The Craft of Writing: Story Ideas — Where Great Stories Begin
Every writer wants a great idea, but most writers misunderstand what that actually means. A great idea is not simply something that sounds interesting. It is something that can sus
The Craft of Screenwriting: Genres
Not long ago, genre films were often dismissed as B-movies—low-budget, formula-driven stories designed to fill space on a studio’s release schedule. That perception is long gon
The Craft of Writing: Theme — The Meaning of Your Story
Theme is often misunderstood because writers try to define it too quickly. They look for a sentence. A message. A statement that explains what the story “means.” But theme is n
The Craft of Screenwriting : Suspense and Tension
Suspense and tension are not optional elements in storytelling. They are the force that pulls an audience through a scene, through a sequence, and ultimately through an entire stor
The Craft of Writing: Why Strong Female Characters Matter (And Why Most Writers Still Get Them Wrong)
Strong female characters should be well- rounded with the same hopes and desires that you would expect from male characters
John Risner
John Morgan Risner is a screenwriter, novelist, and story analyst, and the founder of Screen Writer Ink. With over a decade of experience teaching screenwriting and filmmaking at the university level, he has helped writers develop stronger stories through a focus on character, structure, and cinematic storytelling. His work spans multiple genres, including thriller, horror, and mystery, with an emphasis on character-driven narratives. He is also a film historian with a deep knowledge of classic and modern cinema, including the James Bond films and novels. Through Screen Writer Ink, he provides writers with practical, experience-based insight into the craft of storytelling—helping them move beyond theory and write with clarity, purpose, and control.
