Aspiring to Write: Novels, Screenplays, and Beyond

Many individuals dream of becoming writers, but different genres and types of writing attract varying numbers of aspiring authors. A recent study reveals the following insights:

Popular Writing Aspirations Among Wannabe Writers

Based on a study of individuals aspiring to write, the following table shows the top categories:

Type of Writing Number of Aspirants Novelists 14 Playwrights 9 Screenwriters 21 Scriptwriters 9 Journalists 7 Poets 3 Copywriters 18 Technical Writers 12 Educational Writers 23 Animation Writers 11 Comic Strip and Cartoon Writers 6 Gag Writers for Comedians 2 Translators 8 Ghost Writers 15 Web Content Writers 5 Blog Writers 17 Reporters 4 Critics 1 Writer/Editors 14 Documentary Writers 6 Legal Writers 9 Lyric Writers 13 Film Caption Writers 1

The numbers add up to over 100 because many writers work in various fields, and some professionals are both full-time writers and commercial writers working to briefs.

More Insights

Notable categories include:

Screenwriters: Most in the "wannabe" category. However, it’s crucial to understand that 'screenwriters' rarely write movies. Their primary role is transcribing books or original material into visual form suitable for shooting. Novelists: A significant number of aspiring writers are eager to write novels, often driven by the allure of creating a lasting work of fiction. Copywriters and Educational Writers: Both types attract a substantial number of aspiring writers due to the flexibility and demand in the market.

Types of Screenwriting

Screenwriting is a complex and collaborative process that can involve:

Original Material: Adaptations or new material that will be developed for films, television shows, or other forms of visual storytelling. Script Visualization: Turning the original material into a visual narrative, often with the help of storyboards and graphics. Screenplay: The final shooting script, often crafted by the director, which details everything the actors and crew need to know for filming. Storyboard: Rough sketches and graphics that represent the sequence of shots in a scene. These are used to give a clear visual idea of how a scene should be shot. Previs: An accurate representation of the movie with timing and background elements, often tested with soundtracks.

It’s important to note that screenwriting is often done in teams and is heavily influenced by the director and editor. These professionals refine the script based on their vision and the practical constraints of filmmaking, such as budgets, deadlines, and audience expectations.

Conclusion

The journey to becoming a writer is diverse and multifaceted. Each type of writing offers its unique challenges and rewards. For many, the allure of sharing stories through novels is what keeps them aspiring. However, for those drawn to the excitement and collaboration involved in screenwriting, the journey can be equally rewarding, albeit more collaborative and constrained.

Understanding the different types of writing and the roles within them can help aspiring writers make informed decisions about their path to becoming a published or professional writer.