Digital Book Nook recently caught up with Srivinay Salian, author of “Self-Learner’s Guide to Screenwriting.” We are excited to share this insightful interview with our readers today.
When did you first discover that you enjoy writing and wanted to become a published author?
I had maintained a journal since school days. Story Ideas, Verses, Quotes, whatever popped up in mind, I used to pen it down. My plan was always to become an author. The way I look at it, Screenplays I write for clients, Books I write for myself.
What is your favorite and the most challenging aspect of writing?
The Blank Page has always been my first love. The business aspect of being an independent writer could be daunting at times.
Tell us about your latest release.
As a Writing Coach and the Head of Writer’s Room, I came across many aspiring writers. Working with them, I realized the challenges they were facing with the fundamentals of storytelling. There are many different doctrines suggesting different approaches towards writing. I wanted the writer’s to know that every concept has it’s own pros and cons. It’s up to them to decide how they would like to use the techniques and approaches towards writing. That was when the idea was born, to document the lectures I would give to the young writers.
How did you come up with the title of your book?
I wanted the message to be clear. Self-Learning is a life-long process. No book by itself can be an absolute guide. But it can definitely serve as a starting point. I wanted aspiring writers, to realize, learning never stops, no matter how many milestones one may have crossed.
What do you hope readers are able to get from reading your book?
The book aptly clears misconceptions around most elements of storytelling. Understand how an idea differs from premise. Find out what separates the plot from structure? Learn how to use art and craft to maximize productivity.
The book will help writers unravel your creativity and deliver engaging and impactful stories. Designed to ensure a sustainable career for budding screenwriters, the book offers a blueprint for a sustainable career. The book also delves into various aspects of being a professional screenwriter from business etiquettes, narration tricks, pitch presentation and so on.
The book is divided into following sections: The Writer, The Art, The Craft, The Middle Way, and The Business
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Rudyard Kipling, Ernest Hemingway, Charles Bukowski to name just the few.
Do you have any advice for writers looking to get published?
I want not just writers but all creative professionals to understand this one simple fact. In the Creative domain, experience and age have no value. What matters is imagination and creativity. So, a young writer is just as potent as a seasoned writer, and one should never count oneself less due to lack of experience. Be humble enough to learn from everyone, but also have faith in oneself.
About the Author
Srivinay Salian is a professional screenwriter and filmmaker based in India, with an array of projects to his credit. He’s the writer for India’s first POV feature Film, Rakkhosh, which bagged awards and accolades at various film festivals.
Being a professional writer for over a decade, he has developed a genre-agnostic approach towards storytelling. His projects span across both commercial and off-beat art house cinema content. Given his immense fascination with Philosophy, Psychology, and Poetry, his stories inquire the minds of characters from all walks of life.
His desire to live in an off-the-grid, close-to-nature habitat has eventually drawn him away from the city, from where he works remotely these days. Currently, he is associated with a Film Academy in Mumbai, where he coaches young writers. He recently won the Best Writing Mentor award.
Follow Srivinay Salian: Twitter | Instagram | Website | YouTube
“Self-Learner’s Guide to Screenwriting” is available at Amazon
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