide the story and the characters in ways feedback sometimes can’t. Really admire your focus on emotional clarity and making every moment earned—can’t wait to see how Pie & Coffee evolves
Austin Unegbu That’s really well put I’ve felt the same. Sometimes that quiet phase almost forces you to listen more closely to the story instead of outside noise, and that’s where things start to click.
And I appreciate that emotional clarity has been a big focus for me lately, just making sure what I intend is actually what lands on the page.
What are you currently working on? Would love to hear more about your process as well.