I don't consider myself to be a writing expert, but I do know a few things. So do many other aspiring writers. This page is designed to house legitimate tips and/or opinions from a wide range of people, on novel, short story, poetry, script, or fanfiction writing. So send in your thoughts to wild_kl@hotmail.com and they will be added to this page.
Reasons to Write Daria Fanfiction,
by C.E. Forman
For a still semi-obscure program on a cable network, Daria has generated an astonishing number of fan-created scripts, rivaling more popular series such as Star Trek and The X-Files. This is due in part to the series' large number of unanswered questions, little details that are never stated aloud but which come across to alert viewers in the course of an episode. Such open-endedness gives fanfic authors a wide range of stories and topics to explore.
These days, it seems everyone wants a part of fanfic action. But whether you're trying to imitate the real show as closely as possible, inventing new or bizarre situations in which to drop Daria and her fellow cast members, or following up on someone else's previous work, it's important to make sure you're doing it for the right reason.
Good reasons to be writing "Daria" fanfic:
This is the website to visit, if you have time for only one. It tells you how to register materials so no one else can steal them, gives information on writers' issues, offers a mentorship program with actual TV writer (which includes an illuminating Q&A on the website itself), and more. It's a must for anyone who seriously considers selling a script, or selling any form of writing.
Of all the websites which provide info on script writing and selling, this one looks the most wide-ranging. It includes many valuable links to film festivals, script and other types of freelance writing, and associations of directors and writers. It even gives you the option of posting one of your scripts on the site for directors and agents to look at (the site provides a list of people who found success this way -- and it looks legit!). There's a catch, though: it costs $30.
A bi-annual contest held for best half-hour or hour-long spec script, screenplay, and pilot.
Opportunity or scam? You make the call. The idea is that you submit your idea for a new series and there's a possibility that it will be optioned. You don't even need to provide an entire script, just a detailed outline, including episodes in addition to the pilot. The submission fee is $40, which right away might sound an alarm. I decided to include this link in case it was legit, but I'd be careful: if you decide to submit, make sure you aren't inadvertently signing away the rights to your work.
Another website devoted to writing contests, markets, and screen writers' discounts.
A store which contains a huge inventory of screen writing and creative writing software, creative writing classes, and more...
Samuel French Theatre and Film Bookshops
There seems to be maybe four of these stores in existence, but you can order everything they have online. A wide range of titles of screenplays, stage plays, and how-to books are available to look at.
A site that caters to a wide range of writing, including script, poetry, and music.
Geared toward experienced script writers (but still worth a look), it offers industry advice on writing and selling your screenplay.
The official website for Final Draft, the program which lays out your script in the official format, and the Final Draft screenwriting contest.