Embarking on a journey to become a screenwriter while juggling a full-time job may seem daunting, but with the right mindset and dedication, you can turn your passion into a reality. In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies to help you practice screenwriting, make the most of your limited time, and navigate the challenges of the film industry while staying true to your creative vision.
If you have a niggling thought that you are meant to be a screenwriter then putting your story forward as a priority in your schedule will be fulfilling. Let’s get those creative juices flowing and start practicing!

9 Ways to practice screenwriting
1. Set Clear Goals
Establishing specific goals is essential when pursuing screenwriting alongside a full-time job. Break down your aspirations into manageable milestones, such as completing a certain number of pages or scripts within a given timeframe. By setting clear goals, you can measure your progress and maintain focus amidst your other commitments and be on your way to becoming a writer.
2. Prioritise Your Time
Efficient time management is key to making progress as a screenwriter. Evaluate your daily routine and identify pockets of time that can be dedicated to writing. It may mean waking up an hour earlier, utilising lunch breaks, or designating specific evenings solely for writing. Consistency is crucial, even if it means starting with shorter writing sessions or just jotting down one line every day.
3. Create a Writing Schedule

Establishing a consistent writing schedule will help you stay on track and ensure that your screenwriting receives the attention it deserves. Clearly define which stories, exercises or scenes you will work on and when. Having a schedule will help if you struggle to know where to start or to stop procrastinating. Sometimes the creative juices can only flow when you start with structure.
4. Embrace the First Draft

Remember that the first draft is never perfect, and that’s okay! One of the biggest struggles for aspiring screenwriters is the fear of imperfection. Embrace the notion that the first draft is merely a stepping stone towards a polished and good script. Allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes, knowing that rewrites and improvements will come later. Putting words to paper is a huge sense of achievement in itself, don’t let this point go unnoticed!
5. Read Screenplays
Reading scripts is a fundamental aspect of learning the craft. Immerse yourself in screenplays across various genres and eras. Whether they are from the big screen, your favourite movie or a short story, it is an essential step in how to practice screenwriting. Analyse the structure, dialogue, parentheticals, character development, and pacing. Reading professional scripts will deepen your understanding of the medium and help you absorb effective storytelling techniques.
6. Seek Feedback and Collaborate
Don’t shy away from sharing your work with others, even if it is just family at first. Join writing groups, attend workshops, or find online communities where you can get a different perspective, receive constructive feedback on your scripts and get valuable advice. Engaging with fellow aspiring screenwriters can provide valuable insights, spark creativity, and foster a supportive environment to learn and grow. Most screenwriters have to get over this hurdle and embrace the audience feedback on their idea.
7. Study the Craft
Invest time in expanding your knowledge of screenwriting. Read books on screenwriting theory, attend classes, or take online courses that provide comprehensive guidance. Understanding the underlying principles of plot, storytelling and screenplay structure will enhance your writing skills, ability to craft creative sentences and enable you to develop compelling narratives.
8. Write Actor Showreel Scenes

Many actors without experience need fresh scenes to showcase their skills and writing actor showreel scenes can be a valuable exercise to enhance your screenwriting skills. By crafting concise, impactful moments within a short timeframe, you learn to prioritise essential storytelling elements. Creating strong openings that grab attention, introducing character conflict or objectives, and tailoring scenes to specific casting types help you develop your ability to write engaging and focused scenes. Practicing natural dialogue and emphasising emotions and actions sharpen your skills in effective characterisation and storytelling. This practice not only helps actors showcase their range but also strengthens your screenwriting abilities overall.
9. Embrace Failure and Learn from Mistakes
Mistakes are stepping stones to growth and improvement. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and refine your screenwriting abilities. Each setback is a chance to identify weaknesses, explore alternative approaches, and push your creative boundaries further. Remember, even renowned screenwriters faced rejection and setbacks along their journey.
4 Screenwriting Exercises to help you begin writing
1. Character Development
- Prepare a list of 20 questions you would ask someone to delve deeper into their personality and background.
- Choose a character you are developing from your story.
- Pose those questions to your character and write down their responses on a blank sheet of paper or on your computer.
- Once you have answered the questions, use each response to inspire a scene.
- Write one scene based on each answer, exploring the insights gained from your character’s perspective.
- Repeat this process for every character in your story, delving into their unique traits and experiences.
Note: This exercise helps you understand your characters on a deeper level, allowing their distinct voices to emerge and influencing the development of compelling scenes that showcase their personalities and motivations.
2. Dialogue Practice
- Set aside dedicated writing sessions specifically for dialogue practice.
- Create dialogue-only scenes where characters interact, showcasing their personalities, conflicts, and dynamics.
- Aim to develop distinct voices for each character to make the dialogue engaging and authentic.
- Focus on crafting compelling and natural dialogue that captures the essence of each character.
- Use these scenes as an opportunity to explore the dynamics and relationships between characters through their conversations.
- Pay attention to pacing, subtext, and the emotional depth conveyed through the dialogue.
- Revise and refine the dialogue, striving for clarity, authenticity, and impact.
- Repeat this practice regularly to improve your ability to write engaging and effective dialogue in your screenplays.
Note: The aim of this exercise is to sharpen your skills in writing compelling dialogue for screenplays. By dedicating focused writing sessions to dialogue practice, you have the opportunity to explore the unique voices, personalities, and conflicts of your characters. Emphasising distinct voices and authenticity will enhance the engagement and believability of your screenplay’s dialogue. Regularly engaging in this exercise will help you develop your ability to craft dialogue that captivates audiences and brings your characters to life on the page.
3. Stream of Consciousness Scene Writing
- Set a timer for five minutes.
- Find a blank page or open a new document on your computer.
- Close your eyes and visualise the first image that comes to your mind.
- Start writing a scene based on that image, allowing your thoughts to flow without worrying about spelling, grammar, or coherence.
- Write as fast as possible, capturing the stream of your consciousness.
- When the timer goes off, stop writing and reset the timer.
- Open a new blank page or document.
- Repeat steps 3-6, starting with a new image that pops into your mind.
- Continue this exercise for 20 rounds, completing the cycle within one hour.
Note: The aim is to tap into your subconscious and unlock creativity by embracing the raw and unfiltered thoughts that arise during the writing process.
Journaling
- Set aside 10-20 minutes each morning for journaling.
- Use a notebook or a computer to document your thoughts.
- Write freely about anything that comes to mind without worrying about structure or grammar.
- After a month, revisit your journal entries.
- Grab three different colour highlighters: one for story ideas, one for personal revelations, and one for things you want to do.
- Highlight story ideas that emerge from your journal entries for future writing exercises.
- Identify personal revelations or insights that may inform your character development or story themes.
- Highlight aspirations or actions you wish to pursue in your creative journey.
- Use the highlighted sections as inspiration and starting points for future writing projects.
- Continue the practice of journaling daily to nurture creativity, self-reflection, and the discovery of new story ideas.

So, when will you start practising screenwriting?
Screenwriting is a challenging but rewarding endeavour. By dedicating time, setting goals, seeking feedback, and continuously honing your craft, you can steadily progress toward your dream of becoming a successful screenwriter. Make an online screenwriting portfolio to showcase your work as a professional and attract industry contacts so you can continuously improve.
Remember, Blooper Magazine celebrates the art of embracing imperfections and finding joy in the creative process. So, keep writing, embrace the journey, and have faith in your unique voice as you navigate the film industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a day should a screenwriter write?
The number of hours a screenwriter should dedicate to writing varies, but consistency is key. Aim to write for at least one to two focused hours per day. Establish a routine that works for you, balance productivity with rest, and stay committed to honing your craft steadily.
Why is it so hard to become a screenwriter?
Becoming a screenwriter is challenging due to several factors. The highly competitive industry, limited opportunities, subjective nature of script evaluation, and the need for perseverance can make it difficult. Developing a unique voice, networking, and continuously improving skills are crucial to navigate the hurdles and succeed in this field. Challenge yourself to make your first short film and see your writing come alive onscreen.