Best Screenwriting Books

[LuckyJoe]

Here's a question for everyone: What do you think are the best screenwriting books out there and why?

My Top 3 in no particular order:

Story by McKee - This is one of those books I'm constantly referring to when I need to structure my story. Some of the book goes a little overboard such as the beat-by-beat analyses of a scene (helpful for a rewrite, but I don't see how anyone could actually write a scene in this manner) and the strict writer's method (McKee calls it the ONLY way to write a good screenplay and that is clearly false). But this is the best book on structuring a story and helping a person figure out why or how something works in a story.

Screenwriter's Bible by Trottier - Excellent format guide and excellent tips for writing the screenplay. It's also very easy to refer to and find what you are looking for. My only beef with it is that it's so darn big - I wish he'd come out with a regular sized version for it.

American Screenwriters - It's not exactly a well known screenwrting book. The whole thing is simply interviews with big time screenwriters like Shane Black, Ron Bass, and James Cameron. There's lots of great advice in there.


What I'm still searching for is that workbook that really takes one through the actual screenwriting process. There have been several attempts (Screenwritng 434 by Lew Hunter, Screenwriter's Workbook by Field, Write a Movie in 21 Days by King) but none of them are too great IMO. It especially bugs me when a teacher who isn't an actual screenwriter tries to write a book like that. I'm told Bill Martell's 'Secrets of Action Screenwriting' is great for this sort of thing. I ordered a week ago and still haven't received it! I'm very anxious.

I look forward to hearing everyone else's opinions.

[Strange Mind]

you can write bill at www.scriptsecrets.com and did you know that if you order it off his site, it's 30% off retail? plus you can get it autographed.

not sure about the delay though. you should post to him in one on one and ask him to have his people kick it up a notch!

[LuckyJoe]

Yes, I ordered it from his site. I guess the long shipping time allows them to sell it cheaper there. Have you read the book?

[ferds]

A little book called "Good Scripts and Bad Scripts."

I don't know if it's among best but, as a beginning screenwriter, I found its analyses of various films - in terms of screenplay structure and characterziations - very educational.

[Strange Mind]

even though this was not targeted at screenwriters, i found stephen kings "on writing: memoirs of the craft" to be the most inspirational and illuminating book on writing i'd ever read. more so than any screenwriting book.

[AndyWarholsGhost]

I ordered WC's book also a week ago. I can see Mr. Martell right now, in a dark room, at a card table, with only a naked bulb hanging from the ceiling, as he counts our payments and personally autographs each volume. :)

As to books:

I think anything by Linda Seager (sp?) rocks.
Story by McKee is definitely up there.
500 ways to beat the hollywood reader is good. (is it 500?)
That Chris Volger book on his interpretation of the Hero's Journey.
(I'm bad with titles, as you can see.)

and for those wanting to do research on serial killers and their methods, I heartily speak out for "Serial Killers and their Victims" by Hickey. It's chock full of stuff, and will help you steer away from mistakes like "The Watcher."

AGhost

p.s. I would think that "The Screenwriters Bible" would be hard to top for a "how to" book. Jess my opine, for sure.

[Joe Average]

I just finished reading "The Secrets Of Action Screenwriting" and I would definitely recommend it. It's a very smooth read that uses current films as examples. Lots of tips and techniques. And best of all... enjoyable to read.

Joe.

[Jimrit]

Chris Vogler's "The Writer's Journey". Read it before (and after) you read anything else.

[Mr Godfree]

Martells book is great. I'd also reccomend his little blue (48 page, 5 dollar) books. Cant go wrong with any of them.

I'll also echo Stranges comment on Stephen King's On Writing. It's a wonderful book worth every penny.

[kimbro1111]

I'm reading Max Adams' THE SCREENWRITER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE. Learning and laughing my @$$ off. She has some funny perspectives and I won't forget them.

[Killiam Tierney]

[WHY questions are not allowed on this board! ‘Why’ invites a ‘real’ response, a zest for an understanding of the answer; ‘Real Response’ invites words; ‘Real Response’ invites dreaded <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> verbosity<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->. ‘Words’ are unacceptable to scriptwriters; especially for those who do not have a ‘page down key’ on their keyboard.]

1. All - Joseph Campbell. - I mean, <!--EZCODE UNDERLINE START-->All!<!--EZCODE UNDERLINE END--> Including videos.

2. All - William Froug. - I mean, <!--EZCODE UNDERLINE START-->ALL!<!--EZCODE UNDERLINE END--> [Thanks, 40winks!]

3. Stephen King: <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> On Writing, A Memoir of the Craft.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> - Scribner, 2000

K_T

[40winks]

Regarding your statement,
<!--EZCODE QUOTE START--><blockquote>Quote:<hr> What I'm still searching for is that workbook that really takes one through the actual screenwriting process. <hr></blockquote><!--EZCODE QUOTE END-->

I think the whole screenwriting process is covered (without long-winded verbage) by William Foug in his book, *Screenwriting Tricks of the Trade.* (Froug is an Emmy-winning writer and the founder of UCLA's TV & Film Writer's Progam!)

It's not a true workbook -- in the sense that the book has blanks to fill in or clearly listed assignments -- but I think it can be used exactly like a workbook if you just set the book down at the end of each chapter & section and do what Froug recommends.

Hope that helps.

[Killiam Tierney]

To 40WINKS - my reply - and thanks for your thoughts -

40WINKS said - <!--EZCODE QUOTE START--><blockquote>Quote:<hr> "I think the whole screenwriting process is covered (without long-winded verbage) by William Foug in his book, *Screenwriting Tricks of the Trade.* (Froug is an Emmy-winning writer and the founder of UCLA's TV & Film Writer's Progam!)"<hr></blockquote><!--EZCODE QUOTE END-->

FORTY - - - I've just ordered a few of "William Froug's" works based upon your enthusiasm and also from those who took time to endorse his writings at amazon.com -

Thanks, 40WINKS for your recommendations, a few ‘Frougs’ are on their way.


--------------

Some of My Other Thoughts - - -

In the past - I have not read “Secret Tipsters” in the past because I 'did not' (do not!) want to be inoculated by someone else's formulaic approach. After all, "I" am an artist . . . (as if any of us are 'islands' unto ourselves!)

To build a sense of confidence, bulding my own moat surrounding my 'fragile' ego, I began my writing journey by focusing on these two things:

1. Write! incessantly . . . and learn how to edit, edit, edit!
2. Read other writer's writing about themselves, their 'writing life' (and those of other writers they knew) and about what that 'life' was about - for them. (Especially, for me, the recent Stephen King: ON WRITING - a memoir of the craft - (Scribners - 2000)

I've certainly read, and have purchased, many of the 'prophets' of screenwriting and have profited from their experience, or lack of it.

Bottom line, respectfully, 'we need to know' . . . the answer to this question:

"What kind of scriptwriter do I want to become?
A: TV scriptwriter?
B. Studio employed scriptwriter - B1 = TV, B2 = Feature B3 = Feature, rewrite?
C. Independent, 'unemployed' feature film scriptwriter.

Once you choose - your questions will narrow; your thoughts will become focused; you will know 'what' you are.

The term 'scriptwriter' is indefinite. But, today, I know, and understand, the 'life' which exists for each of those choices thanks to those writers who wrote about ‘their’ life and their choice -

For me, my A-B-C choice of the above = " C " - - -

Regards,
Killiam Tierney
killiam@earthlink.net

[Killiam Tierney]

RE: Stephen King, <!--EZCODE BOLD START--> On Writing<!--EZCODE BOLD END--> - <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> a memoir of the craft<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> - (Scribner - 2000)

I agree - 'That' book rests on the top of the pyramid of those writing about the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> craft<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> - I was thunder-struck by some of King's private admissions - In particular, about <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> INSOMNIA<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> (Viking - 1994) and how he dislikes it - mostly because he was still a drunk and hadn't gotten sober yet! --- I hope I've gotten that right, I'm going by memory here.- Always a dangerous trail for me to follow.

(INSOMNIA is still in print! It's damned obvious that King wasn't writing an 'infomercial' through his ON WRITING and directing me to buy his books! I bought INSOMNIA anyway!)

Writing is writing - I belive that King's <!--EZCODE BOLD START--> On Writing<!--EZCODE BOLD END--> does more for 'writer's writing' than any book that I've read - which is, maybe, about forty-five in all and about seventy, part way.

Killiam Tierney
killiam@earthlink.net

[40winks]

Hi, Killiam.

I've only read the one Froug book, but I imagine his others are equally great. Happy reading!


This post edited to remove my clarification to someone else's post. That post has since been edited, thereby removing the need for any clarification. :)

40winks

[Killiam Tierney]

Forty:

OK - - - is this leaving others in a fog of confusion, or, do they just expect this from all of us?


I don't see a 'delete message choice.'

(Think I should explain what we just did? Actually, your 'clarification of the correction' was just a little bit bureaucratically obfuscated . . . .)

Regards,

Killiam Tierney
killiam@earthlink.net

[40winks]

Hi, KT.
Your edited post is very clear. Thanks.
Now my prior post looks goofy! lol. :lol
I'll have to get around to editing it...
...then you can edit your last post to this string...
...then I'll edit this posting...
:rollin
:rollin
How fun!

[FilmDroid]

One of my favorite books is from maverick filmmaker, Tom Laughlin (Billy Jack), who wrote an invaluable book called "9 Secrets To Writing A Hit" which I think is only available from his Website:

www.billyjack.com/books/9...sbook.html (http://www.billyjack.com/books/9secretsbook.html)

[Killiam Tierney]

I received five FROUG's this week. What an incredible resource! His interviews are intense, informative, tutorial and inciteful. One gets to peek through the crack in the door, and hear every word.

In another life? Froug must've been the Grand Inquisitor, for he surely hits with a steeled force at the heart of the matter.

Thanks so much for such a great recommendation. (I've tended to avoid 'academics' espousing Hollywood insights in the past - foolish bias, Yes?)

Best Regards,

[40winks]

Killiam,

Wow 5 Fougs! Once you've read the stack, please let us know which you found most helpful to the craft of screenwriting.

Just thought of one more book I value highly and want to recommend to all writers - if I didn't already mention it: Write Tight, by William Brohaugh

It ratcheted my writing up 30% in one month. (Yeah, a month. I'm a slow dyslexic reader.)

[Killiam Tierney]

Forty -
(Four Frougs, actually. - one is backoorder.)

- - -

Amazon/B&N = Out of print - for <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Write Tight<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->.

Any suggestions on this book - where to find?

Thanks.

---

Question: How do I 'sound like a poser' when my bio is quite clear? '<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Former<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> industry exec. (+ biz info)' and <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> 'I am writing my first screenplay<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> - QED: no credits. (Right?)

At least I have info in my bio - or should I be a 72 year old nothing?

I'm 'Curious for an explanation' - (I know I sound pompous at times - this does, doesn't it? - - - and I don't mean it to be - comes with rank, experience and offices held - not intentional disregard toward anyone.)

With thirty years as a biz-exec, I ought to know something; especially about contract negotiations and ‘the game.’

- - - -

I'm a first-time original screenplay writer - doing an adaptation of my own novel, actually. Doesn't mean that my 'life experiences' aren't real or helpful.

Bottom line - if I understand this board - everyone is an artist - a screenwriter artist. No one is going to convince me that 'film artists' don't clash, and that they won't work together again, later. They will, and do 'clash and still work together, again and again.

Thanks for a reply -

[40winks]

The book Write Tight was published by Writer's Digest. You might try their web site: writersdigest.com

The copyright is 1993. Too bad if it's no longer available. Maybe as a used book or the Writer's Digest book club...

[Killiam Tierney]

Printed your reply, 40winks, thanks for taking time . . . gonna start a search tomorrow.

New mantra:

<!--EZCODE QUOTE START--><blockquote>Quote:<hr> Sell your script, not your soul!
Killiam Tierney - 2001
<hr></blockquote><!--EZCODE QUOTE END-->

Thanks, Forty!

[Gymbal31]

There are tons of books about writing screenplays. McKee and Segar are excellent. But I think writers need to read more than just books about writing. Books like "Audition" by Michael Shurtleff and "A Practical Handbook for the Actor" by Melissa Bruder, Lee Michael Cohn, Madeleine Olnek, Nathanial Pollack, Robert Previto, and Scott Zigler (sorry there were so many authors there) are excellent books about acting. "On Directing Film" by David Mamet is fantastic for filmmaking in general, not just directing.

Also, I personally enjoy reading C.G. Jung's works (yes, I know he is very dry and long-winded, but we all need a guilty pleasure and reading Jung is better than watching "Blind Date").

[GirlinGray]

There is a new film books discussion list, cinebookchat, hosted by Cinema Books in Seattle. You might enjoy it Gymbal you are really up on film books. (smile)

The list is at cinemabooks.net/mailman/l...abooks.net (http://cinemabooks.net/mailman/listinfo/cinebookchat_cinemabooks.net)

[kimbro1111]

Funny as hell!

You'll laugh your ass off!
(Which is a really good workout
after a couple of weeks of butt-
in-the-chair-writing.)

www.seemaxrun.com/2-book.htm (http://www.seemaxrun.com/2-book.htm)

Useful, too!

[wordhurler]

Yep, McKee's Story is hands-down the best book out there on storytelling (plot, structure, character, the whole schmeer), and the Screenwriter's Survival Guide is the best book on breaking in.

So...is GirlinGray, aka That Adams Girl, Max Adams?

[Cake]

Story Sense- This was the extbook for a screenwriting class I took. Seems pretty thorough.

Screenwriting Updated- Lots of help on plotting flashbacks and what not. I thought it ws interesting.

[MatrixAvenger]

I'm in the middle of The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Screenwriters by Karl Iglesias. Tons of useful tips.

[E J Pennypacker]

Screenwriters Bible by David Trottier

The basics on screenwriting. Very good for a beginner. Not so if your not, but hey, this is for beginners right? Really three books on one. Great value for money. Get it.

How Not to Write A Screenplay by Denny Finn.

If only I had read this book from the start! Includes great examples of how to and how not to write a SP. Funny moments, possibly make you cry. But a very 'good read' also.

#3 would be either McKee or some Syd book.

EJ

[MatrixAvenger]

Aaah! I just wrote a post about satanic cults in "Loglines" and then I look here and see EJ has just made his 666th post right below mine. Oh dear.

[durande]

Ayn Rand: The Romantic Manifesto. Not a screenwriting book, but a hell of a lot more useful to an aspiring writer than many alleged screenwriting books are.

[durande]

Also Ayn Rand: The Art of Fiction. Great for all fiction writing. Based on taped lectures given around 1958.

[Bad Elvis]

"Backwards and Forwards" by David Ball is a book that no screenwriter should be without. It's primarily a book about playwritng and play structure, but it's taught me more about telling a good story than any screenwriting book I've read.