So it's December 1st and I'm coming out of the hibernation station to give my update. I literally finished writing a Christmas movie that I started not even a week or so ago. I also finished my action thriller. So, two scripts- both between 90-120 minutes long each. Plus, I managed to work on my first rom-dramedy in rewrites for the Sundance Collab group. It's been intense, yet it's been-- worthwhile.
What did I learn? People are amazing creatures who develop habits. I tend to create a slang phrase that I repeat a lot when I write novels, but somehow-- isn't the same writing scripts. So happy on that. But I also learned that making sure everyone has their own voice-- it's still the same dedication. I also found my secret sauce on that-- I "dream cast" the roles when I write. I find it easier to "hear" the voices that way. It also forces me to "see" the characters movements, reactions, and more. I'm better for doing it- even if it gets made by others.
Another thing learned-- writing various genres can be mindbending. Never work on both on the same day- because you can confuse the energy with both scripts. Very important not to do that when one is a romcom and the other action/thriller. Truly not fun to see an action vibe on a holiday romcom. Whoops.
I also learned that community with screenwriting is a lot more important than I first thought. I'm so used to going alone, that this NWC was a revelation. I'm not the best at posting, but I am good about lurking. But I need to be more active- not just for networking, but for myself. I become better the more I'm involved. It allows me to learn and grow as a writer and as someone in the industry.
NWC taught me so much about myself and my dedication to using new techniques(The AI Story Break webinar is amazing, helped me so much) and I am growing in my writing as I go. Which means eventually-- I'll turn to tv/streaming series for my next go around in 2026.
3 people like this
Congratulations on finishing your scripts, Cynna Ael! Thanks for sharing your secret sauce. I like the idea of making a "dream cast" while writing a script. I'll have to try it. Thanks for the idea and tip ("Never work on both on the same day- because you can confuse the energy with both scripts").
Being more active on here will help. I used to lurk too. My experience on Stage 32 has been like night and day since I started being more active.
4 people like this
That's an AWESOME November Write Club month Cynna Ael - congratulations! I love the dream cast technique. I recently discovered that as well and how it makes the dialogue uniquely belong to that character - hones in on their voice. Nicely done Cynna. You really worked hard this month.
4 people like this
What a great amount of progress you made this month! Yes, it's so odd the switch up to how... Involved folks are with screenwriting. Definitely different than literature.
2 people like this
Maurice Vaughan Thank you so much for your encouragement. I'll admit, it's not the easiest thing to push myself to finish 2 scripts in the same month. But, honestly, I think I really needed the push. C. Robert Cargill talks about if you write at least 2 pages a day, you can do 2-3 scripts a year. He's not wrong. Many of us get on a roll and it flows. Now are my scripts ready for action? Sorta, but not really... But I'm glad the secret sauce is a good idea for you. It honestly made such a difference, I won't ever go back to just it being anyone. They might cast anyone, but in my heart-- I know who I picked.
3 people like this
@LeonardoRamirez Thanks! It's been a crazy month, but I love what I accomplished. Now, if I can just do a script or half a script a month-- I'll be thrilled. Isn't the dream cast technique just so much fun? It opens so much more nuance and descriptives for the characters that would otherwise be lost.
3 people like this
Elle Bolan Thanks. It's been a hard month, but honestly, I'm so glad I got encouraged to do this. It's really made a huge difference in how I see things and in feeling more part of the community. Now if only we can get some great actors to drop in and see all of our works....
2 people like this
You're welcome, Cynna Ael. I do that sometimes (write at least 2 pages a day), and it adds up. Sometimes I don't get any pages done, but I come up with ideas for a script, do research, etc.
3 people like this
Congratulations to you!
I hope you create much more in 2026.
3 people like this
Oh yeah it's a blast Cynna Ael. I did one character as Robert Downey Jr and it changed the tone entirely. It wasn't too close to Tony Stark but close enough LOL.
3 people like this
Maurice Vaughan Let me tell you, I've been using the "Break the Story with AI" and it's helped me to really focus on the storyline more and it's streamlined my writing because it's helping me from going into the tangent land. (I do like tangents. They are not supposed to like me, but they call me all the time.) I've learned I really enjoy doing at least 2-5 pages a day. I used to think it would be so hard, but with white space and actually SEEING how it comes about, things flow. I've also been rearranging my writing folder for research, scripts to do, possible ideas, and more. It's given me a bunch of hope in the best ways.
3 people like this
Leonardo Ramirez 2 I'm with you on the voices being so much different in tone. It's like one of my stories has Pedro Pascal as the male voice and it's amazing how different it sounds from the story with Paul Mescal as the male lead. The tone shifts dramatically- yet, it is truly a great way to "hear" them and you can just let the characters talk.
3 people like this
Yeah that's when the character really takes on a life of its own Cynna Ael. It's fun to watch.
4 people like this
Amazing Cynna Ael
3 people like this
Congratulations Cynna Ael on finishing your script. NWC is really helpful to achieve your targets. It helped me as well. Although I got sick in the middle of the month, was not in a condition to write all days , I completed my script and submitted my pitch to an executive at the end of the month. Others achieved goal in this community inspired me a lot to finish mine as well anyhow. All the best for your next goals.......
3 people like this
Amazing Priya Mistry! Even being sick you accomplished a LOT! That’s so fabulous to see and hear.
2 people like this
Cynna Ael Congratulations!!!! Wow!!! Several scripts! And maybe we both caught the same muse bus, I also wrote a Christmas screenplay, my first one, in November, out of the blue! Lol. And thank you for that tip, not mixing genres on the same day, that's a trip, lol, the rom-com suddenly giving off thriller vibes. It becomes a dark comedy rom com! It actually is very inspiring to see your post, you're free, it feels like you trust your process and your voice. I am in that boat, standing up more and more, and letting my inspiration and voice guide me, with no limits. Thank you for lurking, and posting : )
4 people like this
Juliana Philippi It's weird because I know my author voice- for novels and comics. But finding my screenwriting voice was a challenge. I don't stay on one single genre, and tend to mix genres because why not if it means something unique and not done before. But it's taken a while for that voice to shine through. I'm pleased to know I'm not the only one who was Christmas inspired. Now, that said, I'd love to see more non-traditional holiday movies about- various beliefs, including those considered esoteric- like Wicca, paganism, etc. For some reason, I think my writing tends to have that piece of "other" in them that makes me happy because everyone needs to be seen and recognised.
5 people like this
so SO inspiring Cynna Ael ! and also so happy for you - besides the joy of the accomplishment you've also built a lot of momentum with completing multiple scripts. No doubt 2026 will be an incredible year for you as a screenwriter. and great point about not working on different genres so closely in time - the emotional shift required could indeed be jarring.
5 people like this
Cynna Ael That's why we are all so called to write, because of our different view points, there are others who will be seen by our stories! So cool Cynna. I gravitate in challenging the status quo on silence and allowing things, like injustice, prejudice, fear, and "cultural baggage" expectations from certain ethnic groups. I like challenging this, mixing the proverbial pot if you will, and taking this to comedy, thriller, drama, and now holidays : )
4 people like this
Cynna Ael Wow, that’s some speed! How do you do it?? I write horror, and I can’t even imagine if I sat down to write a Christmas comedy on the same day, how much the vibe would get completely mixed up!
3 people like this
Thanks Sebastian Tudores! It's been a wild ride to be able to get this done. But I'm so thrilled to have written after so many years of not being focused or energised enough.
2 people like this
love to hear it Cynna Ael - and that energy is contagious in the best of ways!
2 people like this
This is such an impressive update, Cynna Ael, not just in terms of output, but in the clarity of what you learned along the way. Two full scripts in such a short window, plus active rewrites on your rom-dramedy, is no small feat. That’s a level of discipline and follow-through that deserves a serious celebration.
I also love how honest you are about the discoveries that came with the process. Dream-casting characters is such a powerful tool, and you articulated exactly why: voice, movement, energy, and specificity. When you can “hear” your cast, the writing sharpens in a way that’s almost instinctual. But the piece that struck me the most was what you shared about community. So many writers default to isolation, and it’s always amazing to see what shifts when someone steps out of that habit and lets themselves be supported, encouraged, and challenged. You showed up for yourself this month, and it shows. You’re right, engaging doesn’t just help with networking; it helps with growth, momentum, and confidence.
I’m thrilled that NWC was a meaningful experience for you.