Feedback is your Friend
Hey there, fellow Scribblers!
Getting some outside eyes on your work-in-progress is so freakin' crucial.
My insanely talented screenwriter pal hands me their latest spec script, wanting my honest take. From the get-go, I could feel that special something - you know, that vibe that screams, "buckle up, this is gonna be rad." The characters were relatable and well-defined, the dialogue was authentic, and all the pieces were there for one hell of a story.
But...there was one hiccup that pulled me out of it. Ghosts. Yep, actual ghosts.
Now, I'm all for some supernatural spice when it serves the story. But for a bunch of my buddy's trusted beta readers, these phantoms ended up being more of a distraction than an enhancement. Folks were getting yanked out of the story instead of being sucked in deeper.
My pal, of course, was head over heels for their ghost gang. You know how scribblers can be with our precious "darlings." We'll jump through hoops to keep our favorite bits, even if they mess with the story's flow. That's when I had to get real with my bestie - "You know, you could lose the ghosts, and it wouldn’t change anything."
Respect to my friend. After thirty seconds of soul-searching, they went full-on exorcist and ripped those ghosts out in a massive rewrite. The result? A leaner, meaner, fresh, and original horror movie that he’s gonna direct. All because outside perspectives pushed him to refine his vision into its most powerful form.
This is a perfect example of why having that ride-or-die crew of beta readers, collaborators, and truth-tellers in your corner is so damn crucial in the creative process. We all have moments where we get a little too attached or shortsighted about certain bits that might hit different for other people.
We straight-up need external reality checks to smash our creative blind spots, even if it means murdering some darlings along the way. That's where the real magic happens - your dedicated feedback squad pushing you to polish, sharpen, or even overhaul parts until your story does exactly what you intended.
So, how do you put together your own feedback crew?
Be Picky: You're not just looking for anyone to read your script. Be smart about finding peeps you trust, who get your style and genre. That shared foundation is key for getting notes that actually make sense.
Check Your Ego: It's not always easy, but do your best to stay open and humble when getting feedback, even if it means rethinking big story bits you love. Wanna stunt your growth as a writer? Get precious about criticism.
Give As Good As You Get: The feedback game is all about balance. Make sure you're not just taking notes, but also using your own sharp eye to help elevate your pals' scripts. A rising tide raises all scripts.
Know When to Hold 'Em: Quick story from yours truly - just because you're listening to outside feedback doesn't mean you have to blindly follow every single suggestion, especially if it goes against your core creative vision.
I once worked on this huge superhero show where the suits were totally puzzled. Their big question? "Do the characters really need, you know, superpowers?" Our response? A big, fat "Uh, YEAH, that's kind of the point."
See, even though they meant well, those execs were way off the mark with that note. At the time, superheroes weren’t cool. They were for nerds only.
Sometimes, you gotta tune out the noise and protect the heart of your original artistic vision, no matter how much "feedback" tries to steer you in a totally different direction. Having the smarts to tell the difference between useful critique and misguided nonsense is more art than science.
Storytelling and scriptwriting can feel like a solo grind, but at its core, it's all about collaboration. Embracing that vibe separates the decent scribblers from the legendary ones that stick with you forever. My absolute favorite part of my entire career has been the creative partnerships and endless inspiration I've received from my fellow scribblers.
So, as you're grinding on those latest drafts and story sessions, bring more voices into the mix. Get hyped about getting outside takes. But trust your gut to know which feedback fits and which should be left in the trim bin.
