The Holidays are a Great Source of Writing Inspiration

Dear Friends,

I’d like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. This time is usually spent with family and friends, appreciating the great abundance we have in our lives, but we screenwriters are never far away from the next story we are writing in our heads. For any aspiring screenplay writers out there, I want to offer my advice to keep a sharp eye about you. This time of year is full of great ideas that just might lead to an inspiring screenplay.

As a screenwriter, I know that inspiration often comes when you least expect it. Look around at a holiday gathering and think about the heroic qualities your loved ones exhibit. What characteristics could you use as the foundation for a character in your screenplay? What extraordinary events are happening in your community that you can use to build your story? If somebody has spear-headed a notable charitable cause, think about what might have happened in that person’s life to inspire this sense of philanthropy. Read a book in a different light to see what makes the main character heroic.

My book, The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, provides many insights young screenwriters can use to hone their craft. I often recommend watching some of the great holiday movies. Not only is this a fun way to spend some time, it also provides an opportunity to think about why these characters might be considered heroic:

• George Bailey, “It’s A Wonderful Life” – There are many overt actions that make good old George seem heroic, but are they more important than the everyday love he shows for his family, friends and neighbors?
• Major General Waverly, “White Christmas” – What actions did this man take that made so many of the former soldiers under his command willing to come out and celebrate him? It wasn’t necessarily just his heroic leadership in war, but also his sense of humanity at Christmas.
• Clark Griswold, “Christmas Vacation” – Clark’s actions are often bumbling and inept, but his heart is true and he is a real hero to his family.
• Buddy the Elf, “Elf” – Simple and child-like, he still manages to heroically save Christmas.

As my gift to you, download a chapter from my book, The Story Solution, and learn for yourself more of the HERO GOAL SEQUENCES that make compelling characters come to life.

Happy Thanksgiving and Good Writing!

About The Story Solution:  The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay. He also covers screenwriting tips, screenwriting resources, and screenwriting books. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 818- 677-3192 for more information.