Constraints:
- Create a script of fewer than or exactly 10 pages

- Only use descriptive actions

​

Process:

1) Brainstorm a story users could picture

2) Find the emotional focal point

3) Draft, proof, repeat
 

Brainstorm: I wanted to tell a story that was about a human and their unexpected pet. Dogs are expressive in their actions and I've spent a lot of time around dogs as a dog-sitter. They're perfect characters for a non-dialogue narrative and fun to imagine. 
 

Focal Point: I wanted readers to feel Lara's frustration with a new puppy (Ace) but empathize with her difficulties living on her own and trying to be a remote student. Most importantly, I wanted to tell a story about a creature that can change someone's life for the better, even if it's not something they want firsthand.

​

Draft: I used a whiteboard to create an arc for the character, Lara, and how acquiring Ace would change her, her behavior, and well-being. Drawing from personal experience, I used more of my imagination to funnel the emotional beats of the story.
 

After drafting the beats, characters, and storyline, I wrote brief summaries of each sequence, using only 1-3 sentences to describe what was happening, or what should be happening for the beats to function. It was important for showing the action and reactions in a logical and entertaining way. 
 

Then I sent this for proofreading to a friend, who also loves dogs. They gave me feedback on where moments were impactful, what was confusing, which moments were boring etc. and I returned to edit the storyline.

 

Shortly afterward after a few more edits and sequence-editing (re-arranging, deleting, editing scenes), I had my first rough draft and about 1.5 weeks had passed. The following 1.5 weeks were writing the actual script as you see it now.

 

f I were to write a second draft, I would focus on more moments Lara has with Ace, showing that bond that only a dog and human can have.

​

Scenes like trying to train a puppy and being embarrassed when your dog humps other dogs, or pees on the training floor. Or trying to chase them out of the kitchen when they snag your leftovers.

​

​

Above is the final and full script.