EP 316 – Screenwriters, Stop Writing Dialogue Like This

Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier break down one of the easiest ways to spot weak screenwriting: dialogue nobody would actually say. They share practical ways to write more authentic conversations before answering listener questions about first drafts, fixing scenes, formatting flashbacks, and whether a writer should ever give up on the dream.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why generic dialogue can immediately weaken a screenplayHow listening to real conversations can improve your character dialogueWhy every scene needs its own purpose, objective, and forward momentumHow to keep moving when a scene is slowing down your first draftHow to approach flashbacks and scene numbering in a screenplayWhy screenwriting formatting has become less rigid over the yearsWhy your filmmaking career may not look the way you originally imaginedHow writers and directors can start creating with the resources they have right now.Key Moments:01:24 – Breaking down character-driven storytelling in recent movies06:03 – The generic dialogue screenwriters need to stop using10:30 – Kristy's techniques for developing authentic character voices12:36 – What every scene needs to accomplish15:26 – Why Geoffrey stopped using Final Draft16:53 – When should you give up on your dream of writing and directing?19:57 – Redefining what it means to be a writer and director todayAbout the Co-host:Kristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and creative collaborator who works across multiple genres including horror and drama. She has experience in independent film production, writing, and on-set collaboration, and regularly shares insights into the filmmaking process with the screenwriting community.About the Host:With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Indie Gathering International Film FestivalScreenplay dialogue and character developmentFinal Draft screenwriting softwareIndependent filmmakingVertical filmmaking and mobile-first storytellingConnect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantokaWatch Kristy’s vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's Mate.Connect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch Geoffrey's Vertical Thriller: ElsyWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#ScreenwritingPodcast#ScreenwritingTips #Screenwriting #WritingDialogue #Screenplay #Filmmaking #IndieFilmmaker #Scriptwriting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter  #WritingCommunityConnect with GuestInstagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch: ElsyWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslifePlease share this podcast with your community!