The Craft of Screenwriting: Writing Decisions, Not Events
One of the clearest differences between an amateur story and a professional one can be found in the relationship between the protagonist and the plot. In weaker stories, events hap
The Craft of Writing – The Invisible Language of Story: How Visual Motifs Shape Emotion Without Saying a Word
When writers discuss storytelling, the conversation usually centers on plot, character, dialogue, or structure. We spend countless hours debating three-act structure, character arc
The Craft of Writing: Story Momentum Is Built From Consequences
One of the most common questions writers ask is surprisingly difficult to answer in a single sentence. “How do I keep my story moving?” The answers they receive are usu
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.
