tWaF Writing Guide

When you all signed up to be a part of this camp, you mentioned something you would like to learn, and there were a lot of different things. Here is a list of all of your questions and my answers. It would be great if other campers answered them in the comments. Also, if you have more questions, they, too, can go in the comments.

1. How do you write a screenplay?
1. I admit that my screenplays are a fail. I've tried, but the best I've done is starting What's in a Balloon?. Try going through the dialogue in your head, then say it loud like your character is the one saying it. Write down dialogue heard in real life to get a feel for what is naturally said.
2. I would be interested in some techniques to help keep my focus within the individual storylines of the bigger story.
1. Wow. Fitting side plots into the main plot can be tough, especially if a side plot takes over. You can keep all of the plots straight by starting with a storyboard: write a summary where each chapter is a paragraph before starting it, and if a side plot takes over, consider whether that side plot could switch places with the main plot. For more ways to outline your story, see this link.
3. What do I do when I use a word too much and want to use something else to make it more interesting?
1. Have a thesaurus? If not, look one up online. Just searching 'good synonyms' would work, too, if you were using the word 'good' too much.
4. I need new ideas.
1. That is a problem that I, and I'm sure other writers, come by a lot. On Day Two we will be doing a story sprint, which is a great way to get ideas, but whenever you have an idea, try putting it in a jar for when you need an idea.
5. I need a better understanding of all sorts of writing.
1.  That is very broad. We won't go into everything in the week, but other campers can respond to that in the comments.
6. I need to understand writing on the internet.
1. Okay. Writing on the internet is very broad. On our last day, we will be learning a lot about finding blogs to follow and places to post our writing.