I think cadence and voice are closely related. I think cadence should come naturally when writing. And I think this is also something else that the "never do" screenplay gurus "short circuit" for new writers.
I think the following description of cadence in writing (not specifically screenplay writing) pretty much nails it ...
http://allwritefictionadvice.blogspo...n-writing.html
I maintain that "ing" verbs, the "ly" adverbs, the using "is" and "are" come naturally when writing establishing shots, introductions, or building suspense. And that the gurus' "never dos" work better when the action starts. That those who try to follow the "never do" gurus' advice often try to apply the action style of screenplay writing to the whole script. So what you end up with a soulless, step-by-step, "mechanical," "paint-by-number" (boring) script – where your character's actions don't stand out from the background because everything is written in the urgent now. I think new writers need to know that using the "never do's" advice is not how you break in. And that, no, this is not something experienced writers can "get away with" – good, "evocative" writing is how they got noticed in the first place.
At any rate, just curious if you notice cadence when reading or writing screenplays.
I think the following description of cadence in writing (not specifically screenplay writing) pretty much nails it ...
Cadence in writing is a sense of rhythm and pace, it lifts the narrative from the page and makes it dynamic; brings a certain tempo to the words and sentences; it’s what makes prose poetic, layered and fluid without it being extravagant. Cadence makes the writing visual and evocative, and to an extent, beautiful. It’s an important element in fiction writing, because without it, narrative certainly won’t be as effective.
...
By combining many of the elements listed here, a writer can create cadence, something that would emphasise mood, tone and fluidity of prose. Done properly, the reader won’t know that the rhythm, pitch and flow of the prose is cadence at work, but they’ll read it and enjoy it. Without cadence, narrative wouldn’t be half as effective or indeed as beautiful to read.
...
By combining many of the elements listed here, a writer can create cadence, something that would emphasise mood, tone and fluidity of prose. Done properly, the reader won’t know that the rhythm, pitch and flow of the prose is cadence at work, but they’ll read it and enjoy it. Without cadence, narrative wouldn’t be half as effective or indeed as beautiful to read.
I maintain that "ing" verbs, the "ly" adverbs, the using "is" and "are" come naturally when writing establishing shots, introductions, or building suspense. And that the gurus' "never dos" work better when the action starts. That those who try to follow the "never do" gurus' advice often try to apply the action style of screenplay writing to the whole script. So what you end up with a soulless, step-by-step, "mechanical," "paint-by-number" (boring) script – where your character's actions don't stand out from the background because everything is written in the urgent now. I think new writers need to know that using the "never do's" advice is not how you break in. And that, no, this is not something experienced writers can "get away with" – good, "evocative" writing is how they got noticed in the first place.
At any rate, just curious if you notice cadence when reading or writing screenplays.
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