• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Marilyn Horowitz

Marilyn Horowitz

Screenwriting Classes, Coaching, and Resources

212-600-1115
  • Home
  • About
  • Writing Services
  • Guidance
    • Writing Evaluation
    • Writing Guidance
    • Comprehensive Packages
    • Ongoing Coaching
  • Classes & Seminars
    • New York University Classes
    • Seminars
    • Free Video Tutorials
    • Movie Breakdowns
    • Online Stores
  • Books & Media
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Word of the Day
    • Free Word of the Day Webinar
    • What people are saying about the Word of the Day Practice!

Prepare for the Hard Work of Rewriting

June 25, 2021 by Marilyn Horowitz

Happy Friday!

I’ve been in rewriting hell or heaven this past week. It’s sometimes hard to tell because whether or not the rewrite is effective-it’s hard work. But, mostly, the carrot of completion is what weighs the process more towards the heavenly side.

My private class, Rewriting The Screenplay in 6 Weeks, is in progress, and each of my students is talented and has a great, original story. Their first drafts, which were completed in my N.Y.U class were very good, and the question of what is an effective revision is the theme of this class. What I share is a simple, effective technique that allows first-time writers to learn a revision process that takes a first draft to the next level. The structure and character arcs are solid and don’t need further work. The next revision will be to improve dialog, description, and delineate the sub-plot.

One of my private students finished her third draft this week. As part of her package with me she received an evaluation of the script, where I gave a detailed review of the draft, which included my specific scene-by-scene suggestions of how to massage the material to make it commercially viable. In this case, the script was very close to being ready to present, so this pass will be to tweak the thematic aspect of the script and make sure that all the loose ends are tied up.

My own work, The Naked Tango, is more than halfway through its second revision. In this case, the first part of the novel was revised, a new middle section was written from scratch, and a revision of the existing third act is in progress. I’m focusing on plot and structure, and mercifully, finally repaired the structure problem that had plagued the story even after it was accepted for publication.

Here is a simple technique to rewrite your story.

1. Put it away for a few days or a week, or until you feel detached.

2. Print a hard copy.

3. Reread it with a pencil, making notes, not stopping until you reach the end.

4. Create a scene-by-scene outline with page numbers. Hand-written or typed, the key is a one to two-line description of the basic action in the scene.

5. Write a one-paragraph description, like the ones you find on the back of a book. This will allow you to confirm that the structure is correct.

6. Reread and correct repetitions of information.

7. Reread for word choice.

8. Reread for description.

9. Now, make a copy and go to work, keeping your outline as your guide.

10. Rinse and repeat until you’re happy.

11. Have several people read it, and only make changes if three or more people have a comment.

12. Do whatever research you need to do, and get it out into the marketplace. My book, How To Sell Your Screenplay in 30 Days might be helpful.

Joke on a Stick Edition #78 is here!  Click below and enjoy the show!

Here’s to your successful writing,

Professor Marilyn Horowitz

Primary Sidebar

Sign Up

for our Screenwriting Newsletter and Receive Our FREE Gift Top 15 Common Mistakes Made in Writing a Screenplay.

Testimonials

Thank you. If it hadn’t been for you Marilyn, I don’t think I would have made the Woodstock film which… Read more “Nancy C.”

I’m very grateful to be able to learn from Marilyn, Her focus on the psychological and spiritual foundations necessary to… Read more ““…grateful to learn from Marilyn””

Marilyn’s techniques helped me stop overthinking and start writing! She gave me exercises to take the pressure off beginning a… Read more “The Word of the Day”

You are always a light. Thank you.

Desiree

“Working with Marilyn Horowitz has challenged every aspect of my creative process from conception to preparation, and most importantly, execution.… Read more “– Larry Lowry”

- Larry Lowry
Writer/Producer, Nickelodeon
View All Testimonials

Television Writing Evaluation & Guidance

Screenwriting Evaluation & Guidance

Classes & Seminars

Footer

Connect

Contact

CLASSES

Contact the office at 212-600-1115

MEDIA & SPEAKING INQUIRIES

Contact Marilyn Horowitz at 212-600-1115

PUBLISHING & FILM INQUIRIES

Contact Koehler Books at 757-289-6006

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Home
  • About
  • Writing Services
  • Guidance
    • Writing Evaluation
    • Writing Guidance
    • Comprehensive Packages
    • Ongoing Coaching
  • Classes & Seminars
    • New York University Classes
    • Seminars
    • Free Video Tutorials
    • Movie Breakdowns
    • Online Stores
  • Books & Media
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Word of the Day
    • Free Word of the Day Webinar
    • What people are saying about the Word of the Day Practice!
Copyright © 2023 · Marilyn Horowitz. All rights reserved.