Lessons in Adapting a Novel to Screen

It has been an interesting two months and I still feel we have not got anywhere in adapting my novel to screen. Everytime it appears that it's over in a couple of days but it simply stretches longer and longer. Anyway these are what I learned so far. Will add to it as we go along.

) The novel was very heroine centric and the hero appeared only in patches - had to create hero story parallelly and fill in gaps

2)To think in terms of action, of external instead of internal dialogue

3) To be more out there, make everything big, not subtle and unsaid, expecting then to understand, hit it hard and big

4) To think metaphor alongside, to add layers

5) For non linear narrative to figure how to reveal the story in little well thought out bits so it all adds up in the end

6) To check the actual story and break it down in terms of scenes ... And then see if it makes sense as a film

7) To check scenes and apply filters of Conflict, Stakes, Goal and Value Change and change accordingly.... it's important to keep it going

8) That each scene comes to life when you put yourself in the shoes of the character as you search for conflict

9) That there are many characters and each can contribute to the scene if one can use them right, each brings a new dimension

10) That each layer needs to be addressed differently - structure, drama, humour, conflict, metaphor, setting, music, songs

11) That despite getting all the scenes together, the whole should hold true to the actual premise, the actual emotion should hold and entertain

12) To bring in new characters who may not be part of the original story but who will help in taking the story forward

Well, that's it for now. But will certainly organise it better and add to it as I go along.