Blogroll: Neely Swanson

As I've said before, there are countless blogs on scriptwriting, but I link only to those I believe will be most helpful to young writers and those looking to break into the industry.  Enter Neely Swanson's No Meaner Place.

No Meaner Place will highlight writers and writing that for one reason or another have been pushed aside, shoved to the curb, and abandoned; wonderful scripts that have never made it to the big screen or to the small screen in series form.  Some of them were produced to pilot, poorly, some were entirely ignored, some were too original, some were, well who knows what they were…but all of them deserved better fates.

Neely Swanson, former SVP of development for Kelley Productions (David Kelley, that is), reviews scripts worthy of a pick-up that, for whatever reason, never made it into our living rooms.  Posts include her personal review as well as a conversation with the writer(s).  It's not often that you find a positive blog, much less one about Hollywood.  Perhaps it's because I'm a mother, or a Midwesterner, but I'm truly moved by those who volunteer their time to encourage aspiring writers.  Not only does Neely champion writers through her blog but also as an instructor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.  Check out No Meaner Place now.  

And from elsewhere in the blogosphere, check out: 

• A post from Fresh Hell's Kira on the wonderful things that resulted from rewrites.
  

• John August's advice on handling repeating sequences as well as his link to Rob Edwards' post on suggestions for screenwriters working on their first animated feature.
  

• Alex Epstein discussing whether new writers should write specs or pitches/treatments and why you shouldn't worry about the cost of the locations in your spec.