• Start with a Topic you Love
• gather basic supplies 5-10 pens (same brand) 1 medium size lined paper notepad and 1 small (to keep in pocket or purse )
• Write out basic Idea Number of characters  short film or big budget, sci fi or western  etc.
• choose the main characters parts in the story Protagonist or antagonist...do Not dwell on Names..etc. this can throw you off.
• It is YOUR script so remember YOU are the boss
• Make up your own key or Legend to add in as you write eg (()) = FX here  or  *** = fade to next scene.
• Remeber this is a rough copy so doodle as much as you want and use that nice blank space in the margin too !!!
• DoNot Tell anyone the IDEA or characters for your script
• Rule number 2 DO NOT tell anyone the IDEA or characters for your script
• I do prefer writing the first rough draft by hand but if you prefer to do it all in front of your PC go for it ! Just "save file"  as often as you can and make a back up on cd! there are programs that let you have your own password to view them.
• distraction and procastination are your enemies....Set aside certain times for YOU to get this started ...then..completed.
• I enjoy going by MYSELF to a coffee shop..(Timmy's) and write at leat 3 scenes before I leave.
• avoid Whiney negative, jealous people
• As soon as you have the main points of your script written down Mail at least 3 copies of it to YOURSELF .NEVER open them You may need to prove that you had THAT original idea first..also include the first page of a local newspaper as well.
• If you have most of your work on cd then do the same thing but in a stronger package.
• It is very CHEAP to get things copyrighted legally.  You can wait till you are finished for that though.
• A lot of the bigger agents will not even think about representing you unless you have at least 3 complete scripts.
• But remember my friend contacted the right people and sold her's all by herself.
• I have to add that she only wrote her's while on set as an extra.......!(background performer)
• Always stay positive and don't give up !
• ME ?  I was told  I have to shorten one or two scenes (pacing) then negotiations can begin.The good news is that the people who told me usually buy scripts for NO less then $60,000(from Novice screen writers)  : )
• Once YOU have sold  at leat 3 scripts then YOU can dictate the dollar values..!
• My friend had her script rejected by three firms before she was found one that liked and bought her 1st ever script. 
• any more questions ??? please feel free to email me--click HOME then "contact me"
• Thanks for checking out my web page !

-James