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Screw up

David Gane
David Gane

Back when I was working in a movie theatre and learning to run the projector, I was given a great bit of advice.

I was told that once I got past the learning curve and figured things out, I was going to screw up and break something big. Then, deal with it, learn, and move on.

I think this applies to writing, as well. You learn the basic rules of story structure, you repeat the process several times, and finally, thankfully, you get bored and start breaking things.

You try different things. You see how you can bend the rules, and use it to your advantage. Sometimes it will work and sometimes, hopefully, you will fail.

These are the moments you grow and discover your true voice as a writer.

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David Gane

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Co-writer of the Shepherd and Wolfe young adult mysteries, the internationally award-winning series, and teacher of storytelling and screenwriting.

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