The Impact of Creative Feedback

After writing an article on screenwriting, I received a comment from a fellow Medium writer that struck a chord with me: "WOW! Did you write this for me? Even though I'm not into screenwriting, I'm writing a book, and this is incredibly helpful!" Such feedback is a great encouragement for a teacher and writer.

In my usual multitasking chaos, I quickly responded, detailing my background in screenwriting and filmmaking. Here’s a brief summary of my journey:

1. Authored the first screenwriting book focused on scenes.
2. Funded my graduate studies by teaching scriptwriting and film production.
3. Spent my initial decade post-graduation reading over 100 screenwriting books.
4. Secured a deal with Creative Screenwriting magazine to attend seminars for free, later contributing articles.
5. Directed 40 instructional DVDs on screenwriting and created my own extensive DVD set.
6. Worked in development, judged screenwriting contests, and read thousands of scripts.
7. Collaborated with award-winning filmmakers and honed my craft in writers' groups.

While I felt a wave of pride reflecting on my experiences, I also recognized that my journey was fueled by a desire to learn and grow. Even without explicit goals, I was steadily progressing toward screenwriting and filmmaking.

The Art of Unstructured Exploration

I’ve discovered that specific, tangible goals do not drive me. It’s possible that ADHD and the ENFP traits amplify this sentiment. If clear-cut goals are not the answer, then what is?

First, let’s discuss the concept of "stumbling" in storytelling.

In many fairy tales, characters find themselves lost in a forest, guided by their intuition rather than a clear path. This notion resonates with my own experiences; my productive "stumbling" has often led me to meaningful outcomes. Instead of adhering to a precise roadmap, I’ve relied on my values as a guiding, albeit vague, compass.

Had I set rigid goals—such as completing a certain number of screenplays by a deadline—I likely would have encountered frustration when those targets weren’t met. Although I could have benefited from more structured planning, pursuing my passions has ultimately kept me on a fruitful path.

Deliberate Practice: A Pathway to Mastery

The concept of deliberate practice was popularized by Malcolm Gladwell’s "Outliers," which posits that achieving mastery in a skill requires 10,000 hours of dedicated practice. However, Swedish psychologist Anders Ericsson emphasizes that this mastery stems not just from time spent but from focused and structured practice.

Kathy Sierra refined this idea in a 2012 conference speech, suggesting that breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks can enhance learning. Focus on challenges that stretch your abilities and aim to make those tasks feel effortless over time.

While Gladwell’s rule is significant for expertise, it’s deliberate practice—an ongoing, structured process—that truly fosters skill development. Neuroscientist Dr. Olav Krigolson highlights that effective deliberate practice requires:

• A structured approach.
• Specific and relevant targets.
• Focused attention, both mentally and physically.
• Regular feedback and performance monitoring.

Revisiting My Learning Approach

Three decades ago, I unwittingly implemented a version of deliberate practice to study filmmaking. I engaged in watching films, analyzing scripts, and discussing cinematic techniques, gradually evolving my understanding of the craft.

In writing my latest book on scene writing, I adopted a more structured methodology, focusing on specific categories that could be mastered in a few concentrated sessions.

My earlier, broader approach had its merits, but it often led to confusion and indecision. Now, by recognizing what truly motivates me, I tailor my methods to fit my learning style and values while remaining open to incorporating tangible goals as needed.

The goal is to master as many skills as possible, allocating time to bite-sized topics that can be tackled in short sessions. Avoid fixating on what you struggle with or what you already excel at.

For those looking to engage in writing and deliberate practice, consider joining me and other writers for a collaborative experience.

Follow your inspiration, maintain a busy yet varied schedule, and allow for open-ended goals. By ensuring that practice feels less like a chore, you’ll foster a greater ability to endure the more tedious aspects of skill development.

Whenever you feel lost or uncertain about your direction, simply return to your core values for guidance.