The thing about rewriting...

     Writing is rewriting.  We all know that.  But what does it mean?  Do we only rewrite to fix the grammatical errors that we skimmed over to get our brilliance on the page?  Or is there something more? 

     Rewriting can be a painful process if you are not one of the select few that relishes it.  Most of us just want to get our stories down and call it a day.  I mean you've already done the hardest part.  You've created a story.  Isn't that good enough?  For some it is.  But I emplore you to stick with and it and do the rewrites.  The only way to be taken seriously as a writer is to put your nose to the grindstone and sharpen that script. 

     So we write ad nauseam, until your script is technically perfect.  Technically perfect, but possibly soulless.  I think what most of us don't realize is that in the rewrite, we find our characters voices.  Sure you have the characters bio down.  You know them in and out.  But in the first few drafts, if you really look at your script you will see that your characters all sound the same.  Until the rewrite.  That's when they start to come alive and become real.  It may not be until your 4th or 5th draft.  But it will happen.  Just stick with it.  Do the work.  I have read many scripts where the plot was interesting but the characters were dry and boring.  Those scripts were only a few drafts shy of something great.  It's sad really because that means the writer gave up.

     The ubiquitous "they" say that a  script should be rewritten 12 times.  12 times!  I know it's crazy.  But you can do it.  It just takes time and persevearance.  Every writer works at a different pace.  12 drafts may take you a year.  Or only a few months.  But it can be done. Don't give up on your script too early.  It may only  be a few drafts before it's something really special.  Or perhaps you need to find someone to help you.  That leads into my article which will be about finding support...till then.

-Geoff