Screenwriting or Novels? Advice from Hollywood - video

Now you tell me! I've written 3 screenplays &, it's true, for a 1st time screenwriter to get a meeting with any networks or studio heads is impossible. Although I've had good coverage from agents, I'm still a newcomer. I've been pitching the scripts for years and am now considering raising funds and producing one of them myself as an independent film. I've written 2 non-fiction books and, IMO, screenwriting is much more difficult. Appreciate the info!

That's wonderful advice! The only thing I might add is: If a story comes through you as a movie, if it is specifically a movie idea as it's inspired in you, go ahead and write it as a screenplay. I've never had any interest in writing movies, though the first piece of fiction I ever wrote start to finish was just that. A screenplay. For some reason I wanted it to be seen by an audience, not imagined by one. I'm working with producers now to get it in the best shape it can be (writing a screenplay is so different--and not nearly as much fun for me!--as writing a story for a reading audience) so we can make a movie! I appreciate this advice because I'll remember to be careful to hold onto my rights. I'd love to explore the characters in my screenplay by writing their own books. In fact, I instinctively stuck a few lines of dialogue and concepts into the film that'll help me sell them!

Thank you for your advice! I have published my first novel recently "The Magical Land", and am really interested in having the book turn into a movie, but I'm not sure how to have this option independently? Thanks again!

Just started getting my first book published, 'Hope for the Future' so will leave screenwriting for now. but will keep it in mind for the future. Thank you.

I have to agree. Write your novel, and leave the screenplay writing to those who have the experience to break into the market.