Ask any screenwriter. The romance of writing a screenplay may be alluring enough for you to get started but this dream quickly evaporates as soon as the hard work begins. From this point it’s about persistence, willing yourself to write and keeping the fire for your story and its characters. A screenplay is a daunting task that requires discipline, dedication and a willingness to persevere through challenges. But what are the specific things that stop screenwriters from finishing their scripts?
Here are five of the most common:
1. Fear of failure
One of the biggest obstacles to finishing a screenplay is the fear of failure. Screenwriters may worry their script isn’t good enough, that it won’t be produced or that they won’t be successful in the industry. This fear can lead to procrastination, self-doubt, and even giving up altogether.
2. Perfectionism
Another common obstacle is perfectionism. Screenwriters may feel like they need to write the perfect script before they can share it with anyone or submit it to contests or festivals. This can lead to endless revisions and rewrites, which can make it difficult to ever finish the script.
3. Lack of feedback
It’s important for screenwriters to get feedback on their work from other writers, producers, and directors. This feedback can help them identify areas where their script needs improvement. However, many screenwriters are hesitant to share their work with others, for fear of negative feedback. This can lead to them writing in a vacuum, without the input they need to finish their script.
4. Lack of discipline
Writing a screenplay takes time and discipline. Screenwriters need to be able to set aside time to write every day, even when they don’t feel like it. They also need to be able to resist distractions and stay focused on their work. However, many screenwriters find it difficult to be disciplined, which can lead to them falling behind on their writing schedule and eventually giving up on their script.
5. Procrastination
Procrastination is a common problem for writers of all kinds, but it can be especially detrimental for screenwriters. Screenplays are long and complex, and they require a lot of work to finish. If a screenwriter keeps putting off their writing, they may never finish their script.