A common question while writing screenplays is “am I taking too long to write my script?” Getting hung up on a time limit can hinder the creative process and cause unneeded frustration. The answer to this question, simply put, is no. If you do not have a deadline, whether it be from a production house, a festival, a contest, or any other type, there is no “taking too long”. The main factor of writing an effective script is creativity. Any writer will tell you that creativity can come in bursts, but sometimes those bursts don’t happen in a matter of days, or even weeks. Let it happen organically, and try not to harp on how long the creative process may be taking. Another key factor of script writing is preparation. Prep work such as research, outlining, and basic character development, can often be a long, and sometimes painful process, however, the importance of solid preparation cannot be overlooked. Writing a script is a very creative and personal journey, and unless you, the writer, have some sort of deadline, whether real or self inflicted, then there should be no time table on the creative process. Don’t force your script, nurture it.