Young screenwriters are always very frustrated when they talk to me. They say, 'How do we get to be a screenwriter?' I say, 'You know what you do? I'll tell you the secret, it's easy: Read 'Hamlet.' You know? Then read it again, and read it again, and read it until you understand it. Read 'King Lear,' and then read 'Othello.'
Interpretation
To become a great screenwriter, immersive reading of classic literature is essential.
This quote emphasizes the importance of foundational literary knowledge for aspiring screenwriters. By advocating for the close study of Shakespeare's works, John Logan suggests that understanding complex characters and narratives found in these timeless plays is crucial for writers who wish to develop their craft and storytelling abilities.
In practice
A workshop on screenwriting techniques could include a discussion on the importance of classical literature.
Personally speaking, growing up as a gay man before it was as socially acceptable as it is now, I knew what it was to feel different, to feel alienated and to feel not like everyone else. But the very same thing that made me monstrous to some people also empowered me and made me who I was.
Because we are denied knowledge of our history, we are deprived of standing upon each other's shoulders and building upon each other's hard earned accomplishments. Instead we are condemned to repeat what others have done before us and thus we continually reinvent the wheel. The goal of The Dinner Party is to break this cycle.
Children need models rather than critics.
Teachers teach because they care. Teaching young people is what they do best. It requires long hours, patience, and care.
There's a part of me that's trying to represent kids that don't necessarily have the same outlet that I have. I'm not looking towards a new demographic. I'm looking towards the demographic I came from.
Good writers are those who keep the language efficient. That is to say, keep it accurate, keep it clear.
I love librarians more than any other people in the world. When I was an immigrant kid, they’ve made me feel like a human being and they gave me books that taught me English.
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