If you’re like me, it probably takes you a while to find your flow when you sit down to write. I don’t consider this a bad thing as it usually takes me around 20 minutes to really align myself both mentally and physically to write the story I want to tell … if it were an on / off switch, everyone would be doin’ it, right?

This said, some days it does take longer for what ever reason. I can literally spend an hour getting ready, setting up my workstation, reviewing what I have so far, and preparing for the next stage!

When I find myself in situations like this, I found that using a “script taxi” is a great way to get you rolling in the right direction.

What’s a “script taxi?”

A “script taxi” is any completed screenplay you can use as a model while writing your own. For example, if you’re not sure how to open your first scene, you could use your script taxi to model an opening after the one in your taxi.

This enables you to start writing as soon as you’re settled, which builds momentum, courage to continue, and motivation.

Of course, this method is for those writing early drafts — in other words, those who know they’ll be editing the scenes later.

The overall idea behind the taxi is that you can skip the slow build and warm up time that usually takes place just before you enter your flow.

If this sounds like you, and you’re having particular trouble with the creation of sluglines, you might also want to look into How to Write Screenplay Sluglines