In screenwriting a parenthetical is often called a “wrylie” — spelled with the “ie” ending instead of “y” to differentiate it from the traditional meaning of wryly. They are closely related.

Parentheticals are used as direction “shorthand” for a character’s dialogue. It’s put in parenthesis under the character’s name.

Joe
(wryly)
Oh, sure, I believe you.

Apparently screenwriters used to use “wryly” often, hence the name “Wrylie” for a parenthetical. Wrylies are often overused or misused (folks put what should be in an action line in the dialogue). I tend to overuse parentheticals.

What does that have to do with this blog? Not a lot. This blog is going to be about screenwriting software and suggestions for inexpensive (and often free) applications and other options to help with writing screenplays. It will also cover cheap computers and devices that can be used for writing as well as OS choices that are free (mostly Linux).

I used “Wrylie” for the blog’s title because I wanted something related to screenwriting. And, as far as I could tell, no one else was using it.

I’ve got a lot to learn about WordPress, so bear with me as I try to figure it out.

My next post will be about Fountain (a format for writing screenplays in any text editor). I like Fountain, it uses plain text with a very simple “markup” language (mostly uses spacing and CAPS). I’ll also be writing about plugins (or add-ons) for various editors to make Fountain easier to use. All free.

Until next time…