Do you ever get bored of playing the same old Sims card game? Has watching the same old TV shows become stale? Do you want to become the best writer in the world, but struggle with the little blue letters on the screen? Learning to write isn’t easy, and it can be very frustrating to watch videos and try to imitate what you see. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to learn how to write directly on your screen? Well, there is a way, and it’s called Sims 3!
What is Sims 3?
Let’s take a step back for a second. What is The Sims? The Sims is a popular game developed by Simplexity, and it was first released in 2005. The Sims allows players to build a virtual world, and engage with other players via networks. In 2018, the game had over 125 million monthly active players worldwide (Statista, 2018). The game is set in a town, where you can build your own house, interact with other players, and determine which tasks your Sims will perform. You can also take on jobs, manage your finances, and more!
The Sims was originally designed for PC, but it has also been ported to mobile and tablet devices. The game is freely available for download, and is supported by an active and engaged community. If you’re looking to improve your writing skills, and don’t want to rely on anyone but yourself, then this article is for you! Let’s get into it.
What Is Writering?
Before we begin, it’s important to note that not all writing is created equal. When speaking with experts in the field, it’s important to keep in mind that there are several types of writers; each with their own unique style and set of skill-sets. For the purposes of this article, we will be referring to screenwriting (or film writing) as ‘writing for movies’, and TV scriptwriting as ‘writing for TV’.
Writing for movies and TV is a varied and unique skill, which requires you to take into consideration many factors. From the type of character you will be playing (such as a vampire or werewolf), to the style and tone of the film or show you are writing for (such as the superhero-genre, or a dark comedy). In some instances, you may have to consider the location of the shoot (i.e. a sound stage, or a mansion with a pool). Knowing where to look for inspiration is key to becoming a successful screenwriter.
How Do I Start?
There are several ways to get started. The first thing you could do is join a writers’ group. Many local libraries and community centers host writing groups, which you can join. Joining a group of writers will provide you with some much-needed inspiration, and also expose you to new ideas and opportunities. You can find groups in your local library, or search on Meetup.com to find a group that suits your interests.
Another way to get started would be to watch and critique movies and TV shows. If you’re fortunate enough to live near a major city, there will be many opportunities to watch movies and TV shows, and join the conversation via forums, or social media. Most cities also have a film group that you can join. Some of these groups provide free training, and give you the opportunity to pitch ideas and concepts for new movies and TV shows. Joining a film group is an excellent way to get started. You can find them on Meetup.com, or at your local library.
If you’re looking to become a screenwriter, then you have to consider what software you will be using. Most reputable screenwriting software comes with a free trial, so you can test it out, and see how it works for you. It’s also a good idea to download the trial version of the software on multiple devices, so you can access it from any location. Using a PC, Mac, or mobile device, you can write, rewrite, and polish scripts with ease. You don’t want to be locked out of your work, due to a lack of storage space on your device. It’s also a good idea to back up your scripts regularly, in case something happens to them. On that note, a hard drive isn’t the best choice for storing scripts, as the external storage space can be removed, or lost. A cloud-based solution such as Google Drive, Amazon Drive, or Dropbox is a much safer option.
Do I Need A Master’s Degree?
While a Bachelor’s degree in English can get you pretty far in the field, it’s not absolutely necessary. A lot of successful screenwriters did not graduate from college. It is, however, a good idea to have one, as it can set you apart from the competition. A Master’s degree in applied linguistics can also open up a whole new world of words and phrases, which you can use in your scripts. A lot of Hollywood executives and producers, as well as top-tier talent agencies, routinely look for applicants with a masters degree. It can also put you ahead of the competition, and give you the opportunity to prove yourself, rather than just showing up, toiling away, and hoping for the best.
If you’re looking to become a screenwriter, then the qualifications are pretty much endless. All you need is a desire to learn, and the willpower to follow through on your endeavors. With the information presented here, you should have no trouble whatsoever in getting started. Good luck out there.