Research and outlining have improved my craft. Like Kelly I use images extensively in my process -- I rely on them, actually. Men are, by nature, visual creatures so pictures and anything I see stimulates me more than words on a page. In fact, I learn visually. You can't tell me what to do; you have to show me. I feel her on the outline part but it's crucial for me 'cause I want to get as much "right" as I can in the first draft. I'm better at tweaking a script that's already okay rather than elevating one that's all over the place -- discombobulated. I'm currently refining my process per your advice so that I can finish the first draft faster (2-3 mos. versus 5-6) and stack projects. I like brainstorming and researching a new project while rewriting a current one; it's like cheating with a new fling while trying to work on your marriage -- you get the best of both worlds (lol). [On a personal note, thank you, Ms. Marcel, for your personal confessions and insights. It's been an education.]

She is hugely entertaining--nice to hear from someone with a sense of perspective, and humor.

[…] Saving Mr. Banks And 50 Shades Of Gray Screenwriter Kelly Marcel On Her Writing Methods […]

[…] “I’m personally a big fan of knowing what your theme is before starting. I think they can arise as you tell the story, but writing within and for a theme seems to me to help the process along. It allows for much more intricate storytelling, ways of speaking to the theme and letting your theme to speak to you, even unconsciously. I said ‘theme’ four times in that last paragraph. I shouldn’t be allowed to be a writer.” Screenwriter Kelly Marcel (Saving Mr. Banks, Fifty Shades of Grey) Go Into the Story Interview with Scott Myers […]