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There's certainly no shortage of advice on how to write screenplays and corporate media scripts these days. Most of it is good, sound advice-based on proven principles. Knowing the rules is important. But it's equally important to know when to break a rule. As writing coach Donald Murray puts it: "writing to avoid failure guarantees mediocrity."
A characteristic of creative individuals and the creative process is the willingness to take risks. It may be wise to be risk-averse when making financial investments. Writers, however, need to be willing to take chances in their writing. You ought to know the rules first, of course. But you also need to trust your gut. Taking a risk often results in a surprising outcome-and good writing surprises. (Often, the writer is the first one to be surprised.)
Learn your craft, but listen to your instincts. Sometimes on reflection, you'll decide the experiment doesn't pan out. That's how we learn and grow as writers. But when you catch "lightning in a bottle," you find your script springs to life on the page.
So go ahead-write that flashback. I dare you.
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