How to Write Like a Writer

You're a good writer.  A damn fine writer, in fact.  Just look at all those awards, they don't lie, do they?  But deep down, you know that your copy should be more, well, varied.  Sometimes (ok, often) you look at your scripts and know you've written some version of it about a million times.  Same structure.  Same turn.  Same sell.  Not that there's anything wrong with that. 

But the truth is, you've got more to give.  The key is your ability to access your inner writer... by listening to the voices in your head.

Here's how that goes down...

Step 1.  Write the first script as you normally would.  Make sure you have all the required information - message, branding, names, titles, tune-in, etc.  You'll end up with a spot that's likely adequate, perhaps even good.  Now put this aside.

Step 2.  Stop thinking of yourself as a drama writer, or a comedy writer, or even John Doe the writer (not a real name).  Labeling prohibits creativity, even if your personal brand is Mr./Ms. Creative (whatever that means).  So go ahead and clear your head.  This will prevent you from falling into typical patterns, most of which produce typical copy runs.

Step 3.  Imagine you are a famous writer.  Doesn't matter who - Steinbeck, Hemingway, Steig Larsson, Dan Brown, JK Rowling, Mickey Spillane, Rachel Maddow.  Choose one and get their voice in your head.  Their pacing.  Their outlook.  Their perspective.  Feel free to read a page or two from these authors to get into their head.  If you can't "get" them, try someone else; maybe Dr. Seuss is your muse.

Time to write your script in that person's voice.  Remember, you are not John Doe, the drama writer.  You are Steinbeck and you've got a story to tell about the Doppler 7000.  What angle would he take?  What would intrigue him?  Would he use words that hit home, perhaps a little too closely?   

Now comes the fun part.  Take your new script, making sure that it has all the requirements for approval, and compare it to the script you wrote in Step 1. Hard to believe, but this new, original, interesting run actually came from you!

At first, it may seem awkward (and many non-writers won't get you), but you'll find new words and phrases to convey messages that have become all too familiar.  Don't be afraid, just listen to your inner voices.  Eventually, you'll have such a diverse arsenal of approaches that your scripts won't look they were written by the same person.

And that's how you write like a writer.

-Ed "Not Big Daddy" Roth

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