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Neil Chase

Why Beginners Stall (and the 10-Minute Fix)

Published 28 days ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader,

If you keep meaning to start your screenplay but never do, you’re not broken - you’re human. It's a problem that plagues writers of all levels, but none more so than beginners.

Here’s the loop I see all the time:

  • You wait for a perfect idea.
  • The blank page gets bigger.
  • Confidence drops. So you wait… again.

It's so easy to fall into this cycle, and the longer you wait, the bigger the climb seems. And eventually, waiting becomes a permanent mindset - and the perfect idea never turns into the perfect script (or any kind of script at all).

So here's what you can do - starting today!

Try this 10-minute fix:​
Set a timer for 10 minutes. Write one scene that shows your hero doing something they normally do (before life changes). No backstory paragraphs. No giant set pieces or complex action scenes. Just what we can see and hear as part of one activity in their normal day.

It will give you insight into your character as a regular person and how they handle ordinary tasks. That says more about them than you might think!

What's more, that tiny win breaks the loop. Momentum beats motivation.

If you want structure, accountability, and a coach in your corner, that’s exactly what Zero to Hero: Screenwriting for Beginners gives you—12 weeks, live on Zoom, small group, clear steps, and a finished 10–15 page short script by the end.

We start this Sunday, Sept 21 @ 2pm MST. Save your seat now!

Just use my special code: NEIL100 and get $100 off (for a limited time only)!

Let’s turn “I’ll start tomorrow” into “I started today”!

Neil

P.S. Check out my feature film, Spin the Wheel - out now on Tubi!

Click here to watch for FREE: https://tubitv.com/movies/100030151/spin-the-wheel​

Or check out the BRAND NEW official trailer for Contamination, my upcoming sci-fi military-horror feature. Check it out here:

video preview​

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Learn more about storytelling, screenwriting, and filmmaking:​ www.neilchasefilm.com.

Looking for some help with your script, story or film? Check out my one-on-one coaching services here.

Check out my Gothic horror-western novel, Iron Dogs, available in eBook, print, and audiobook.

**My emails may include affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure and privacy policy here.

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Neil Chase

Filmmaker, Writer and Story Consultant

Neil Chase is a story and writing coach, award-winning screenwriter, actor, and author of the horror-western novel, Iron Dogs. Neil believes that all writers have the potential to create great work. His passion is helping writers find their voice and develop their skills so that they can create stories that are both entertaining and meaningful. If you’re ready to take your writing to the next level, join the email list for writing tips and inspiration!

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Hi Reader, This week is a huge milestone for me - my feature film Contamination is having its world premiere in Los Angeles at the Southern California International Film Festival. To say I’m excited would be an understatement. This project started as an idea in my head - a “what if?” moment - and now it’s about to play in front of a live audience in the heart of the film industry. Hollywood. The place we all imagine when we think of big screens, popcorn, and movie magic. What makes it even...

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Hi Reader, If you’ve been thinking about joining Zero to Hero: Screenwriting for Beginners, but you're still on the fence, I get it. Making the leap from wanting to write a screenplay to actually committing can feel big. Here’s the thing: you don’t need to have the perfect idea, tons of free time, or years of experience to start. You just need a willingness to show up once a week, take in the lessons, write a little bit, and let me and your classmates support you through the process. By the...

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