The path to creating a compelling screenplay isn't just about putting words on paper - it's about falling head over heels in love with your story. That's one of the key takeaways from an enlightening masterclass with screenwriter Rowan, who compares writing to marriage: you've got to love it deeply because only that love will get you through the tough times. It's refreshing to hear a professional admit that writing isn't always sunshine and rainbows, but the passion makes it worthwhile.

Getting started with a screenplay is like preparing for a long jump - the run-up is actually more important than the jump itself. Rowan emphasizes that before diving into the actual script, writers need to spend time developing their idea, testing it with trusted listeners, and refining it until it sparkles. He suggests creating a 3-5 page document that captures your story's essence, which is way more manageable than diving straight into a full script.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Rowan's approach is his "floating" technique - a clever way to handle those darling ideas that you love but might not fit perfectly in your story. Instead of killing them off completely (as the old writing advice goes), he suggests keeping them in a sort of creative limbo. They might find their perfect place later, or they might inspire something entirely new. It's like having a safety net for your creative ideas.

The relationship between content and structure comes across as a kind of dance in Rowan's explanation. You need both partners - the what (content) and the how (structure) - to create something meaningful. He breaks down the essential elements that make a story work: a compelling hook, solid turning points, and most importantly, a character's quest that makes the audience genuinely care. His memorable quote, "If you haven't got a quest, the most important thing about your character is what do they want? And why do I give a shit whether they get it or not?" really drives this point home.

Theme emerges as another crucial element in Rowan's toolkit. He introduces the concept of a "dramatic argument" - distilling your entire story into one powerful statement. But what's really cool is his two-winged approach to theme: it needs to work both as an abstract message and as something concrete within the narrative. It's like having a philosophical idea that actually plays out in real (story) life.

Throughout the masterclass, Rowan maintains this perfect balance between practical advice and inspirational wisdom. He's not just teaching techniques; he's sharing a mindset about how to approach the craft of screenwriting. His emphasis on taking responsibility for your own creative journey while embracing the freedom that comes with it is particularly powerful. When he says, "The more responsibility you take for your own life, the more freedom you will have," it feels like he's talking about more than just writing - it's about the whole creative journey.

What makes this masterclass particularly valuable is how Rowan weaves his personal experiences throughout his teaching. He openly shares his struggles and successes with current projects (referred to as Project A and Project N), making the whole process feel more real and achievable. It's like getting a behind-the-scenes look at how a professional writer actually works, complete with all the messy, human moments that make the journey authentic.

For anyone serious about screenwriting, the key message seems to be that success lies in the preparation, the passion, and the persistence to keep refining your work. It's not about waiting for inspiration to strike or hoping for a lucky break - it's about putting in the hard work while maintaining that "insane passion" that got you started in the first place.