Five Practical Things Every Writer Needs

I’ve worked in the entertainment industry, and specifically on the screenwriting and development side, for over 20 years. I sometimes marvel at that number, because the time has truly flown by. To think about who I was and where I was when I first jumped into this business…it’s a nearly night and day comparison. I still see elements of my old self that I still have (and cherish), so I’m not a completely different person, but the lessons I’ve learned have been numerous…and at times quite difficult.

With today’s Substack article, I want to try and shed a little light on five of the basic and most practical things every writer needs in order to find success in this writing endeavor. And I’m not just talking about screenwriters - authors and creators, too.

OK. Let’s get into the five things every writer needs heading into 2025! I really dive deep into these five things, so that’s why I recorded an audio reading of the material. It will be a little easier to consume that way, so I’m happy to provide it.

By the way, Felicity Wren of the ISA is going to co-host an event and discussion with me live for the ISA membership soon, and we’re going to talk through the these five things every writer needs. Stay tuned, go to www.networkisa.org and create a profile there if you haven’t yet. The ISA is building a huge community of writers and artists, and honestly, you’re missing out you if you’re not signed up yet!

1. More Than One Script!

Having multiple scripts shows your versatility, dedication, experience, and reliability. It also shows that you’re dedicated to this process, this pursuit of a career, and to reiterate the idea of reliability…it shows that you’re in this for the long haul. From the standpoint of a manager, a manager will be able to see how they can sell YOU, not just one screenplay. The likelihood of one screenplay selling outright is low. You’re much more likely to use your repertoire of scripts as a calling card for you to get writing assignments and sustain a lasting career.

Steps You Can Take:

Develop at least 3 polished scripts (just this year in 2025! Writers need more than 3 total, so make a goal to finish three scripts this year…even if they’re crappy first drafts.)

Maintain a list of loglines and synopses for each script for quick pitches, and memorize them. But also maintain an ongoing brainstorm list of brand new ideas that have yet to be developed. This keeps you in the mindset of creation and possibility.

Regularly review and update your scripts based on current industry trends. People say “don’t follow the trends”, but only when you’re in the very beginning of brainstorming a new idea. Definitely follow the trends where it comes to your finished and ready-to-submit projects. You need to be keeping up with the trades and news!

2. You Need a Personal Story

A strong bio reflects your identity and achievements as a writer, even if some of your experiences are not writing related. Don’t forget to add your voice and personality that matches not only the type of writer you are, but the genre you write in. If you’re a comedy writer, that bio and personal story better be damn funny.

Steps You Can Take:

Highlight your unique voice and big accomplishments in your bio. This goes without saying, but it’s important to note that the personal story doesn’t need to focus only on your writing history and resume. If you made an unbelievable discovery while out at sea because you have deep sea diving experience, add that in there somewhere! That’s an amazing part of you, and people always want to hire people they’re impressed by.

Include any awards (but focus on Finalist and/or Semifinalist placements for contests only…don’t worry about the quarterfinal placements), any produced work (even short films or published blogs and YouTube series), and on the note of blog writing, include any relevant experience in any other type of writing medium - blogs, short stories, novels, magazines, anything. If you don’t have ANY of that experience, consider trying some of those mediums as soon as possible. In this new age, writers need to be multi-hyphenates and creators, not just screenwriters.

For each occurrence of submission (meaning the type of person you’re submitting to), change up the bio and personal story a little bit to possibly lean a little toward that person’s sensibilities.

3. You Need To Network and Use That Network

Relationships open doors in an interconnected industry. In other words - you need community! Even if that community is only other writers. Something always comes out of meeting others who share the same passion as you do. Always.

Steps Your Can Take:

Attend networking events, conferences, workshops, and festivals to meet industry professionals. There are SO many, and in every state and country. Make this a part of something that you just “do”, but also, hey guess what, they’re actually a lot of fun.

Engage with other writers and artists on platforms like the ISA and it’s new Circle community, and of course The Story Farm’s Community (it’s free to create a profile and communicate via our Membership Forum) or join writer groups or your state’s writing organizations even if they’re not screenwriting-specific - be a part of the art world!

Offer value to others, such as feedback or collaboration, and build genuine connections by, god forbid, helping other people! This can also connect with making a list of everyone you know in the industry, and consider how to stay in touch with them at least twice a year.
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4. Stay Informed and Embrace Innovation

Keeping up with industry trends and technology means that you help yourself by staying relevant and competitive. Take a look at my recent Substack article about the Creator Economy here.

Steps You Can Take:

Follow entertainment news, trade publications, and podcasts about screenwriting. Deadline.com is free. The Hollywood Reporter is free (though you get extra goodies and less ads if you subscribe). Variety.com, and the ISA or Creative Screenwriting Magazine are incredibly valuable resources. Use them!

Learn and utilize emerging technologies, such as AI tools or virtual production software if you intend to create shorts or a video series on YouTube (or anywhere else). The world is becoming easier and easier to get yourself out there by creating material, not just scripts but visuals. AI isn’t going anywhere, folks. It’s only going to grow and become more and more essential.

Experiment with different formats or genres, like web series, short films, or interactive storytelling. Create a podcast and connect it with visuals to then post on YouTube. Get playful and have fun with it!

Attend panels, conferences, or webinars to stay ahead of industry developments. This goes along the line of what I mentioned in #3 - get out there and network yes, but you might actually learn something by attending these panels and webinars.

We are moving into the Creator Economy this year and beyond. You will have so much more control over creating and delivering your own content going forward. Use it to promote you and your work. Create!

5. Master the Art and Science of Screenwriting

What does this mean? Education, education, education. It can not be stressed enough as to how important this is. I really should have made this #1 on the list, but I know people tend to skip through these lists and just find the things that are easiest to do. None of this is easy, folks, but that’s why education is so essential. No, you don’t need to literally go back to school and enroll in a masters program somewhere. That can be helpful because you really do learn SO much by taking that route, but we need to be constantly enrolled in coursework and memberships and hire consultants and paying for feedback. We just simply have to. It’s the only way to improve and move forward in your writing pursuits. Learn things! A deep understanding of, and hours of education on the craft separates amateurs from professionals, and I know you’re more than just an amateur.

Steps You Can Take:

Regularly study scripts from successful movies or shows in your genre. We need to be active viewers of shows and movies, and not just lazy loafers eating potato chips on our couch. It’s free to do this - read scripts, read scripts, read scripts. The ISA’s Script Library is invaluable.

Stay updated on new screenwriting books, courses, and tools that so many amazing consultants and coaches provide. You have WAY more options right now than I did when I started. I host a ton of workshops and lectures through The Story Farm Community, as well as for the ISA. And as you know, I’m a coach that works with writers 1-on-1 for the long-term or short-term in order to develop your craft and individual projects. Email me if you want to work together: max@thestoryfarm.org

Practice writing! Seriously, this is the most basic step you can take, but what I mean is that you shouldn’t ONLY write your scripts. If a scene pops into your head, write the scene! Even if that scene doesn’t yet have a story connected to it. Have a character bouncing around in your head? Write a bio and history and a list of flaws and characteristics for that character even if that character has yet to make it into a story. We HAVE TO practice. Look at every athlete or tradesperson out there. They don’t wait for a job to come along in order to actually perform.

There is so much that you can do for your writing and career. There really is. You can NOT wait for others to come along and find you or to stumble upon your script amidst a screenplay contest. Submitting to the ISA’s Writing Gigs does help, for sure, but that’s also just ONE step to take in order to be discovered. It’s an important step, but you need to be doing dozens of things in order to be discovered - not just relying on a lottery win.

If you’re serious about this endeavor of writing and creating, email me. I would love to work with you. If you’ve never written a script before and you’re just now reading this…yeah, it probably feels a little overwhelming. It’s a lot, but all of these steps are easily done. We just need to take one step at a time. I love working with first-time writers as well, and I’m launching an Author Development Service soon. So for you writers out there who want to develop your script or story into a manuscript, I’m here for you. I’ve done it myself, so I can help.

It will work out for you. You will find success. We just have to allow it to find us as well, and putting ourselves out there and doing the work opens ourselves up to that success to follow us.

Keep working hard, everyone. I’m cheering for you.

Max and The Story Farm offer all of his Substack content to ISA members for free, but a week or more after the original post was sent. If you would like to receive his most up to date Substack posts, as well as participate in a community of writers through his subscription and the Substack app, you can do so by going here, www.substack.com/@thestoryfarm.