Are rules in script writing for good or for evil?

What types of stories am I working on now?

The late Blake Snyder claimed that there are only ten types of stories. Which of these fit my two stories?

Now, one must halt and consider: Am I writing a template script when I need to ask this question? I would say no, and yet… yes.

To say that it becomes a template script because it follows given rules is harsh. There are plenty of excellent movies out there who all fit into any of the ten types, and also match Syd Field’s ideas about structure.

But of course it is healthy to once in awhile inspect if I feel I’m limiting myself and my stories by the rules.

I do however feel that I am doing the right thing.

Let’s say I write a story about a monster eating humans. I’ve figured this story out all by myself and write it down as my new masterpiece, thinking that reading anything about this type of story would ruin my intentions.

I would not be the first writing a story about a monster eating humans. And with the attitude about not examine earlier work in the genre, I would likely miss that this type of story only works if the humans cannot leave the area. Maybe I would even miss that it is quite vital that this monster must be caused by humans, one way or another.

These rules are built from simple analysis which movies worked and which didn’t.

As long as I feel that the stories I write fit into any of the ten types Blake Snyder listed, then I will use the experiences of previous works to explore and enhance my own fabulous work.

So, where was I? Oh, yes: what types of stories am I working on now?