Newbie Question about Celtx

[andy1990]

I have been playing around w/a story and then I came across Celtx. I was wondering do you guys write out your stories first then put it into the correct screenplay format or do you go into the screenplay template right off the bat?

[napolyphonic]

Not that I'm an expert on screenwriting software(I still use word without a template), but I do know you have to find your own way. Write in notebooks, write in Word, write in Final Draft, write on your wall, the back of your hand, napkins, whatever. However you want to write, do it, and worry about format after you've got the thing done.

I personally use a lot of mediums. I carry a moleskin in my back pocket and occasionally will write five pages worth of material while eating a burrito. Most often it's just a few lines of dialogue. But that's often my best stuff. I throw it into the screenplay later on when I have time, or when I get to that part of the story it fits into. I also write in a full size notebook and that's always unformatted. Other times I'll just sit on my laptop and write straight into the formatting. It's all about my mood and preference at the time.

So just find what works best for you. If you write better with a pen and paper, do it. If you write better in Final Draft, do it. But whatever you do, don't stop writing.

-G

[Deleted]

I use yWriter to do an outline of my script, and then I use Celtx to write the actual script. I may start several Screenplay templates within one project. If I have an idea for a scene, I start a new template, write it out and see if it works. Even if I don't use it in that particular script, it is already written and I can move it to another Project if I need to. It is also easy to copy and paste into other Screenplay templates.

I also use a product called Tomboy for notes if I come up with an idea on the fly. For some reason I prefer OpenOffice Writer instead of Microsoft Word.

All of the above mentioned software products are free.

Of course, I sit at my computer all day as I am a Network Admin, so I prefer to keep most of my writing digital. I do have several notepads I also use for notes, etc if I am ever away from the glowing box.

[andy1990]

Thanks so much for the replies. I appreciate the input very much.

[Jonathan]

It's true. Write in invisible ink if you have to. Whatever helps you get the words down.

I used a program called WriteRoom a while back to help cut out distractions. It helped a bit.

[Deleted]

I looked up WriteRoom as it sounds like it is a good product, but alas, it is for Mac only.

I did however find this for the PC - writespace.codeplex.com/

I installed it and it works great! FREE