Jul 28 • General discussion
The Pressure To Be Great Now
In this piece from No Film School, legendary filmmaker Richard Linklater shares his refreshing take on screenwriting—one that challenges the pressure to "make it big" fast. Instead, Linklater champions the slow burn of writing what you care about, even if it’s quiet, simple, or unconventional.
Here are some takeways:
- Write from your own world — you don’t need a massive plot twist or action sequence to make something meaningful.
- Characters over plot — let people and conversation drive the story, not just events.
- Trust the process — good stories don’t always start with structure. They often begin with a vibe, an idea, or a moment you want to explore.
- Be patient with yourself — your best work may take time. And that’s okay.
He reminds creatives that you don’t need permission to tell your story, and that sometimes, the best ideas come when you’re not trying to be “great”—you’re just being true.
If you’ve ever sat down to write or create and thought, “Is this even good enough?” — this is your sign to keep going.
Richard Linklater’s advice isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present and honest with your story.
Check out the full article if you are looking for more of a deep dive. You won't regret it.
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The Pressure To Be Great Now
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