Want to get into screenwriting? Here are two scriptwriters’ top tips…

Deborah Davis, Oscar-nominated writer of The Favourite

Seize rejection as an opportunity. Rejection forced me to explore other options. When I began writing creatively, I tried my hand at poetry. I never succeeded in getting one poem published so I moved on. But I believe that the constraints of writing a poem – every word matters – helped me to become a scriptwriter.

Follow the path wherever it takes you. I could never have predicted where The Favourite would lead when I wrote the first draft 20 years ago.

Be strategic, not emotional. Scriptwriting is a business and you must learn to play the game. Acquire an easy, friendly persona who can brush off rejection with humour. No one likes to be made to feel guilty or they’ll run a mile.

Be contrary and don’t try to fit in. I don’t think you can be a writer if you fit in. Being contrary influences your ideas, the way you see the world and your ability to hang on when everyone is telling you to give up!

Get out of your garret and learn about the world. It doesn’t matter where you work or volunteer. You will be exposed to the dynamics of power and how humans behave towards one another.

Rachel De-lahay, award-winning playwright and screenwriter

Read as many scripts as possible – especially those of films you love. Notice what was cut, what stayed, and query why.

Plan your work so you have a framework to get lost in. Write the fun bits first. Be kind to yourself – set small rewards for along the journey. This is your story, told your way. Enjoy that to its fullest.

Park your completed script for as long as possible so that when you return to it, it’s with fresh eyes.