Mastering Dialogue doesn't have to take 10,000 hours.
We’ve all heard Malcolm Gladwell’s famous rule: it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill.
If you’re writing full-time, that’s roughly 5 years.
But if you’re like most screenwriters, working part-time, it could take a decade.
Do you really have 10 years to spend mastering dialogue? Probably not.
Here’s the thing: some professional readers don’t even bother with the action. They skim it and focus on your dialogue.
Why? Because your dialogue is their litmus test—it’s how they decide if your script is worth their time.
That’s why mastering dialogue isn’t just a skill—it’s your key to survival as a screenwriter.
Writing Great Dialogue: A Mini-Course for Busy Screenwriters is here to show you how to write dialogue that leaps off the page and keeps readers turning pages.
I'm James Hurst, a screenwriter with 25 years experience, who's written close to 50 produced scripts of award-winning TV.
I've designed this course for screenwriters on the go. It takes everything I learned as a professional screenwriter and boiled it down to short, actionable lessons and tools you can use to write dialogue that stands out, no matter how busy your schedule.
Coming Soon
Why "Writing Great Dialogue" Will Transform Your Screenwriting
Master the Art of Dialogue Without the Overwhelm
- This course provides you with bite-sized, practical lessons that fit into your busy schedule.
Write Dialogue That Hooks Decision-Makers
- In a world where some professional readers focus primarily on dialogue, learning to craft powerful, authentic lines can be the difference between getting noticed or overlooked.
Gain Industry-Level Tools from an Award-Winning Screenwriter
- Learn the top techniques used by James Hurst, a Peabody Award-winning writer with over 25 years of experience on shows like Degrassi, Flashpoint, and Wynonna Earp.
Write Dialogue That Actors Love to Perform
- Learn to write with performance in mind, giving actors the tools to bring your characters to life with emotional depth.
Turn Your Characters Into Memorable Voices
- Discover how to give each character a unique voice and craft quotable lines that resonate beyond the page.
Create Tension and Conflict That Elevates Your Story
- Uncover the secrets behind dynamic conflict and how to make every line carry weight by focusing on the consequences, not just the stakes.
Learn How to Craft Dialogue That Feels Real and Authentic
- Master the subtle techniques of writing dialogue that sounds natural, ensuring your characters' lines are both believable and impactful.
James Hurst is a Toronto-based screenwriter, creator, and showrunner.Â
James has written almost 50 produced episodes of TV for notable series like Hardy Boys, Being Erica, Flashpoint, Wynonna Earp and more.
A 2011 Peabody Award winner, CSA Showrunner of the Year nominee, two time Gemini nominee, two time Canadian Screenwriting Award winner and five time nominee, James has worked for Netflix, Hulu, CBS, Fox, NBC, BBC America, Teen Nick, CBC, Bell and UKTV. Â
