Development Hell

Development Hell offers insights into screenwriting, directing, and story development in film, TV, and audio from a seasoned professional's perspective. It covers practical writing advice, industry trends, creative struggles, and introduces resources like the Development Hell Writing Course for aspiring writers.

Screenwriting Directing Creative Process Industry Trends Writing Tools and Software Audio Fiction Character Development Storytelling Techniques Collaboration in Creative Projects Professional Development

The hottest Substack posts of Development Hell

And their main takeaways

January 2024 - The story so far...

631 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Screenwriting TV shows Social media
  1. The life of a screenwriter is filled with surprises, challenges, disasters, and triumphs, constantly learning new aspects of the business and ways to work and cope.
  2. The television industry is currently facing turmoil due to various factors like Covid, WGA strike, and Wall Street, making it difficult for new projects to materialize, but classics like The West Wing, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Battlestar Galactica remain timeless.
  3. New tools like Plottr for novelists and screenwriters or strategies like time-blocking mornings for writing and afternoons for other tasks can enhance productivity and creativity.

Into 2024 with Development Hell

552 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
📰 News Media Opinion
  1. The post discusses the issue of white supremacists using platforms like Substack to monetize their content.
  2. There is a mention of the platform Substack allowing white supremacists to have a voice on their platform.
  3. The author expresses their disapproval towards Nazis and white supremacists using platforms like Substack.

The Collapse of Hollywood

276 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Media Industry Creativity Challenges
  1. The entertainment industry may seem like it's collapsing with big companies acquiring smaller ones and existing companies facing challenges, but it's not as dramatic as it sounds.
  2. The entertainment industry is driven by profit and existing intellectual property, not creative integrity or risky original ideas.
  3. Despite the challenges in the industry, it's important to stay focused on your work, be resilient, and not be overly concerned with the overall industry difficulties.

Building the Lovecraft Investigations

1066 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🎙 Podcasts Creation Investigations
  1. The article discusses the process of developing a project based on Lovecraft's work, starting from an idea nurtured by the author and getting picked up by a producer.
  2. The inspiration for the project came in the wake of the success of the Serial podcast, with the goal of giving a modern twist to a Lovecraft story.
  3. Readers or listeners can access more content and archives of the article by subscribing and accessing a 7-day free trial.

How to Write an Action Sequence.

454 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Action sequences in scripts are crucial for storytelling and should always serve a purpose in moving the plot forward.
  2. When writing an action sequence, structure it with a three-act pattern: beginning, middle, and end to create a well-paced and engaging narrative.
  3. Use the 'three-act' principle, like in Snyder's 'Save The Cat' structure, to build tension and drive the action forward in your script.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

On Irregularity

690 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author, a professional writer, often finds it challenging to write despite being paid handsomely for it. They joke about avoiding writing TV scripts and screenplays.
  2. The post discusses the theme of irregularity in writing for Substack, highlighting the struggles and difficulties that come with it.
  3. The author offers a 7-day free trial to subscribe to their content on Development Hell, giving access to full post archives.

How I write...

612 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Feedback Substack Blogging
  1. The author received feedback from readers about their content and what topics they want to see covered.
  2. There are many resources available on Substack for growing subscriber numbers and improving content quality.
  3. Readers can access the full content and post archives with a 7-day free trial and subscription.

The Slump

572 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Screenwriting
  1. The life of a screenwriter can be perceived as glamorous and successful from the outside due to the nature of their job in creating stories for TV shows and movies.
  2. Success in the field of screenwriting is often associated with fast cars, swimming pools, mansions, and occasionally awards.
  3. Screenwriting is a unique profession that involves the creation of stories either on speculation or for payment, offering a window into a world that can appear luxurious.

On the importance of writers

671 implied HN points • 28 May 23
📚 Literature
  1. The post discusses the importance of writers and their impact on different subjects and topics.
  2. The author shares a personal opinion about the significance of writers and how their thinking can be helpful to others.
  3. The post encourages readers to subscribe to 'Development Hell' for more insightful content and a 7-day free trial.

Going back to the well...

414 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
📚 Literature Books Inspiration
  1. The post discusses mental refueling and the importance of libraries.
  2. There are multiple book recommendations provided in the post.
  3. The author's brain feels starved of energy and inspiration but has now become voracious for more.

On Fluidity...

375 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Expression
  1. The post discusses the concept of fluidity and the importance of not limiting oneself.
  2. Screenwriters are facing challenges due to strikes in entertainment industry guilds, impacting their ability to work and get paid.
  3. The post invites readers to subscribe to Development Hell for access to full post archives with a 7-day free trial.

Just Do It

612 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Getting things done is not an alternative to getting things done.
  2. Consider using Obsidian to write and organize your work effectively.
  3. Get a 7-day free trial subscription to Development Hell to continue reading and access full post archives.

Introducing the Development Hell Writing Course

612 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. The post introduces The Development Hell Writing Course by Julian Simpson.
  2. Julian Simpson offers insights and promises related to screenwriting in the post.
  3. Readers can access the full post and archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Development Hell.

Introducing Storypunk...

572 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Television Production Newsletter
  1. The post introduces a newsletter called Storypunk that focuses on TV development and production.
  2. The process of TV development and production is portrayed as a challenging and lengthy one.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to access more content on the newsletter, Development Hell.

On naming characters...

513 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
📚 Literature
  1. There are no real rules for naming characters, but it's important to consider the impact of the names chosen.
  2. Naming characters can have lasting effects, so it's worth spending time to find the right fit.
  3. Taking the time to choose meaningful names for characters can enhance the storytelling and reader engagement.

Temple of Art

217 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Documentary
  1. The documentary 'Temple of Art' is worth watching for 90 minutes of joy.
  2. The film features well-known personalities like Ben Folds, Billy Bob Thornton, Kevin Smith, and more.
  3. Consider subscribing to Development Hell for more content and a 7-day free trial.

The Blake House Mystery

493 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
⚔ Fiction Mystery Suspense Investigation
  1. The Blake House Mystery involves the disappearance of a family in 2010, which remained unsolved despite extensive police investigation.
  2. The narrative includes fragments and chronological breadcrumbs that create suspense and intrigue for the readers.
  3. The post offers contextual material and research related to the 'Lovecraft Investigations Season 4,' hinting at an intriguing crossover.

Breaking the Screenplay

236 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing Development Stories
  1. Rules in screenwriting can be flexible and breaking them can lead to creative breakthroughs.
  2. Working on personal projects without external pressure can allow for creative experimentation.
  3. Challenges and frustrations can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities and new directions.

In conversation with Michael Marshall Smith.

335 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Creativity
  1. The post discusses a conversation with Michael Marshall Smith on various topics like writing, television, and the creative life.
  2. The author shares a personal anecdote about discovering a book that caught their attention at a bookstore.
  3. To continue reading the post, there's an option for a 7-day free trial subscription to Development Hell.

New Fiction Worlds

434 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The author shifted from writing and directing in film and television to exploring audio fiction.
  2. Audio fiction opened up new storytelling possibilities for the author despite financial limitations.
  3. The post discusses the author's journey of discovering and engaging with audio fiction as a medium for storytelling.

Too Much Exposition...

197 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing Notes Fiction
  1. Getting feedback on your writing can be both painful and useful, like having your homework marked but for work you care about.
  2. There's always room for improvement in writing, even if you've done your best, because sometimes it takes time for the flaws to become apparent.
  3. Dealing with notes on 'too much exposition' can be frustrating, but it's important to approach feedback with grace, openness, and equanimity.

Pleasant Green website now live.

414 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Pleasant Green website is now live, targeted at Lovecraft Investigations brigade.
  2. The website serves as an experiment in fiction and an opportunity to expand the Pleasant Green universe.
  3. Readers can access full post archives with a 7-day free trial on Development Hell.

Welcome to Development Hell

414 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The post is about the author sharing their thoughts on starting their journey on Substack and the inspiration behind it.
  2. The author invites readers to join and subscribe to their content with a 7-day free trial.
  3. The post also includes links for existing paid subscribers to sign in and access the full archives.

Rip it up and start again

394 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing Creation Discovery
  1. Starting writing with a minimal checklist can work well, often just needing the first scene, main character, tone, and a few story waypoints.
  2. Exploring the story as you write, rather than planning out every detail in advance, can lead to surprising discoveries and maintain the magic of the storytelling process.
  3. While traditional advice suggests detailed structures and outlines, some writers prefer a more flexible approach, allowing them to uncover new aspects of the story as they go.

On writing audio - Action sequences

394 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Audio Writing Creativity
  1. Writing for audio engages the listener actively, sparking imagination and partnership, similar to a novelist-reader relationship.
  2. In audio, the audience is called to conjure visuals in their mind's eye based on the sound cues provided, making it a participative experience.
  3. Subscribing to Development Hell offers a 7-day free trial to access full post archives, encouraging readers to continue exploring audio storytelling insights.

Rolling Up Characters (2015)

375 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
📚 Literature Archives Writing
  1. The post 'Rolling Up Characters (2015)' from the archives holds up pretty well and became a teaching tool for the BBC Writers Room.
  2. The content, though from 2015, has aged well, with just a few dated references.
  3. The writer has given a glimpse of their work from the past to showcase the style of 'Development Hell'.

A few words on motivation, fulfilment, and process...

315 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
  1. The author reflects on the challenges and distractions faced while trying to write a piece on motivation, which resulted in some interesting ideas.
  2. The author talks about the process of developing a writing course and how it can be a challenging yet valuable endeavor.
  3. There's a mention of subscribing to the Development Hell newsletter for full access to the author's post archives.

The Spark File

197 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
  1. A spark file is a great place to jot down ideas, even the fleeting ones, as they may grow into something valuable later on like a good title or phrase.
  2. It's not reliable to solely rely on the brain to remember all ideas since it doesn't have infinite capacity, making it essential to note down ideas for future use.
  3. Keeping a document or notebook for storing ideas can lead to unexpected connections between fragments, resulting in the creation of new stories or projects.

Story Ideas - The First Spark

355 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Ideas Inspiration
  1. Story ideas can come from simple notions like one-line situations or movie loglines.
  2. Initial sparks of ideas need to be developed into robust story concepts in order to create engaging content.
  3. There is no shortage of ideas; the challenge lies in shaping and fleshing out those ideas into compelling narratives.

Why Are You Here? - a few words of discouragement.

335 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
  1. Consider your motivation for pursuing writing as a career - it can be a tough and challenging path.
  2. Be aware that writing for the screen is often a poorly paid job with high competition and rejection rates.
  3. Prepare yourself for years of hard work and rejection if you want to make a living as a writer.

Organising Ideas

315 implied HN points • 11 May 23
  1. Part of the writing process involves organizing ideas before actually starting to write.
  2. It's important to find a balance between organizing ideas and actually writing, as organizing can sometimes become a form of procrastination.
  3. There are various systems and apps available to help organize notes and ideas, but it's essential to find what works best for your own workflow.

On being easy to fire...

315 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Screenwriting
  1. A good story and script that faced difficulties in getting produced for years finally gained traction when the UK script option expired and a US studio showed interest.
  2. Experience taught the author to manage expectations, but the unexpected interest from a studio led to them not only paying for the script but also offering a directing role and immediate production.
  3. Sometimes, situations can unexpectedly turn in your favor, illustrating the importance of perseverance and being ready for sudden opportunities.

In search of collaboration...

256 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
📚 Literature Collaboration Writers Development Creative Process
  1. The post discusses the importance of writers in the creative process and encourages them to advocate for themselves in collaborations with producers.
  2. The author highlights the value that writers bring to the development process and emphasizes the need for them to understand their crucial role.
  3. There is a mention of a free trial for readers to access full post archives and continue reading content on the topic of collaboration between writers and development executives.

On writing software...

177 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Writing software may be seen as boring, but it is necessary.
  2. Before starting a new screenplay, consider exploring alternatives beyond Final Draft.
  3. Subscribing to Development Hell offers access to additional posts and a 7-day free trial.

When it's going badly...

276 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Creativity Coping
  1. Being a writer can have moments of self-doubt and feeling like a disaster, especially when facing a project that seems to have gone terribly wrong.
  2. Writers can be extremely hard on themselves, often internalizing problems with their work as personal failings.
  3. Despite the challenges and self-doubt, subscribing to platforms like Development Hell can provide insights and support in navigating screenwriting catastrophes.

Character Journeys

256 implied HN points • 21 May 23
📚 Literature Character development
  1. Story comes from character, and structure must come from character as well. Mapping out a character's journey gives you the story and the structure.
  2. A compelling story involves a character wanting something, facing obstacles, and going through a journey to overcome them.
  3. A satisfying story not only focuses on what the character wants but also delves into what the character needs.

On stationery

98 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creation
  1. The author prefers Autumn over Summer for creativity and inspiration.
  2. The author uses Substack to publish content about stationery and creativity.
  3. Readers can access more content from the author by subscribing to Development Hell.

Join my new subscriber chat

157 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Julian Simpson is introducing a new subscriber chat feature on his Substack publication Development Hell.
  2. The subscriber chat is a space for exclusive conversations, group chats, and live hangouts for subscribers.
  3. To participate, readers need to join the chat and engage in discussions with prompts and updates from Julian.

Coming soon

78 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🎙 Podcasts Creative Entertainment
  1. Julian Simpson is launching a project called Development Hell focusing on his work in TV, film, and audio production.
  2. The project offers a 7-day free trial to access full post archives and subscriber benefits.
  3. For those interested in Julian Simpson's work, Development Hell provides a platform to engage with his content and projects.

On notes, outlines, and somehow cobbling a script together...

1 HN point • 17 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Notes Creativity
  1. Having a structured note-taking and outlining process can be beneficial, but it's important not to get lost in organizing and planning at the expense of actually writing.
  2. Getting caught up in finding the perfect tools and techniques for note-taking and outlining can lead to procrastination and unnecessary time wastage.
  3. Sometimes, embracing chaos and just starting to write can be more productive than following a rigid and extensive pre-writing process.