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Owned by Melissa

StoryTellers Hub

145 members • Free

A community for screenwriters & filmmakers to connect, learn, and craft powerful stories.

You landed. Now what? TKS helps Black women from ESL to life in Korea. Tiers: 1. Community access, podcast 2. Checklists, support 3. Monthly AMAs+

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259 contributions to StoryTellers Hub
Your Screenwriting Manuel
Because Not Everyone Learns the Same Way Webinars, classes, and 1-on-1 coaching aren't for everyone. Some writers don't have the time. Some learn best by reading. Some just want a resource they can keep coming back to. That's exactly why I wrote Piecing Your Script Together. It's everything I've learned over a decade of screenwriting — distilled into 65 pages. A practical, motivating guide that helps you turn ideas into powerful stories. Inside, you'll find proven methods for building a writing practice, developing concepts, world-building, and creating characters that actually resonate. No fluff. No filler. Just the tools you need to craft your best script yet — whether you're starting out or you've been at this for years. Grab your copy NOW!
0 likes • 11h
@Ram Adji I'm excited to hear how it helps you.
General Question
I've been struggling to write dialogues for my characters. I want to be able to write fine dialogue. When I say fine dialogue, I am reminded of the opening of Pulp Fiction, where the the couple is just sitting in the diner and there is nothing but dialogue but it's still so interesting to watch. What's the key to writing fine dialogue?
0 likes • 19h
It comes down to 2 things. 1. Knowing and understanding your character, what motivates them (the good & bad), how they would react to every situation you put them in, and what they are trying to gain (in every scene and with each word they say). 2.Practice, good & great dialogue doesn't just happen. Never expect your first draft or first rewrite to be perfect. You may have to revise your dialogue several times to dial it in. BONUS: 3. Feedback from readers and peers will help you see if the character and their words are the same as they are in your head as they are on paper.
Who's Missing From Your Story?
A decade ago, my niece — who is hard of hearing — led me to produce a horror short about a deaf child whose mother was possessed. It was deeply personal. And it opened my eyes to something the industry still hasn't fixed. Stories centering differently abled people are rare. Hiring differently abled actors and crew is even rarer. We live in a world full of people who look different, move differently, and experience life differently from us — yet we keep writing characters who only mirror our own experience. That's not just a missed opportunity for representation. It's a missed opportunity for better stories. I challenge you: step out of your comfort zone. Include a character who is integral to your story, whose life is drastically different from your own. Do the research. Talk to people. Get it right. You'll be surprised by what it does for your story — and for the community of people who finally see themselves on screen. Who's the character you're not writing because you're afraid to get it wrong? Drop it below. Let's figure out how to write them right.
Self-Distribution Starts With Relationships
A medieval period piece shot in a Queens warehouse with no stars and no distributor found its audience — because the team built relationships before they needed them. They knew exactly who their audience was: NYC film crowds, medieval academics, Episcopal congregations. Not broad categories. Specific communities they could actually reach. Every screening came from years of showing up for others. Their distribution partner was a former colleague. Their publicist was a former colleague. Their poster designer was already a friend. They designed a month-long NYC run across theaters where they had real connections — sold-out shows, merch that sold out, Q&As with moderators who brought their own crowds. They treated each screening as an event, not a transaction. Photo ops, polaroids, and limited in-person merch. Word-of-mouth did the rest. You don't need a studio to find your audience. You need to know who they are, build trust before you need it, and treat your community like collaborators. Who are your core audiences, and what relationships are you building now? Drop it below.
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Next Steps
Screenplays and films should always be planned. You should know your next three steps before you start anything. Our industry is always changing. And having a plan helps you navigate the ever-changing industry. So what are your next steps for your current project? Are you submitting to festivals? Getting feedback from peers and readers. Are you putting a pitch deck together? Are you researching producers or production companies? Are you looking for funding resources are you building your network to share the load. What are you're next steps. Drop them in the comments, and I will leave resources to help you.
2 likes • 5d
@Rachel Simon Hello, and Welcome to the hub. Thanks for sharing your story. When you get a chance, introduce yourself under the Start Here post. It is pinned to the top of the feed. Then, go to the classroom and take a look at the 'Start Here' section. Before you submit, what is your goal for your films? What outcome would you like to happen from submitting? Do you want an agent/manager? Do you want exposure for your film, want a distribution deal, or something else? Once you are clear on the goal for your film, you can tailor your pitch and find the best places to submit. Also, in the classroom, in the Resources Library, you'll find information on festivals and distribution.
1 like • 3d
@Ram Adji You're very welcome. Concept development are where projects come together.
1-10 of 259
Melissa Butler
6
1,324points to level up
@melissa-butler-1674
I'm a ESL Teacher, Screenwriter & filmmaker, living & working in South Korea and creating global content.

Active 11h ago
Joined Aug 24, 2025
South Korea