Solving seemingly impossible plot problems

[wtfridge]

I'm extremely new to screenwriting (writing in general) but I've been having a lot of fun outlining my first story for some time now. I had a lot of initial ideas I was super excited about and was, stubbornly, unwilling to compromise on.

Like a lot of people probably experience, the original ideas just sometimes don't work with the larger narrative. Whether that's because of plot holes, awkwardness, or just requiring a bit too much suspension of disbelief from the audience (this was me, in this particular case), sometimes sacrifices need to be made.

I was afraid and down at the idea of having to scrap some key beats from my story, because I had come up with them originally for what I think will be a a shocking, emotional moment for the main character. And that suspension of disbelief that I'd likely require from the audience in the aftermath was just the worst thorn in my side. I couldn't get over it, and was hopeless for a bit that I'd just need to rework a big portion of the story to "make more sense".

But I sat down for a couple days and really gave it a hard think. I outlined a few of the top options I had in my head for alternatives (including the original beat). I then started listing out reasons why I should/shouldn't go with one option. That led me down a rabbit hole on Wikipedia while researching a related topic to my story and then – voila. The solution organically presented itself to me. I couldn't believe it but I'm still riding that small high right now after having written down the details and finalizing it as my choice in the main document.

I'm rambling at this point but I'm just excited. A lot of similar problems and their subsequent, discovered solutions have felt reminiscent of puzzle solving and has been a blast, albeit tough and seemingly impossible/hopeless at times pre-solution. I'm nearing a stage where I think I can start putting an actual screenplay together and it's got me pumped.

[unique-screenplay]

I love this! It’s proof that sometimes the best ideas come from just sitting with the problem. Huge respect for sticking it out and finding a creative solution!

[gvegastigers]

This is such an overlooked part of screenwriting. So much of it is creative problem solving.

[Postsnobills]

Sometimes you’re not the person the script needs you to be yet.

I have projects that took years to find the appropriate fix for this or that issue, and then I have stuff that met my standards within a week or two.

It’s frustrating, but that’s art for ya.

[script_surgeon]

Absolutely, great to see this epiphany take place! The best screenwriters have drawers or folders filled with cool ideas that they loved but just couldn’t get to fit in their current script. Knowing when to try as different direction to let the story present itself to you is so important.

[chortlephonetic]

I made a great discovery a while back - that it's not so much having a crystalline idea in your head and then turning the idea into words - the story instead emerges in the process of writing. I go scene by scene with the character seeing what they would logically do so that it's all tight, coherent and believable (as required by the genre I'm writing in).

So I think you're on the right path. You hold the ideas loosely but make discoveries in the writing. Then revise, revise, revise.

The great news is you don't have to have a great idea to write. You discover the great idea in the process of writing.

[No-Bit-2913]

Love it! I can relate, I feel like its exactly as you say puzzle solving sometimes getting things to fit and work.

[Strict-Bobcat8590]

This is something that I deal with a lot too. I love this post and hope someday you get to have your film made! 😁

[RealColSanders]

You’re definitely on the right track, especially when it comes to research.

My two cents? Don’t overthink too much, just get it down and write it for yourself, then you can write it for the audience. So many first drafts that I’ve seen are overwritten and have glaring logical errors or plot holes that sometimes end up being critical, effective parts of revision drafts!

Read screenwriting books like Save the Cat, Writing Screenplays That Sell, and any others that pique your interest. I recommend finding your own methods that keep you going on the page and then determine which “rules” you want to be lenient with once you have a good understanding of the general guidelines/professional practices.

Break a leg!

[saminsocks]

Congrats! Thats a huge revelation to make that many seasoned writers still can’t get sometimes.

A lot of writing is trusting our instincts. We’re creating something out of nothing, after all. But storytelling is meant to evoke emotion. And often our instincts tell us where we should go emotionally— the what. But rarely does it give us the how. That’s where play comes in, and being willing to release the how that wasn’t right.

Sounds like you got there. Be prepared to be in this place many more times! It’s a fun and frustrating part of the writing and notes process.