Being pointed.

The illusion of spontaneous and ease.

10lbs if shit in a 5lb bag

Shane Black lived with comedians as he was coming up as a writer. They wrote for bob saget?

Donald Westlake book?

Try not talking for a week unless you have something interesting to add. When you speak, speak interestingly.

Be aware of what makes you feel like you’re in a movie. Idiosyncratic.

Not maybe - instead - we’ll it’s not off the table. Use idioms.

Creating character is like sculpture. feel the character rather than approach as clinical exercise. Why do people want to be a character? We all want a moment.

Don’t ask what’s the voice? Ask, “speak”.

Sick of people who say they’re going to change, then they don’t.

Have someone interesting give exposition.

Shadow form? Negative version. Twin peaks? Outsiders?

Read!

Reader - “you can’t have more than one tone.” If you have one tone you confuse no one. A sidewalk doesn’t confuse anyone but you don’t write a movie about it.

If you abandon reality you have an easier time breaking tone.

95% writers unemployed. 5% aren’t everyone. Talent means you’re a Cadillac not a radio flyer wagon. Most of us don’t have it though.

End of Shawshank redemption- “I hope…”

Casino - 30 min opening of narration.

Listen to jokes to write good dialog. Jokes work because they turn. They set up an expectation then subvert it.