This is unrelated to the topic of this specific post, but not necessarily to the series. Although you've probably seen it. The Nicholl page on Facebook just posted this link: "The 22 rules of storytelling, according to Pixar" http://io9.com/5916970/the-22-rules-of-storytelling-according-to-pixar

mommyfollows, I have been meaning to post this since I saw it like a week ago, I've got it in draft form, just have not gotten around to it. Thanks for the reminder!

Scott: Couldn't agree with you more on creating the script to be part of a larger, expansive and overall franchise narrative. I know, more than half of my original specs in various genres, were created to be franchises. What also is helping me with my script submissions to the marketplace...is that they all started as short stories-novellas first and foremost. Instead of taking the longer time to write them as novels first; I simply write them as 5 to 15 page short stories or...50 to 150 page novellas. This helps get a lot of the fiction "internal" stuff out of my head and onto the page...and not cluttering up the eventual "external" path of a screenplay narrative. Also...focusing on the franchise possibilities, simply gives the future buyer...more bang for their bucks.

Likewise, have you seen this list of writing tips which has been doing the rounds since Bradbury's death: Ray Bradbury’s 20 Tips on How to Become a Writer

Thanks, Shaula. I had not seen that list. There's also one from Pixar I have been meaning to post for a week now. So many things going on. But I will definitely post this with a HT2U!