This is a personal thread. A lot of young people, most my age and a few younger to me had asked me to share "tips" for aspiring writers. Though, I'm just three years into the industry, I thought I'll share a few pointers and resources on what helped me break in.

I had been writing since I knew what writing meant. It had always been my form of expression. But when it comes to writing as a profession, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

Many ask if film school is a good option to learn screenwriting.

There are only a few good film schools in India. FTII has incredible courses, but its admission process is difficult. Whistling Woods, according to me, is an extremely capitalistic organization which doesn't really offer much.

Having said that, film schools instil a sense of discipline in you. It makes you respect the art more and understand the theoretical part of the art. I had intended on joining FTII but later gave up the thought. Remember, the important thing is to keep a flexible mind.

Often so, what you learn in film school may or may not come in handy when you're actually working. The way our Indian film industry works is very different. If you're unsure of investing a year or two years in a course, that's fine.

The internet is a great place to start.

Here are a few books that might give you a good insight into writing:

1. All the books by Syd Field.
2. Story by Robert McKee.
3. Stephan King on Writing.

But use these books just as a guiding point and not a bible. Learn the rules and then break them.

I, however turn to some incredible YouTube channels whenever I'm stuck.

1. Lessons from The Screenplay.
2. Studio Binder
3. Tyler Mowery.
These folks break down existing films in order to understand many nuances of writing - the story structure, characters etc.

The key is to keep reading and keep writing, even if you feel that whatever you're writing is utter bullshit. The thing to remember is that self-doubt is an I built feeling for writers. You cannot shake that, and that's completely fine. Learn to work around it. I have.

Find your space. Are you afraid that you'll just be a copy of your favourite writer? You won't, trust me. To start, simply pick up your favourite novella and write it as a screenplay. There are hundreds of copyright-free books that you can adapt. Consider it as an exercise.

That brings us to the next question - but how do we structure it?

Though Final Draft is the industry approved application, you don't need to spend 20k on something so soon. (I only bought it after I got a show!)

Celtx is a great app. The free version of it allows you two projects at a time. I had the desktop version of it, that was really good. Otherwise, there's Fade In too. They do the work, nicely. Or just use Word, if you have to. They have a Screenwriting template that does the deed

Now you have an app, you have books and videos you've watched. And you have a blank screen in front of you. Breathe. Don't experiment when you're new. Stick to things you believe in. Stick to places you know. That will give you authenticity.

If I'm someone who hates horror, I can't write it no? If I've never been to Nigeria, I can't write about the world there no? Stick to your home ground. That gives you confidence. Deep dive into your home ground. Write stories around that, and watch it bloom.

People talk about moving out of their comfort zones. Sure, go ahead. Experiment. There's nothing stopping you. But find your space. Shoojit Sircar makes dramas, whereas Vikramaditya creates stories around the spectrum. It's okay. Let the story choose you. And write.

Remember, the first draft will be SHIT. You'll question yourself on why you ever thought you'd become a writer. Remember the second-guessing voices? They'll be extremely harsh. But dont give in. Everyone knows that first drafts suck, but it's better than an empty page.

Now you have your first draft ready. You finished it despite whatever anyone and everyone said. Maybe it took a day, a week, or a few months. It's okay. Smile! You did it. Now what? Firstly, pat yourself on the back. And secondly, the most important thing - find your tribe!

Tribe? Whaaat? Yes, find four people (just four, not more, not less) and send them your script for review. Don't send it to people who will simply appreciate it. Find people across the spectrum. Those who like your genre, those who don't, and two mentors. Get their feedback.

Feedback is vital. Often so, we as writers become so attached to our stories, or the stories are so clear in our head that we don't see the little or gaping flaws. Take feedback, but not all of them.

Remember, YOU are the writer. Be open to critique but don't change things for the sake of it. Pick the ones you think will help your story, and leave the rest. And then, give the story a break for a week. A week or two later, when you revisit it, you'll be objective.

And VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT: Get an SWA membership. Please. Don't send out unregistered work. Ideas are fluid. Many people might have similar ideas (trust me, I've faced it). SWA helps you with some kind of protection for sure, and they also have great workshops for writers.

Keep writing. Keep rewriting. And then, it's time to pitch. Don't send your script to every Tom, Dick and Harry. Think of people you really want to hand over your baby to. Someone who understands your zone. You don't submit drama to RGV na (don't submit anything to them, tbh. )

Something that's equally important for you as a writer or a filmmaker in general is to network. Gone are the days when writers were simply passive folks. No, it's VERY important to network. They get you very, very far! Network without inhibition.

Be shameless. Send friend requests to directors, start conversations on social media, join groups on Facebook. Make yourself seen. I'd been networking before I even knew what it meant. I was 16 and I'd randomly talk to actors, directors and more. It's funny, now that I look back.

But it helped. It always does. Make yourself seen. Create a brand for yourself, no matter how stupid it might seem. I got my first writing job because my boss saw how passionate I was about TV.

Now, back to writing. Many often ask about the route that they should take. "should I assist a writer? Or get a job at a production house?"

As someone who has done both, I'll list the pros and cons of each.

Assisting a writer is difficult, because getting through to a writer who you want to learn from is difficult. I had to pester @historywali for 6 months before I finally started working with her. (what days!)

Again, be shameless. P E S T E R them. Show them you're keen!

When you're working with a writer and you develop a certain bond with them, they will take you on for all projects. Because, once your comfort and writing styles match and they know that you being something to the table, they don't want to let you go. You're getting mentored.

But often so, it's not easy. In those cases, work at a production house. Join their development team. I worked with one for a year. Did it help me? Yes! Why? You're working in an ecosystem where you understand how everything works. How scripts are turned into stories.

It helps you look at the larger picture. You're almost an audience. You realise what networks want, what they don't and how to approach networks when you finally are ready to make your own things. Again, since it's a job, you instil discipline.

Plus, if it's a good production house, you make contacts. The best of both worlds. But many writers don't like working in a company after a while. It feels too restricting. And it's okay. Learn, give it back and leave.

The important thing to remember is to work with different types of creators. The moment you feel you're getting lethargic or there's nothing challenging, leave. Unlike corporates where people pat your back if you've worked somewhere for a decade, it's not the same here.

Remember that, just like other jobs, you will make mistakes. And that's okay, buddy. You're learning. I've made such hilarious fuckups, kya bataau. But at the end of the day, it's beautiful when you see your name on the credit slate.

This brings me to the last bit - PAISAAAAA! Do not undersell yourself, please. I know that it sounds tempting to work with someone great and learn or when you're willing to do anything to get your work out there, remember - producers ke paas bahut paise hote hai. Don't undersell.

When you do, you're making it worse for yourself and others out there. SWA has a minimum rate card on their website, along with sample NDAs and more. Stand your ground, you're a writer and you're worth it.

Keep writing, keep creating magic. Don't let the voices in your head shut you down. Much love!