You can become a better screenwriter with time and dedication. To set you on the right path, here are seven steps you can take to make your next script even better than your last.

#1: Write more scripts

This might seem obvious, but too many screenwriters finish one script and then become obsessed with getting it made. While they’re doing that, other screenwriters are writing their second and third scripts. With each one they complete, they become stronger writers and leave the person who only wrote one behind.

While it’s important to be a passionate advocate for your own work, try to focus on the process of becoming a better writer instead of any one script. This will make you a stronger writer, but also a more resilient writer because a setback on any individual script won't affect you as much.

If you want to join a supportive writing community, you can RSVP for the next Let’s Write Scripts.

#2: Read scripts

Another seemingly obvious one, but what might not be as obvious is what you’re reading for. Don’t just focus on the dialogue. That’s the one thing in a script you can get from watching the show or movie. Instead, focus on the action lines and the structure.

With the action lines, look at the kind of language the writer uses, the tone, how they describe things, and how and when information is revealed to the reader. (This is also the best way to learn formatting.)

With the structure, start by looking at the scene structure. How do the scenes start? What happens in the middle of the scene? How and why do they end?

Then look at the overall structure of the script. How many scenes are there? Where do the big shifts in the story take place? How is the momentum changing as we near the end? How has the protagonist changed? What made them change?

#3: Get and give feedback on other scripts

Getting feedback is essential, but it can also be painful. Be open to the suggestions other people give you without getting defensive. Even if you don’t completely agree with the notes, try and think of what motivated the reader to give it to you. They might be identifying an underlying problem. (This is called the “note behind the note.”)

Don’t be selfish and only receive feedback. Giving feedback is actually one of the best ways to learn. You’re going to see problems in other scripts that you’d be blind to in your own script. By figuring out how to solve those problems, you’ll have those skills banked for your own projects.

Joining a writers’ group or online community is a great way to both give and receive feedback. Plus you get the added benefit of the support from fellow screenwriters.

#4: Try to figure out how to recreate an interesting scene or sequence

If you see something cool or complex in a movie or show, try to figure out how you think the screenwriter actually wrote it. It’s like a drill to strengthen your screenwriting muscles. Once you’ve given it your best attempt, look for the actual script and see how it was written there. What are the similarities? What is different?

#5: Use a good screenwriting tool

You can be a great writer with just a pen and paper, but using a powerful screenwriting app like Arc Studio can help you focus on the creative aspects of writing. Arc Studio provides industry standard formatting, eliminates distractions with focus mode, and helps you develop your story with a built-in notes app and an intuitive, drag-and-drop outlining tool.

#6: Direct and edit a short film

You might be thinking, “I’m not a director or editor. Shouldn’t I write the short film and have more experienced people direct and edit it?” If your goal is to make the best short film possible, then the answer to that question might be yes. But if your goal is to become a better screenwriter, trying to direct and edit something yourself is a great learning experience. When you direct it you’ll see how it moves from the page to live action. This will reveal your blind spots, what’s helpful in a script, and what’s not helpful. Editing will give the same insights. There’s an old cliche that every movie gets written three times, on the page, in the camera, and in the edit. As a screenwriter you can learn from all three stages.

#7: Take a screenwriting class

This is one of the most direct routes, but I left it for last because classes aren’t free and only you know your budget. If you can afford it, classes are a great way to get direct feedback from an experienced instructor. The structured setting can also be helpful in actually completing projects.

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