BEST
BOOKS FOR EMERGING SCREENWRITERS
Copyright (c) 2003, Lenore Wright
All screenwriters, whether aspiring or experienced, benefit from the achievements of produced screenwriters by seeing their movies or by reading the shooting drafts of their produced screenplays.
How else can ambitious aspiring screenwriters buff their professional writing image? Some wily writers supplant their lack of professional writing experience by reading books about screenwriting. I applaud this. One caution: some writers would rather READ about writing, than actually WRITE. Don't fall into this trap. Keep writing.
Most screenwriters I know learned to write great screenplays by WRITING SCRIPT after SCRIPT; but many unproduced writers need input or helpful guidance. So I will cautiously recommend a few well-known books that might help you transform your story into a screenplay. Before I list these books, I want to offer a few heartfelt guidelines for you to consider as you explore the world of books on screenwriting:
=> READING IS NOT WRITING
Don't confuse reading about screenwriting with actually writing a screenplay.
=> SLAVES NEVER RULE
Many screenwriters today slavishly follow the structural guidelines in one of the scriptwriting books or lecture courses created by popular script gurus. The best of these script gurus are brilliant teachers with useful, provocative ideas. Many of them offer a very helpful system for focusing a writer's thinking on solving common storytelling problems. No system, no matter how helpful or popular, is foolproof.
=> USE WHAT WORKS (FOR YOU)
Reading ABOUT writing can be a confusing experience. You'll be bombarded with new terms like character arc, turning points, major crisis, pivotal motivation. Your own writing experience will help you sift through this information. The only way to truly digest the information is to write your own scripts. Through practical experience, you will gradually understand the concepts and learn how to use the techniques, principles and devices you've read about in these books.
=> LET YOUR STORY LEAD YOU
Most successful writers believe they have taught themselves to write. Their hard-won writing experiences have educated them on what works and what does not work for them. Gradually you will discover how and where to use the helpful techniques these authors share. Nobody knows everything -- not even YOU!
=> WRITING ENHANCES READING
Emerging writers can benefit from writing several scripts on their own BEFORE they take on one of these strenuous scriptwriting systems.
=> LET THE FIRST DRAFT BE YOURS
As you rewrite or polish, seek legitimate feedback from working film pros, published writers, trusted professors and movie lovers. For more info on generating feedback GO HERE =>
www.breakingin.net/tswfeedback.htm
Okay, here's the
BOOK LIST:
RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR EMERGING SCREENWRITERS
From the dozens of screenwriting books on the market, I've chosen five books on movie writing and script marketing that will especially benefit emerging writers.
These popular books are not difficult to read, however they are challenging to absorb. There is so much to learn. Don't expect to polish them off in one rainy weekend.
~~ THE SCREENWRITERS BIBLE
by DaveTrottier
This book is a complete guide to writing, formatting and marketing your first screenplays. Dave is an excellent teacher as well as a successful screenwriter, so this book is a great place to start.
MORE INFO on Dave Trottier =>
CLICK
HERE
~~ SCREENPLAY: Foundations of Screenwriting by Syd
Field
Some successful Hollywood screenwriters swear by this little book. Crisp, succinct, pithy -- just like a good screenplay.
MORE INFO on Syd Field =>
CLICK
HERE
~~ WRITING SCREENPLAYS THAT SELL by Michael
Hauge
Michael explores the essential elements of a successful screenplay in a practical and helpful way. Reprinted 23 times!
MORE
INFO on Michael's book => CLICK
HERE
To read our 3-part interview with this popular script coach CLICK HERE =>
www.breakingin.net/hauge1.htm
~~ MAKING A GOOD SCRIPT GREAT by Linda Seger
This book explores rewriting in depth. Read this book AFTER you have completed a draft of your script.
MORE INFO on Linda Seger =>
CLICK
HERE
~~ HOW TO BREAK INTO THE SCREENWRITING BUSINESS by Lenore Wright
Hey, I have to give my own book a plug now and then. This book focuses on MARKETING. It will NOT tell you how to write your script, it will give you an insider's overview of the steps necessary to get your scripts read by the right people and recommended to the movies.
To read a SAMPLE CHAPTER of this useful little e-book CLICK HERE=> www.breakingin.net/samplechapter.htm
MY
COMPLETE BOOK LIST
For a complete list of reliable books on movie genres or marketing screenplays GO HERE =>
www.breakingin.net/books.htm
Good reading, good writing and good luck!
