If you can tell your story in one sentence, then you can greatly increase your chance of success as a screenwriter. But if you’ve never wondered about it, here are three reasons why you should do it right now.

First, telling your story in one sentence gives you focus

When you start writing a story, you can be easily distracted by the flow of ideas that pop up in your mind, but if you’ve committed yourself to a clear idea, you’re more likely to stick with it.

Second, telling your story in one sentence motivates you

Why? Because it puts you in the position of control. Once you get there, it’s less likely to get yourself lost in confusion, anger, and frustration.

Third, telling your story in one sentence helps you sell your script

As you know, your story only matters if you use it to touch people’s heart and somehow make their lives better. In order to do so, you should be able to reduce it to a catchy statement that producers would bite on.

Ready? Give it a shot and see how it works for you!