In this lost episode from the archives, I sit down with the legendary screenwriting guru Linda Seger, author of Making a Good Script Great and a true pioneer of the script consulting profession. We dive deep into her decades of experience shaping stories, her approach to theme, structure, subplots, and images, and why great screenwriters are seekers of the human condition. Linda also shares insights on her new book How to Write Great Dialogue and what continues to inspire her after consulting on thousands of scripts.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Linda Seger created the career of script consulting in Hollywood
The importance of images and visual thinking in screenwriting
Why subplots give your story dimension and depth
How to approach rewrites with purpose and focus
Tips for mastering dialogue and emotional shifts in scenes

Key Moments:

(00:23) Linda’s groundbreaking journey into script consulting
(03:16) The power of images in storytelling
(06:39) Scene sequences vs. random scenes
(08:44) Why theme and central questions matter
(15:26) Breaking down the value of subplots

About the Guest:
Linda Seger is one of the world’s foremost script consultants, credited with creating the profession itself. She has consulted on over 2,000 scripts, worked with A-list directors like Ron Howard, and written numerous influential books on screenwriting, including Making a Good Script Great and How to Write Great Dialogue.

About the Host:
With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level. Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Making a Good Script Great by Linda Seger
How to Write Great Dialogue by Linda Seger & John Winston Rainey
Seger Notes (film breakdown articles)

Connect with Linda Seger:

Website: lindaseger.com

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

If you enjoyed this lost episode with Linda Seger, please like, share, and review the show. Don’t forget to subscribe for more industry insights and inspiration.

#Screenwriting #LindaSeger #ScriptConsulting #WritingTips #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter

Explore Free Resources & Membership

👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.

Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.

Connect with Geoffrey
📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod
▶️ YouTube: The Successful Screenwriter

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

Survivor 49 Preseason Interview: Nicole Mazullo