Story & Structure · 4 min
20 Ways to Beat the Block
Recently Emily Blake wrote "writers block is a lie". "If I'm ever completely uninspired, I make a note of what goes there, highlight it in yellow,…
The Journal
Vol. 17 · 1,240 entries
26 August 2026
Quote of the day
Take what’s useful, argue with the rest.
Vol. 17
Best of the Web · 2 min
Screenwriting Best of the Web 13/09/09
Here's my weekly selection from the blogosphere. Feel free to recommend anything or give your feedback in the Questions and Comments below. And don't forget you…
Uncategorized · 3 min
Confessions of a Scriptwriter (1)
What makes a scriptwriter? Have you really got what it takes to be successful? In his second contribution to The Story Department, filmmaker and teacher Jack…
News · 1 min
Jaws Structure scores 1,000+ views
On 8 September, the top post on The Story Department, Structure: Jaws broke through the 1,000 views barrier. The simple analysis was posted over a year…
Software Reviews · 6 min
iPhone on … and “Fade In”
Less than a year ago, Apple had 10,000 iPhone apps in store. Today there are 75,000. Are there any good ones for screenwriters? Well, read on!…
Best of the Web · 2 min
Screenwriting Best of the Web 06/09/09
Something funny is happening here and I don't like it. Feedburner seems to send out emails when the title of the post is updated. My apologies…
Uncategorized · 6 min
Writing a doco treatment that sells
Writing for documentary is a complex area. Natasha Gadd gives us an insight into the oddities, challenges and benefits of the craft. There are no templates…
Script Perfection · 3 min
How thick is your skin?
An ongoing climate of attack & defense in our industry inspired me to these thoughts on the value and nature of feedback and criticism. It's about…
Best of the Web · 1 min
Screenwriting Best of the Web 30/08/09
Here's our weekly selection from the blogosphere. Feel free to recommend anything you believe might be of interest. Email: digest@thestorydepartment.com and don't forget you can subscribe…
Uncategorized · 4 min
Writing the Doco: An Oxymoron?
Documentary writing is a complex area. Natasha Gadd shares the oddities, challenges and benefits of the craft. "In a way you're on a serendipitous journey, a…
Story & Structure · 3 min
When the script and story gurus speak
Most 'gurus' each have their own area of expertise and angle of attack, they each follow their own agenda. And with every new light shed on…
Best of the Web · 2 min
Screenwriting Best of the Web 23/08/09
Here's our weekly selection from the blogosphere. Feel free to recommend anything you believe might be of interest. Email: digest@thestorydepartment.com and don't forget you can subscribe…
Pitching & Selling · 6 min
Optimizing Your Pitch
You’ve got your hot little script in your hands. What next? How do you get it to see the light of day? Pitch it. Steven Fernandez…
Story & Structure · 4 min
What level are we on?
You may have written these fabulous dramatic scenes. If they don't play within a larger story context, your work may still feel shallow and be easily…
Best of the Web · 2 min
Screenwriting Best of the Web 16/08/09
Here's our weekly selection from the blogosphere. Feel free to recommend anything you believe might be of interest. Email: digest@thestorydepartment.com and don't forget you can subscribe…