Beginner's Guide To Being A Writer - Tony DuShane [FULL INTERVIEW]

Introduction

This tutorial aims to provide a comprehensive guide for aspiring writers, drawing insights from the interview with Tony DuShane. Whether you’re new to writing or looking to refine your skills, this guide covers essential concepts and actionable steps to help you navigate the writing process effectively.

Step 1: Understand Conflict in Writing

• Recognize the Importance of Conflict: Most new writers struggle with creating compelling conflict. Conflict drives the narrative and keeps readers engaged.
• Types of Conflict: Explore different types of conflict:
  • Internal conflict (within a character)
  • External conflict (between characters or with outside forces)
• Practical Tip: Start by identifying the main conflict in your story and how it affects your characters.

Step 2: Write What You Care About

• Personal Connections: No one cares about the movies or stories you like if they don’t resonate with your audience. Find themes and narratives that you are passionate about.
• Practical Exercise: List out topics or themes you care deeply about and consider how they can be woven into your writing.

Step 3: Create Compelling Villains

• Writing Evil Characters: To write effectively about evil, understand their motivations and backstories.
• Complexity in Villains: Avoid one-dimensional villains. They should have relatable traits or motivations.
• Practical Tip: Write a short backstory for your villain to explore their motivations.

Step 4: Simplify Your Plot Creation

• Easiest Ways to Develop a Plot:
  • Start with a basic premise.
  • Identify your characters’ goals and obstacles.
  • Develop a simple outline.
• Practical Advice: Use a three-act structure to organize your plot:
  • Setup
  • Confrontation
  • Resolution

Step 5: Embrace Bad Writing

• Learning Through Mistakes: Understand that bad writing often leads to good writing. Don’t be afraid to write poorly; it’s part of the process.
• Common Pitfall: Avoid excessive self-criticism. Focus on getting words on the page first.

Step 6: Overcome Shame in Writing

• Addressing Writer’s Shame: Many writers feel shame about their work. Recognize that this is a common struggle.
• Healthy Practices: Share your work with trusted peers to receive constructive feedback and encouragement.

Step 7: Compare Different Writing Mediums

• Novel vs. Screenwriting: Understand the differences in structure and storytelling between novel writing and screenwriting.
• Adaptation Skills: Consider how elements from one medium can enhance your writing in another.

Step 8: Empower Your Story

• Story Over Medium: Focus on the story itself rather than the medium through which you tell it. Your narrative should drive the choice of format.
• Practical Tip: Write a short story in multiple formats (e.g., screenplay, short story) to see how different mediums affect storytelling.

Step 9: Write Regularly

• Establish a Routine: Make writing a regular part of your life. DuShane emphasizes that life becomes easier when you write regularly.
• Practical Advice: Set aside dedicated time each day or week to write, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Step 10: Tell Your Truth

• Authenticity in Writing: The biggest mistake a writer can make is avoiding their truth. Write from your experiences and perspectives.
• Practical Exercise: Reflect on personal experiences and how they can inform your writing.

Conclusion

This guide outlines key steps to help you become a better writer, emphasizing the importance of conflict, authenticity, and regular practice. Embrace the process of writing, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, write what resonates with you. Start by applying these steps in your writing journey, and consider sharing your progress with a supportive community.