John and Craig tackle the question, “How do you know when you’re ready to write a given script?” They propose a list of details a writer should know before diving in, and look at why starting too soon can be a recipe for failure. (So can waiting too long.)

We also discuss the WGA’s “refusal to negotiate” myth and answer questions about rewrites vs polishes, and whether writing a bad script could put you on a Do Not Hire list.

Links:

• Myth of No Negotiation
• Deadline’s “Exclusive” on John’s Blogpost
• John Milton, Paradise Lost
• Monsters Creatures: A Young Adventurer’s Guide by Jim Zub
• Oreo Thins
• John August on Twitter
• Craig Mazin on Twitter
• John on Instagram
• Outro by Michael Karman (send us yours!)

Email us at ask@johnaugust.com

You can download the episode here