Say no more! I'm in!

Surround yourself with others who are as passionate and determined as you.

Everyone tells you that writing is lonely, right?

Here is something I learned over the years:

That’s a choice.

Writing doesn’t have to be lonely at all.

Sure, there’s a point where it’s just you and the blank page, but being alone and lonely aren’t the same.

There are other talented people who know what you’re going through. They understand the trials of such an ambitious pursuit.

They understand the frustration of story problems that seemingly can’t be solved and the joy of actually solving them. Sometimes in a way better than you ever imagined.

They understand that screenwriting is mostly, "no," but one single "yes" is all it takes.

Screenwriting is challenging through every phase. It’s challenging when you first decide to pursue it. It’s challenging after your first option, your first sale, and your first production.

But it’s a lot easier with like-minded people supporting you and rooting for you every step of the way.

If you're serious about your screenwriting, Story and Plot Pro is the place for you.

Surround yourself with others who are as passionate and determined as you.

Everyone tells you that writing is lonely, right?

Here is something I learned over the years:

That’s a choice.

Writing doesn’t have to be lonely at all.

Sure, there’s a point where it’s just you and the blank page, but being alone and lonely aren’t the same.

There are other talented people who know what you’re going through. They understand the trials of such an ambitious pursuit.

They understand the frustration of story problems that seemingly can’t be solved and the joy of actually solving them. Sometimes in a way better than you ever imagined.

They understand that screenwriting is mostly, "no," but one single "yes" is all it takes.

Screenwriting is challenging through every phase. It’s challenging when you first decide to pursue it. It’s challenging after your first option, your first sale, and your first production.

But it’s a lot easier with like-minded people supporting you and rooting for you every step of the way.

If you're serious about your screenwriting, Story and Plot Pro is the place for you.

Why Community?

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LEARN FROM EACH OTHER

In a community, you don’t just learn from one teacher. You learn from each other. This is most obvious when one member’s project faces obstacles, and everyone learns from the solutions. But it also includes the life experiences unique to each of us. Each person has different strengths and points of view for you to draw upon. While each member will have their own goals, we all share the goal of getting better.

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ENCOURAGEMENT

A screenwriting career is a marathon. It’s ups and downs. Whether you call it resistance, or The Dip, there will be moments when forward momentum feels like a slog. When that happens, wouldn’t it be nice to have some people on your team? People who have been there, know how you’re feeling and want you to succeed? Maybe even some friendly competition reminding you that if they can do it, you can do it, too.

ACCOUNTABILITY

As William Goldman said, “The easiest thing to do on earth is not write.” We all know the drill. That bathroom isn’t going to clean itself, right? Sitting alone, we can find a hundred reasons not to push ahead. But we know that making commitments to others increases our chances of achieving our goals. In Story and Plot Pro, you’re not just counting on your fellow members. They’re counting on you.

Learn from a PRO

I’m Tom Vaughan. I've written screenplays professionally for 27 years and taught the subject for nearly as long.

Story and Plot Pro is the focus of my teaching these days.

My goal is to help you achieve your screenwriting ambitions. And this membership is designed from the ground up to help you do that.

Story and Plot Pro is for the most devoted of screenwriters.

The backbone of the membership is the eight formally scheduled classes every quarter. These aren’t just the normal curriculum of screenwriting fundamentals either. Those are important, and it’s why MASTERING STRUCTURE and IDEA TO OUTLINE are required, but…

This membership is about developing professional-level material to sell or produce.

It’s about creating the screenplay you always wanted to write, the one that jumpstarts your career.

What would the opportunity mean to you to develop a new screenplay with someone who has done it professionally for 27 years?

We won’t be just developing your project. You'll follow my progress as I develop mine, too. I’ll be sharing my current work every step of the way, right alongside yours and everyone else’s.

While the eight classes are front and center, the membership and everything surrounding it might be an even better value. The membership is where l share every new thing I learn and encounter in this business, and we encourage every member to do the same.

I am active on the boards daily, answering questions and pushing you forward every step of the way.

There are weekly events, guest interviews, and script readings. Even virtual events that are designed solely for camaraderie. All while the entire membership curates the best free resources out there to share with the group.

Best of all, we will be doing all of this together.

Find your screenwriting superpower faster. Become a member.

Count me in!

Why not just teach another screenwriting class?

To be honest, I wanted something more.

I have been teaching primarily introductory classes for the last few years, including my current courses at The University of Houston. I still love seeing light bulbs go off with these core concepts, but for my private training, I wanted something deeper.

I want to help writers develop material. I want the relationships and creative energy I had experienced twice before, once as a teacher and another as a student.

SWAMP AT 3400 MAIN STREET - HOUSTON

These were the original Story and Plot weekly classes. Eight of us met every Monday night, and we developed some fantastic material. It was a generous, creative group. We laughed hard, and we learned. I learned how to teach, and they learned how to write screenplays, and I certainly got better as a writer, too.

Fifteen years later, we still talk, grab drinks, and watch each other’s kids grow up. It remains a favorite chapter in my creative life.

IMPROV BOOT CAMP - LOS ANGELES

Improv was my creative community in Los Angeles. Boot Camp was four times a week from noon-2pm. I was among 24 revolving students with some of the best coaches and teachers I’ve ever worked with. We did terrific work, I learned a new craft, and I made friends that I still have today.

There is something unique about learning a creative endeavor in the safety and support of a group. This is especially true when learning a craft that's all about emotion. Within this collaborative learning, individuals tap into a wealth of resources, experiences, and support.

These weren’t just classes. They were communities. And this is what I want from Story and Plot Pro.

A thriving community, a collective journey, and a hands-on masterclass in the art and craft of screenwriting.

Sometimes, the shortest way there is the scenic route.

Let's Review

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GROUP LEARNING

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ENCOURAGMENT

ACCOUNTABILITY

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BUILT TO BE SMALL


Two class days. Your pick.

This quarter we will offer both a Tuesday class and a Saturday class. No matter which class you sign up for, you will all be a part of the same online community, and you can make up for any class you miss on another day.

Story and Plot Pro is for advanced screenwriters who are already familiar with our vocabulary and our methodology. Because of this, both the Mastering Structure Course and the Idea To Outline course are prerequisites.

If you have not enrolled in these courses, but wish to enroll in Story and Plot Pro, you can enroll in the bundle HERE.

Tuesday Class

  • 8 live group classes each quarter ($497 value)
  • Membership to the Story and Plot Pro Community.
  • 30-minute one-on-one onboarding Zoom call. ($99 Value)
  • First 10 Page notes ($199 value) and hot seat sessions.
  • 25% off all full screenplay consultations ($148 value)

The Tuesday Schedule

May 13, 2025, 630pm CST
May 20, 2025, 630pm CST
June 3, 2025, 630pm CST
June 17, 2025, 630pm CST
June 24, 2025, 630pm CST
July 8, 2025, 630pm CST
July 15, 2025, 630pm CST
July 22, 2025, 630pm CST

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$497

I'm in for Tuesday!

Saturday Class

  • 8 live group classes each quarter ($497 value)
  • Membership to the Story and Plot Pro Community.
  • 30-minute one-on-one onboarding Zoom call. ($99 Value)
  • First 10-page notes ($199 value) and hot seat sessions.
  • 25% off all full screenplay consultations ($148 value)

The Saturday Schedule

May 17, 2025, 12pm CST
May 24, 2025, 12pm CST
June 7, 2025, 12pm CST
June 14, 2025, 12pm CST
June 21, 2025, 12pm CST
July 12, 2025, 12pm CST
July 19, 2025, 12pm CST
July 26, 2025, 12pm CST

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$497


More About Me

If you qualify for Story and Plot Pro, you know who I am. But if not, here is a little of my history: I started out in theatre as an actor and a playwright before turning to screenwriting. I have written screenplays professionally for about 27 years now and I have been teaching for nearly as long.

My seventh film was WINCHESTER, starring Helen Mirren, which was released theatrically in 2018. My next film, THE QUEEN MARY was release in 2023 and the plan is to see my ninth film DADDY'S GIRL go into production this fall.

I have worked on assignment as a screenwriter at Phoenix Pictures, TNT, MTV Films, Castle Rock Entertainment, ABC, NBC, CBS, Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures, Disney, and more. I have developed screenplays for Matthew McConaughey, Nicolas Cage, Barry Sonnenfeld, Chow-Yun Fat and many others.

I am a damn good writer, but I am an even better teacher. One of my proudest accomplishments is teaching and designing the screenwriting curriculum for my beloved alma mater, The University of Houston.

The best investment in your screenwriting you'll ever make.

Become a member now

© 2023 Story and Plot

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