Hello, all. First, I'd like to say this is the most fascinating (and educational) forum I have read about writing in any form.
Secondly, having read through all of the forums and threads until my eyes bled, I'm going to ask for a short-cut to something which I was certain I'd read here a couple of months ago (that's how long I've been lurking - lurk - lurk), but have not been able to find again.
My current WIP is adamantly refusing to write itself as a novel; it is insisting that I write it as a screenplay, and after much struggling, strangling, arguing and threats (with prejudice), I have decided to give in to its demands.
However.
I can't afford a course, so I'm wondering if there's a book or two that are top of mind for the newbie screenwriter. I found the list of recommended books, but it is long, and doesn't specify what's good for someone who's never done one before.
Despite having three strikes against me for even getting a screenplay noticed (I'm middle-aged, female and don't live anywhere near L.A.), I must get this story written and out of the "queue" so to speak so I can go on to other things. And, what the heck; I'm game to try anything once, even screenwriting.
I should add that I have written a play, which I knew in advance wasn't going to be produced as a play, but merely read on stage by the actors. So, the story was all told through dialogue without any stage direction whatsoever, which the actors told me afterwards that's what they liked about my submission.
Also, being impoverished, I only have the shareware RoughDraft as my screenwriting software.
Helpful suggestions greatly appreciated.
Oh - the story is a spy thriller, which I've never attempted before, my usual writing genre being science fiction and fantasy (short stories and novels).
Thank you in advance.
Secondly, having read through all of the forums and threads until my eyes bled, I'm going to ask for a short-cut to something which I was certain I'd read here a couple of months ago (that's how long I've been lurking - lurk - lurk), but have not been able to find again.
My current WIP is adamantly refusing to write itself as a novel; it is insisting that I write it as a screenplay, and after much struggling, strangling, arguing and threats (with prejudice), I have decided to give in to its demands.
However.
I can't afford a course, so I'm wondering if there's a book or two that are top of mind for the newbie screenwriter. I found the list of recommended books, but it is long, and doesn't specify what's good for someone who's never done one before.
Despite having three strikes against me for even getting a screenplay noticed (I'm middle-aged, female and don't live anywhere near L.A.), I must get this story written and out of the "queue" so to speak so I can go on to other things. And, what the heck; I'm game to try anything once, even screenwriting.
I should add that I have written a play, which I knew in advance wasn't going to be produced as a play, but merely read on stage by the actors. So, the story was all told through dialogue without any stage direction whatsoever, which the actors told me afterwards that's what they liked about my submission.
Also, being impoverished, I only have the shareware RoughDraft as my screenwriting software.
Helpful suggestions greatly appreciated.
Oh - the story is a spy thriller, which I've never attempted before, my usual writing genre being science fiction and fantasy (short stories and novels).
Thank you in advance.
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