How do you overcome writer’s block?

[Bono]

I can only say what I said before ... I've actually got a couple ideas that interest me that I've been working through in my head. The interest in these ideas is as strong as it was with any of the 300 (or so) shorts I've written in my life. The difference is that I just don't feel like writing them right now. The drive just isn't there.

Have you written feature specs? Or only shorts. Just curious.

[Bono]

Fighting about NDAs seems to get us all writing.

[Centos]

Have you written feature specs? Or only shorts. Just curious.

One feature. It sucked (even worse than my short scripts).

[Bono]

One feature. It sucked (even worse than my short scripts).

Write number two.

[Centos]

Write number two.

Maybe. Right now I'd be happy to get a short written. I'm also thinking of trying to fix the feature I did write. I still like the idea, just not the execution.

[Rantanplan]

Fighting about NDAs seems to get us all writing.

It actually gave me an idea for a little plot twist in what I'm writing now.

[Bono]

It actually gave me an idea for a little plot twist in what I'm writing now.

Thank god we didn't sign an NDA or I could sue you in 3 years when you sell it! Glad I could help a fellow writer without fear of legal jeopardy to him or her or me or you.

[Bono]

Maybe. Right now I'd be happy to get a short written. I'm also thinking of trying to fix the feature I did write. I still like the idea, just not the execution.

I guess from my POV -- it's hard to get people to read shorts. But features people will read. So if a small part of you wants to show your work around -- features for film are the way to go. Right?

And you've got to keep writing features to get better at it.

[Rantanplan]

Thank god we didn't sign an NDA or I could sue you in 3 years when you sell it! Glad I could help a fellow writer without fear of legal jeopardy to him or her or me or you.

Ha. In this case, one person (A) innocently tells another person (B) something they shouldn't, which they heard from a third person (C). And the consequences are deadly.

All because C forgot to remind A, "I'm sure I don't need to tell you, but this stays between us, obviously."

[Bono]

Funny enough, sometimes the cure for my "not writing" is "revenge." Last time I wrote my spec was because my manager dumped me, so I'm like "F it" spec here we go.

So maybe that's one way to try...

[Rantanplan]

Revenge is a powerful motivator! Think of all the films that wouldn't exist were it not for that one obsession burning withing the hero's heart.

[jonpiper]

vies.
4. Use AI.

I just went to chat.openai.com and asked it to pitch me 10 ideas for romantic comedies. Here's what it came up with:[LIST=1][*]"The Wedding Crasher": A hopeless romantic crashes weddings to find the love of her life, but ends up falling for the wedding planner instead.[*]"The Love Doctor": A struggling romance novelist hires a quirky love coach to help her write her next bestseller, but finds love along the way.
Et., etc.

I too just went to ChatGPT and asked it to:
Pitch me 5 ideas for screenplays that I would be passionate about writing. [Note I didn't tell the AI what my passions are, since I don't know.]

ChatGPT

1. A coming-of-age story about a young artist who struggles to balance their passion for art with the expectations of their traditional family. As they navigate the challenges of growing up and pursuing their dreams, they must also confront issues of identity and cultural heritage.
2. A thriller set in a futuristic world where advances in technology have created a society where humans can manipulate their memories. When a renowned memory scientist is murdered, a detective must navigate a world where nothing is as it seems and everyone has something to hide.
3. A historical drama that tells the story of a little-known figure who played a pivotal role in a major event in history. The screenplay would explore their personal journey as well as the broader social and political context of the time.
4. A romantic comedy that follows two people from different backgrounds who meet by chance and fall in love, but must overcome various obstacles in order to be together. The film would explore themes of cultural differences, family expectations, and the power of love.
5. A science fiction adventure about a group of space explorers who discover a mysterious planet that is home to a highly advanced civilization. As they learn more about this society, they begin to uncover dark secrets and must decide whether to intervene or leave the planet to its fate.

[jonpiper]

Then I said I was passionate about politics, which is somewhat true.


Pitch me 5 ideas for screenplays I would be passionate about writing. I am passionate about politics.

ChatGPT

Certainly! Here are five potential screenplay ideas that may interest you given your passion for politics:

1. A political thriller that follows the journey of an idealistic campaign manager who has been hired to run a long-shot political campaign against a well-funded incumbent. As they navigate the treacherous waters of campaign politics, they begin to uncover a web of corruption and must decide whether to stay true to their principles or play dirty to win.
2. A drama that explores the personal and professional challenges faced by a young, ambitious politician as they rise through the ranks of government. Along the way, they must grapple with issues of morality and ethics, confront their own flaws, and decide what kind of legacy they want to leave behind.
3. A historical drama that focuses on a significant moment in political history, such as a key election, the passing of a landmark piece of legislation, or a pivotal moment in a presidential campaign. The screenplay would delve into the social and political context of the time and offer insights into the personalities and motivations of the key players involved.
4. A dark comedy that satirizes the political landscape, poking fun at the hypocrisy and absurdity of modern politics. The screenplay would skewer both parties, as well as the media, special interest groups, and other players in the political ecosystem.
5. A biopic that tells the story of a groundbreaking political figure, such as a pioneering female politician, an influential civil rights leader, or a beloved president. The screenplay would explore their personal struggles and triumphs, as well as their impact on the political landscape and the world at large.