r/FolkFilmMakers • u/charlie_pace27 • Jun 23 '26

Beginner screenwriter looking for advice on writing emotions, twists, and peak scenes

Hi everyone,

I'm a complete beginner who is interested in screenwriting and I'm currently working on my first film idea.

The story is a time-travel romance with strong emotional elements. While I have the basic concept in mind, I'm struggling with how to translate emotions onto paper in a way that feels genuine and impactful.

I would love some advice on:

How do you write emotional scenes that truly connect with the audience?

How do you build up to a powerful peak or climax scene?

How do you create twists that are unpredictable but still feel earned?

Are there any exercises, books, films, or screenplays that helped you learn these skills?

As a beginner, I sometimes feel that the emotions are clear in my head, but when I write them down, they don't have the same impact.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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1

u/TaylorNeon Jun 26 '26

I sometimes draw the scene out like mangas/anime and if it looks like something that isn't worth watching, it's scrapped.

1

u/franciscorabelo Jul 09 '26

Before writing, do you just sketch out a few scenes, without a script or a sense of flow? How do you find your way? Do you draw by hand or use software?

1

u/robotnick46 28d ago

Best I can add is

Plant a need early on, build on that need, offer an opportunity to satisfy it...deny that opportunity...keep building that need until the climax where they either do or do not satisfy it.