Diane Lake
@diane-lake.bsky.social
As an American screenwriter [Frida] living in SW France, I enjoy the gorgeous countryside, I bake for relaxation and I travel for inspiration. My cruise ship talks on film, writing and art let me connect with people all over the world.
We've seen plenty of movies that are set on Christmas Day—but what about Christmas Eve? I say we give this holiday more of a spotlight. Take a look at the full post on my Substack and let me know what you think! #screenwriting #writing
Christmas Eve: What’s It All About?
Let's explore why the feeling of anticipation on Christmas Eve is a great premise for a movie.
open.substack.com
December 25, 2025 at 12:41 AM
We've seen plenty of movies that are set on Christmas Day—but what about Christmas Eve? I say we give this holiday more of a spotlight. Take a look at the full post on my Substack and let me know what you think! #screenwriting #writing
Surprise in screenwriting isn't such an elusive concept once you have some real examples to learn from! So what movies have struck you with their originality? From musical romance to biographical drama, these are a few scripts that impacted me. Link to the full post below. #writing #screenwriting
Surprise (Part Three)
If a film ever surprised you on a deep level, ask yourself how the story affected you in such a profound way. To get you thinking, here are three films that did it for me.
open.substack.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Surprise in screenwriting isn't such an elusive concept once you have some real examples to learn from! So what movies have struck you with their originality? From musical romance to biographical drama, these are a few scripts that impacted me. Link to the full post below. #writing #screenwriting
Writing FRIDA was a tremendous experience…and one that keeps on giving. Every time I turn around there’s another Frida souvenir, or homage to her. This morning at our local Boulangerie in Cahors (Les Delices du Valentre) there was a new pastry: Frida. She truly is everywhere.
#bakery #cake #Frida
#bakery #cake #Frida
December 14, 2025 at 10:31 PM
When you become overly focused on your audience, your creativity can suffer. Read my Substack post for insight on how to write something original instead of catering to what you think people want! #writing #screenwriting #audience #surprise
Surprise (Part Two)
You want to surprise your audience, right? Well, it's important to take some distance from that too. So let's talk about how to approach writing from a creativity mindset rather than a marketing one.
open.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 1:25 AM
When you become overly focused on your audience, your creativity can suffer. Read my Substack post for insight on how to write something original instead of catering to what you think people want! #writing #screenwriting #audience #surprise
BEACH CHICKEN…
…and not for eating!
It’s their territory, of course, but they seem quite happy to share it with others.
Now, if only the rest of the world could follow their example…
…and not for eating!
It’s their territory, of course, but they seem quite happy to share it with others.
Now, if only the rest of the world could follow their example…
December 7, 2025 at 7:20 PM
BEACH CHICKEN…
…and not for eating!
It’s their territory, of course, but they seem quite happy to share it with others.
Now, if only the rest of the world could follow their example…
…and not for eating!
It’s their territory, of course, but they seem quite happy to share it with others.
Now, if only the rest of the world could follow their example…
This week, we look to musical theatre as we begin a new series of Substack posts on the importance of surprising your audience! Give it a read at the link below. #writing #screenwriting #surprise
Surprise (Part One)
When was the last time you were surprised at the movies? Let's take a look at what it actually means to surprise an audience—so your work will be one step closer to resonating with more readers!
open.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:13 AM
This week, we look to musical theatre as we begin a new series of Substack posts on the importance of surprising your audience! Give it a read at the link below. #writing #screenwriting #surprise
THE RAINBOW
There it was—from our Caribbean balcony—a rainbow that we were actually ABOVE. Can you see it? It’s barely there. But what a wonder! Travel—it can show you things you might never have imagined, sites you’ll never forget.
#travel #rainbows #ocean #beauty #Caribbean
There it was—from our Caribbean balcony—a rainbow that we were actually ABOVE. Can you see it? It’s barely there. But what a wonder! Travel—it can show you things you might never have imagined, sites you’ll never forget.
#travel #rainbows #ocean #beauty #Caribbean
November 30, 2025 at 4:14 PM
THE RAINBOW
There it was—from our Caribbean balcony—a rainbow that we were actually ABOVE. Can you see it? It’s barely there. But what a wonder! Travel—it can show you things you might never have imagined, sites you’ll never forget.
#travel #rainbows #ocean #beauty #Caribbean
There it was—from our Caribbean balcony—a rainbow that we were actually ABOVE. Can you see it? It’s barely there. But what a wonder! Travel—it can show you things you might never have imagined, sites you’ll never forget.
#travel #rainbows #ocean #beauty #Caribbean
The final challenge is now live on my Substack, Behind the Screen! Check it out and start thinking about how certain details can add dimension to your ideas, helping you transform them into actual stories. #writing #screenwriting #ideas #story #challenge
Challenge #5
In our final challenge, we'll build upon the ideas you generated and use them to create some story beginnings! By the end, you'll have plenty to work with should you choose to continue.
open.substack.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:15 AM
The final challenge is now live on my Substack, Behind the Screen! Check it out and start thinking about how certain details can add dimension to your ideas, helping you transform them into actual stories. #writing #screenwriting #ideas #story #challenge
EXERCISE 62-Voiceover 6
Following the wedding day exercise, Mark and Sue are now on their honeymoon in Fiji. As they’re snorkeling a reef, she decides she really does love him and he decides he wants to leave her. Write their contrasting voiceovers, and the fish they see.
#screenwriting #writing
Following the wedding day exercise, Mark and Sue are now on their honeymoon in Fiji. As they’re snorkeling a reef, she decides she really does love him and he decides he wants to leave her. Write their contrasting voiceovers, and the fish they see.
#screenwriting #writing
November 22, 2025 at 4:13 AM
EXERCISE 62-Voiceover 6
Following the wedding day exercise, Mark and Sue are now on their honeymoon in Fiji. As they’re snorkeling a reef, she decides she really does love him and he decides he wants to leave her. Write their contrasting voiceovers, and the fish they see.
#screenwriting #writing
Following the wedding day exercise, Mark and Sue are now on their honeymoon in Fiji. As they’re snorkeling a reef, she decides she really does love him and he decides he wants to leave her. Write their contrasting voiceovers, and the fish they see.
#screenwriting #writing
Of course, the point of taking notes as a writer is to have them lead to a story—so in this week's challenge, you'll transform those observations from last Wednesday into more developed ideas! #writing #screenwriting #story #observation #setting
Challenge #4
In this challenge, you'll use your notes from last week to create an impetus for 10 different stories. Write whatever comes to mind!
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Of course, the point of taking notes as a writer is to have them lead to a story—so in this week's challenge, you'll transform those observations from last Wednesday into more developed ideas! #writing #screenwriting #story #observation #setting
EXERCISE 61–Voiceover 5
Following last week’s getting married voiceover between Mark and Sue, it’s now their wedding day. Write their internal thoughts in a voiceover that alternates with their spoken marriage vows. He’s gung-ho about the marriage and she’s super negative.
#screenwriting #writing
Following last week’s getting married voiceover between Mark and Sue, it’s now their wedding day. Write their internal thoughts in a voiceover that alternates with their spoken marriage vows. He’s gung-ho about the marriage and she’s super negative.
#screenwriting #writing
November 19, 2025 at 2:00 AM
EXERCISE 61–Voiceover 5
Following last week’s getting married voiceover between Mark and Sue, it’s now their wedding day. Write their internal thoughts in a voiceover that alternates with their spoken marriage vows. He’s gung-ho about the marriage and she’s super negative.
#screenwriting #writing
Following last week’s getting married voiceover between Mark and Sue, it’s now their wedding day. Write their internal thoughts in a voiceover that alternates with their spoken marriage vows. He’s gung-ho about the marriage and she’s super negative.
#screenwriting #writing
This morning’s sunrise from our balcony in St. Thomas. Travel can take us so many places… but the best destination is the one that brings you possibilities. And the dawn of another day? Well, it means all is possible, doesn’t it?
November 17, 2025 at 2:42 AM
This morning’s sunrise from our balcony in St. Thomas. Travel can take us so many places… but the best destination is the one that brings you possibilities. And the dawn of another day? Well, it means all is possible, doesn’t it?
EXERCISE 60 – Voiceover 4
Mark and Sue agree to marry. But internally, she’s sure it’s never going to work and, internally, so is he. So while they have the “rah-rah...we’re getting married” conversation, write their internal voiceovers where they doubt it will work.
#screenwriting #writing
Mark and Sue agree to marry. But internally, she’s sure it’s never going to work and, internally, so is he. So while they have the “rah-rah...we’re getting married” conversation, write their internal voiceovers where they doubt it will work.
#screenwriting #writing
November 15, 2025 at 1:02 AM
EXERCISE 60 – Voiceover 4
Mark and Sue agree to marry. But internally, she’s sure it’s never going to work and, internally, so is he. So while they have the “rah-rah...we’re getting married” conversation, write their internal voiceovers where they doubt it will work.
#screenwriting #writing
Mark and Sue agree to marry. But internally, she’s sure it’s never going to work and, internally, so is he. So while they have the “rah-rah...we’re getting married” conversation, write their internal voiceovers where they doubt it will work.
#screenwriting #writing
How do you go from being inspired by a place to actually using the location for a story? In a continuation of last week's Substack topic, we'll learn how to collect details about setting that'll help you create a narrative. Check out the link below for more! #writing #screenwriting #setting #story
Challenge #3
When you find a place that inspires you, go there and take notes! In this challenge, you'll hone your observation skills (with the plan of eventually using the details you've gathered for a story).
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:00 PM
How do you go from being inspired by a place to actually using the location for a story? In a continuation of last week's Substack topic, we'll learn how to collect details about setting that'll help you create a narrative. Check out the link below for more! #writing #screenwriting #setting #story
EXERCISE 59 – Voiceover 3
More with Mark and Sue from last week: Sue talks to Mark and doesn’t refuse his proposal out loud, but in a voiceover, we hear how he interprets her banter as a refusal and starts making a mental list [his voiceover] of why their marriage would work.
#screenwriting #writing
More with Mark and Sue from last week: Sue talks to Mark and doesn’t refuse his proposal out loud, but in a voiceover, we hear how he interprets her banter as a refusal and starts making a mental list [his voiceover] of why their marriage would work.
#screenwriting #writing
November 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM
EXERCISE 59 – Voiceover 3
More with Mark and Sue from last week: Sue talks to Mark and doesn’t refuse his proposal out loud, but in a voiceover, we hear how he interprets her banter as a refusal and starts making a mental list [his voiceover] of why their marriage would work.
#screenwriting #writing
More with Mark and Sue from last week: Sue talks to Mark and doesn’t refuse his proposal out loud, but in a voiceover, we hear how he interprets her banter as a refusal and starts making a mental list [his voiceover] of why their marriage would work.
#screenwriting #writing
Sometimes the fish in the ocean seem to move as if they've been painted by a contemporary artist. ARE these fish or is this an abstract painting? Are the fish art or is the painting art? Is beauty natural or manufactured? Thoughts to ponder on this blue Sunday...
#fish #snorkeling #oceans #art
#fish #snorkeling #oceans #art
November 9, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Sometimes the fish in the ocean seem to move as if they've been painted by a contemporary artist. ARE these fish or is this an abstract painting? Are the fish art or is the painting art? Is beauty natural or manufactured? Thoughts to ponder on this blue Sunday...
#fish #snorkeling #oceans #art
#fish #snorkeling #oceans #art
EXERCISE 58 – Voiceover 2
Following up on last week’s exercise, as Mark listens to Sue, he mentally argues against her reasons for not getting married. Write those mental arguments—his internal voiceover—that he has as she continues to speak.
#screenwriting #writing
Following up on last week’s exercise, as Mark listens to Sue, he mentally argues against her reasons for not getting married. Write those mental arguments—his internal voiceover—that he has as she continues to speak.
#screenwriting #writing
November 7, 2025 at 11:14 PM
EXERCISE 58 – Voiceover 2
Following up on last week’s exercise, as Mark listens to Sue, he mentally argues against her reasons for not getting married. Write those mental arguments—his internal voiceover—that he has as she continues to speak.
#screenwriting #writing
Following up on last week’s exercise, as Mark listens to Sue, he mentally argues against her reasons for not getting married. Write those mental arguments—his internal voiceover—that he has as she continues to speak.
#screenwriting #writing
Ever visited a place that you just HAD to write about? Well, that's the challenge for this week! If you're ready to dive in, give it a read on Substack. #screenwriting #writing #setting #place
Challenge #2
Whether it's your hometown or a city you once visited, the places you've been can inspire great stories. And if your script needs a setting, sometimes the best thing you can do is to go somewhere!
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Ever visited a place that you just HAD to write about? Well, that's the challenge for this week! If you're ready to dive in, give it a read on Substack. #screenwriting #writing #setting #place
EXERCISE 57 - Voiceover
Mark and Sue are at dinner. He’s just proposed. His phone rings and he takes it. While he’s talking, internally Sue says what she's thinking—that marriage isn't for her—and we HEAR her voice enumerate the reasons. Write what she says [her voiceover].
#screenwriting #writing
Mark and Sue are at dinner. He’s just proposed. His phone rings and he takes it. While he’s talking, internally Sue says what she's thinking—that marriage isn't for her—and we HEAR her voice enumerate the reasons. Write what she says [her voiceover].
#screenwriting #writing
November 4, 2025 at 11:08 PM
EXERCISE 57 - Voiceover
Mark and Sue are at dinner. He’s just proposed. His phone rings and he takes it. While he’s talking, internally Sue says what she's thinking—that marriage isn't for her—and we HEAR her voice enumerate the reasons. Write what she says [her voiceover].
#screenwriting #writing
Mark and Sue are at dinner. He’s just proposed. His phone rings and he takes it. While he’s talking, internally Sue says what she's thinking—that marriage isn't for her—and we HEAR her voice enumerate the reasons. Write what she says [her voiceover].
#screenwriting #writing
EXERCISE 56 - Flashbacks 3
Stuck in L.A. traffic on Halloween, TOM, 35, sees a bunch of kids in costume and flashes back to when he was 7 and got lost on Halloween. Write that flashback scene. See you Tuesday for another exercise!
#screenwriting #writing
Stuck in L.A. traffic on Halloween, TOM, 35, sees a bunch of kids in costume and flashes back to when he was 7 and got lost on Halloween. Write that flashback scene. See you Tuesday for another exercise!
#screenwriting #writing
October 31, 2025 at 10:53 PM
EXERCISE 56 - Flashbacks 3
Stuck in L.A. traffic on Halloween, TOM, 35, sees a bunch of kids in costume and flashes back to when he was 7 and got lost on Halloween. Write that flashback scene. See you Tuesday for another exercise!
#screenwriting #writing
Stuck in L.A. traffic on Halloween, TOM, 35, sees a bunch of kids in costume and flashes back to when he was 7 and got lost on Halloween. Write that flashback scene. See you Tuesday for another exercise!
#screenwriting #writing
This week, I introduce the first in a series of writing challenges in my Substack newsletter. Check it out at the link below and see what you come up with! #writing #screenwriting #prompts
Challenge #1
Looking for some inspiration? Read on for a fall-themed creative challenge—and get ready to craft a new story!
open.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:54 PM
This week, I introduce the first in a series of writing challenges in my Substack newsletter. Check it out at the link below and see what you come up with! #writing #screenwriting #prompts
EXERCISE 55 - Flashbacks 3
JEREMY, 95, is in a hospital bed, dying. A nurse comes in who reminds him of his wife, LANA, long dead, and he FLASHES BACK to when he first met her. Write the flashback scene of their first meeting.
#screenwriting #writing
JEREMY, 95, is in a hospital bed, dying. A nurse comes in who reminds him of his wife, LANA, long dead, and he FLASHES BACK to when he first met her. Write the flashback scene of their first meeting.
#screenwriting #writing
October 28, 2025 at 4:00 PM
EXERCISE 55 - Flashbacks 3
JEREMY, 95, is in a hospital bed, dying. A nurse comes in who reminds him of his wife, LANA, long dead, and he FLASHES BACK to when he first met her. Write the flashback scene of their first meeting.
#screenwriting #writing
JEREMY, 95, is in a hospital bed, dying. A nurse comes in who reminds him of his wife, LANA, long dead, and he FLASHES BACK to when he first met her. Write the flashback scene of their first meeting.
#screenwriting #writing
Key Lime Pie today—one of the easiest pies to make and people go nuts over it. On a rainy day, far from the tropics, you get a little taste of sunny shores and sparkling skies.
#baking #pies #feelgoodfood
#baking #pies #feelgoodfood
October 26, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Key Lime Pie today—one of the easiest pies to make and people go nuts over it. On a rainy day, far from the tropics, you get a little taste of sunny shores and sparkling skies.
#baking #pies #feelgoodfood
#baking #pies #feelgoodfood
EXERCISE 54 - Flashbacks: 2
Think back to when YOU turned 13… and as you watch a friend’s child turn 13, FLASHBACK to your own turning-13-moment and write that scene.
See you Tuesday for another exercise!
#screenwriting #writing
Think back to when YOU turned 13… and as you watch a friend’s child turn 13, FLASHBACK to your own turning-13-moment and write that scene.
See you Tuesday for another exercise!
#screenwriting #writing
October 24, 2025 at 9:44 PM
EXERCISE 54 - Flashbacks: 2
Think back to when YOU turned 13… and as you watch a friend’s child turn 13, FLASHBACK to your own turning-13-moment and write that scene.
See you Tuesday for another exercise!
#screenwriting #writing
Think back to when YOU turned 13… and as you watch a friend’s child turn 13, FLASHBACK to your own turning-13-moment and write that scene.
See you Tuesday for another exercise!
#screenwriting #writing