John and Craig are on opposite sides of the world this week, so they’re revisiting an episode from 2016 to look at the many psychological barriers facing writers tackling big projects, and offer practical strategies for actually getting the work done.

They also discuss the then-upcoming election (same as it ever was), and answer a listener question about how autism spectrum disorder might impact a screenwriting career.

In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Drew reflect on what’s changed in the eight years since this episode last aired, and then like all conversations in 2024, they just start talking about Moo Deng.

Links:

Episode 271: Buckling Down – Transcript
Inevitable Foundation
Forest, Snowstorm and Howling Wind ambiance tracks
Julia Roberts To Star In Feature Film About PTA Mom Framed For Drug Possession by Nellie Andreeva for Deadline
Here’s How to Finish That F*ing Book, You Monster by Chuck Wendig
Wikitravel
The Writers Guild Foundation
Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt!
Check out the Inneresting Newsletter
Gift a Scriptnotes Subscription or treat yourself to a premium subscription!
Craig Mazin on Threads and Instagram
John August on Threads, Instagram, Twitter and Mastodon
Outro by Pedro Aguilera (send us yours!)
This episode was originally produced by Godwin Jabangwe. Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt and edited by Matthew Chilelli.

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here.

271 - Buckling Down (Encore) 01:02:27 Share

Scriptnotes Podcast

Shownotes Transcript

271 - Buckling Down (Encore)