Marilyn Horowitz

Screenwriting Classes, Coaching, and Resources

(212) 600-1115

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Plus
  • Linkedin
  • RSS Feed
  • Youtube
  • Pinteres
  • Home
  • About
    • Marilyn Horowitz
    • The Horowitz System®
    • Press
    • Testimonials
  • Writing Services
    • Comedy Punch Up
    • The Perfect Pilot
    • Dialogue Polish
  • Classes & Seminars
    • New York University Classes
    • Seminars
    • Writing Evaluation
    • Writing Guidance
    • Comprehensive Package
    • Ongoing Coaching
    • Free Video Tutorials
    • Resources
    • Movie Breakdowns
  • Books & Media
    • Books
    • Learn to Create Well Developed Characters
    • Script Tips
    • Free Video Mini Courses
      • Sitcom Success: The Perfect Pilot in 30 Days
      • The 10 Ingredients for Successful Screenwriting
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Visit Double Asterix

Run the Race to Win!

November 2, 2018 By Marilyn Horowitz

Happy Friday!

This Sunday is when the annual New York Marathon is run. This is a race that requires both training and stamina to complete, much like writing. One of my friends is a diehard runner and I asked him how he trains. One of my principles is that the last 10% of completing a screenplay requires an additional 90% effort. He says that completing a race takes the same kind of determination.

Once you hit your wall, the effort of pushing through it is like running the whole race over again.
One of the reasons that so many people fail at selling their screenplays is because they become exhausted from having an inefficient writing process which wears them out. They simply don’t have what it takes to go the extra mile. If you don’t have a good regimen, even if you drag yourself across the finish line of one screenplay, you will be too tired to do what’s necessary in order to win, which is to write multiple screenplays. Therefore you must learn to pace yourself as any good runner will when trying to complete a marathon.

If you think of yourself as a marathon runner who must run many races in order to win, it will change the way you organize your work.

Marathon Finish

My friend uses the following schedule: day one he rests, day two, he does an easy run and goes to the gym. On each progressive day, he increases the intensity and length of his run then takes every third day off. I asked him, “why every third day?” He answered, “The body needs time to process and to rebuild itself.“ I took his suggestion to heart and now write for three days steadily increasing the length and intensity and then take a day off. I’m finding that I have lots of energy and story ideas. Try this marathon approach to writing and see what happens.

Here’s to your successful writing,

Professor Marilyn Horowitz

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Pocket
  • Email
  • Print

Signup for our Screenwriting Newsletter and Receive Our FREE Gift How To Write a Treatment

Testimonials

  • Marilyn, It’s been an amazing year developing my script. Thank you for your mentorship and friendship.

    Larry G

  • Just wanted to say I read your book and think it’s terrific. You took a process that can seem overwhelming and made it very accessible. One of my favorite quotes is this: “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” You really know your material and convey that understanding well. Thank […]

    Allison-Author 101 University

  • It is such an amazing ride to take your classes. Your generosity, insight and gracious support inspires me in so many ways. Not just as a writer but more importantly as a person with desires to live genuinely. Thank you so much! I look forward to learning from you again and again!

    Levin Lee

Read More...

Let’s Connect on Facebook

Let’s Connect on Facebook
  • Home
  • The Book of Zev
  • Writing
  • Books & Media
  • About
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

© Copyright 2018 Marilyn Horowitz | Screenwriting Classes, Coaching, and Resources

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more