Would it be easier to write a book or a screen play?

Question

I have a great idea for a book or screenplay. I have tried to write a book before but just can't come up with the daily time to get it done. Is writing a screenplay any easier?

Answer 1

Either one is going to take a serious time commitment. However I think a lot of people would find writing a screen play easier and faster. Someone said books are about what people think, plays about what people say and movies about what people do. If your story is more action oriented then maybe a screenplay is the right medium for it. You only have to describe the scenes enough to let someone else build them. Dialog is easy. You just write the names of the characters and what they say and let the actors figure out how to say it. . I've written a couple of short screen plays and it's heaps of fun to see your stuff on the screen and hear people applaud.

Answer 2

Either the both basically call for the same elements. The scene changes in the screen play have to be more played up. Try writing a bit of the book version first and the doing the screenplay later.

I recommend this to see which one you like better. Say for instance you like the book better and it comes easier to you then you should stick with the book version and then see where you want to go from there.

Say that later you go back and revise the screenplay and realize book was a piece that still needs work or that you want to use the screenplay on a different project which may have a different end result altogether then your already part way there.

The one piece of advice I can give to any fellow writer no matter what genre or venue you choose is to have fun with it.

Answer 3

No actually, it's not. Both are equally difficult. The thing you probably need to think about is your personal writing style, as films are more image oriented, while novels are descriptive and you are able to reach your audience in the way that you originally intended, whereas with a screenplay, once it is purchased, the production company can change things to their liking. So if the story is something that is very important to you and you can only stand having it read a certain way, then write a novel. If you don't mind someone's interpretation of your idea being the final product, then write a screenplay. A few books to help you either way are "How to Write A Damn Good Novel" or Syd Field's "Screenplay" which is the still the screenwriting bible. Also check out Christopher Vogler's "The Hero's Journey" whichever you choose to do, it's great for either medium.

Answer 4

They're equal. And a good script will take as long as a novel. If you're thinking you can do it quicker you are mistaken.

At the root of both is a story. Understanding the story is how you can determine whether you want to create a screenplay or novel. I actually like the idea of outlining as if you're writing a screenplay and then writing a novel.

The best book for either is Robert McKee's "Story". You can buy it on Amazon. They use it as a textbook for storytelling courses at film schools.

Also, check out some of the tutorials on http://www.storyentertainment.com

Answer 5

Well, have you ever seen a screenplay manuscript? If you don't know how to write a screenplay, there is one possible answer. How will the creative process be so much different for a screenplay? It takes daily time as well.

Answer 6

it dependes on wether your writtings envolve alot of speech or not let say most of youre writtings are convrsations. then it would be easier for you to write a screenplay if not i'd go with the book.

Answer 7

Judging from your question you haven't a clue as to what you are doing. NO, a screenplay isn't easier. Both take tremendous work and if your busy schedule (chuckle) prohibits you working on either, then my suggestion is just skip it.

Answer 8

hi Pen!! XD nicely...we could see, i think of it's going to be a action picture. Definitley. I only think of it might artwork greater advantageous that way, extraordinarily in case you wanna have a actual comedy element in touch in it. Oh by skill of how, Dramady...Hehe :) Its reminding me of Spinal faucet already...In an exceptionally sturdy way!!! :) i think of for his subject concerns...nicely, there is gotta be drugs in touch, good? for specific, if he's gonna be a typical Rockstar 'form'. and in keeping with risk quite some vodka? Haha, Oh i don't be attentive to, sounds like me already hehe :) And for song....Hmm what approximately Metallica's Fade To Black, if there is gonna be a low element in the action picture for this rockstar dude? or inspite of ease Numb...yet that ought to be somewhat too like the Wall, you be attentive to? sturdy success with it Pen :)

Answer 9

Go look at one first.