The field of creative writing tends to focus on journalism, novels and poetry, but there are many other options that often escape recognition, like screenwriting, for example. Screenwriters create the scripts for movies, often putting the creative vision of the mind into visual prompts that translate from paper to screen. Are you someone who thinks in movie format? Screenwriting may be the job for you. To learn more about how to become a screenwriter, please check out the information on this page.

• Screenwriting begins with the basics. You need to know not only how to write well, but how to tell a story that an audience can watch unravel on the big screen and still be able to identify with.

(Creative Commons photo by Michelle)

• Getting an education is not required for you to become a writer of any kind. Many writers are born with a natural ability to tell stories, but sometimes they need a few courses in grammar, structure and other writing basics. It is a good idea to educate yourself as much as possible about writing before you try undertaking screenwriting as a career.

1. Read books about writing.
2. Take local courses.
3. Consider getting a degree in creative writing and/or film.

• You can learn a lot from someone who's already involved in the business. Consider apprenticing yourself to an established screenwriter, or look for work as an assistant. In exchange for doing small tasks, like answering mail, research and more, the screenwriter you work with will teach you everything they have learned through experience in the field.

• Diving into screenwriting willy-nilly will get you nowhere. You want to take some time and figure out your own angle and talent. Decide what types of stories you tell best:

1. Comedy
2. Drama
3. Horror
4. Biographical
5. Suspensehttps://guides.mahalo.com/How_to_Become_a_Screenwriter?title=How_to_Become_a_Screenwriter&action=edit

• Once you find your niche, stick with it. Don't be afraid to incorporate other elements into your storytelling, as you want your stories to emulate real life in a way that people can relate to. Real life has aspects from all genres, and your stories should too.

• While you're writing your first screenplays, you will need income, so why not work within the film industry so you can make contacts and gain experience. You may be able to get a job as one of the following:

1. Coveragist
2. Screen agent
3. Sitcom/TV writer

• You should be writing all the time. Putting together screenplays and polishing them up with a writers group so that you are ready with a quality manuscript when the time comes. When you're ready to get your script out there, look at your contacts from working in the industry, and send

• Getting your screenplay out there after you've worked in the industry should be easy. You will have a lot of contacts who may be able to get your foot in the door. Start out by making sure you know how to tell a story, and that you tell it well. Consider taking classes in film and writing, and apprentice yourself to screenwriter to learn the ins and outs of the business and get a job in the film industry. All the while, keep working on your own screenplays and when you feel that yours is ready to share with the world, put it out there.

•