Talent without craft is like fuel without an engine, it burns wildly but accomplishes nothing.

There is no screenplay-writing recipe that guarantees your cake will rise.

We often put off doing something for as long as possible, then as we finally make the decision and step into the action, we're surprised by its relative ease. We're left to wonder why we dreaded it until we realize that most of life's actions are within our reach, but decisions take willpower.

Oh, by the way, I tend to use a lot of profanities. I do that for a reason: I like it.

Secure writers don't sell first drafts. They patiently rewrite until the script is as director-ready, as actor-ready as possible. Unfinished work invites tampering, while polished, mature work seals its integrity.

When we want mood experiences, we go to concerts or museums. When we want meaningful emotional experience, we go to the storyteller.

The students realize that it's their life I'm talking about: it's out of balance, they're struggling to put it into balance. How are they going to do it?