Screenwriting : Meaning by Vanshdeep Singh

Even if nobody else cares, I have to care about the story I am telling. Otherwise there is no point in writing it, for me.

The series I am currently pitching tackles some controversial issues in Greek society, although on the surface it's a classic cop story.

I have been told by many friends that it is too controversial for the Greek broadcasters, which is why I have aimed it at the streamers. The fact that local broadcasters won't touch these subjects is all the more reason to make it, of course :) Everyone would watch.

SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS.

I have once but in the end writing it helps me. It matters to me. It makes a difference to me. If I enjoy what I createwith a little polish others will enjoy it... if we can get it out there.

Meaning is I like what I do. I like the stories I write and like to see what message will they reveal to me. Money's good reference but cannot always be the reason. I was doing acting pro-bono for nearly a decade before got noticed and ventured into paying gigs...

No, I don't have that conversation. I'll be honest, I don't aspire to write things that "matter", I only want to write things that entertain and that's more than enough for me. I'll leave the deep and meaningful life-changing stuff to the dazzling intellects of the world.

Me? I want to write the type of thing that can whizz people away from the drudgery of the mundane every day and make them forget about work, bills, and the rest. Personally, I think that type of thing is important in its own way.

The entire point of storytelling between humans is to share something that matters.

No. The questions I ask: "Is the story I'm writing entertaining? Is it engaging? Is it worth finishing? How can I make it better?

You can't decide how other people will react to your story. Only how well you write it. If you're trying to write the next heart felt love story or gut wrenching drama for other people, you'll probably fail. But if you write because something is near and dear to your heart, and you are passionate about it then "Why bother?" doesn't even become a question. Because you'll know why. You'll write it because you have to.

First, does it matter to you? If no, don't write it. If yes, that's one person. And remember, if it matters to you, there are many, many out there just like you (every human is unique, yes, but we're also just the same), that the story will matter to - that's your audience.

Vanshdeep, I've never had that kind of conversation with myself. All I know is: If a story's in me, I'll work to bring that story out and get it before the public...regardless of how long it takes.

As mentioned above, if it matters to you then you should keep writing. "Making a difference" doesn't always mean getting sold and produced, sometimes you have to work through ideas to get to something greater or even just to work through something personally.

I think anything you write matters. It will just make you a better writer. Now, in the commercial world, the "Why now" and "why you" is key...

First and foremost we are entertainers. We humans have long been telling/showing stories as a means of preserving our history and educating others. Every story, big or small, means something someone. When you look at it for its economics - the question becomes 'is my story big enough?'

A story is to have an impact on people. I am elevating the word Story. Telling someone a joke, anecdote or fable are all a communication of events. Are they filmworthy? That is up to you.

Do I write things that have an effect on people? I hope so. But you are not me. You may think your future lies in writing things that are chinese food for the mind. Easy to consume, lived by most and popular. This is a valid thing to create. I am crap at that.

I can't speak for anyone else but I like science fiction because it allows me to explore ideas that challenge normal expectations. I think, What if, can open your mind to ideas you will never encounter any other way. If you have something important or challenging to say it may be appealing to others. But advice is worth what you pay for it.

Thank you so much people for your views. I've felt that when I'm working on an idea everyday with discipline, I try to write it to the best of my ability. But when I leave writing for more than few weeks, doubt starts to creep in. But now I think I can handle that. Thanks for this. :)

If what I'm writing affects me, I know it will affect others. Even if it makes someone laugh or entertains them that is worthwhile.

Never have that conversation with myself.

Writing is MY therapy. My little personal bubble for introspection and soul searching. If I tried to worry about every potential reader/viewer, I'd never get anything done and would probably go insane trying.

I'll leave you with a real world example. I'm a novelist, first and foremost. Years ago, I wrote a scene in a book where the main character was on the verge of suicide because his wife had passed and he'd been unable to help her. Mind you, when I say he was on the verge, I'm being literal. I wrote the scene from the heart, drawing on life experiences and imagining what it would be like to feel that loss and pain. To be so close to taking that final step.

Well, anyway, the character doesn't kill themselves. I won't go into the details of what changed their mind, but I have received an amazing, and alarming, number of reviews as well as emails from readers who told me they were close to ending their lives when they read that book and they were able to draw strength from the character I wrote.

I was floored. Still am. That was never my intent. If it had been, I'd have screwed it up royally. Maybe these people are exaggerating. Maybe not. I don't know. But don't think your writing isn't of value if you aren't endeavoring to "help" someone. There's always someone that needs a laugh or a cathartic crying session. And, sometimes, the things we do by accident are the best things we'll do in this world.

Did I laugh? Did I cry? Then it's worth it.