Writing & Filmmaking

How to Sell Your Story (Script, Book, Stage Play or Podcast) to "Hollywood"

Writing

How to Sell Your Story (Script, Book, Stage Play or Podcast) to "Hollywood"

Creative ways to sell or option your screenplay, book or story for film or television development.

Writing

Adaptation Notes: Turning a Book Into a Movie (or a Screenplay Into a Novel)

How to acquire the rights to develop a script from a book, an example of a book-to-screen process, and screenplay-to-novel tips.

Writing

Public Enemies (Book to Screen)

The film Public Enemies is an example of why straying from the book is sometimes necessary for screenwriters to create a better experience for movie-goers.

Writing

The Cider House Rules (Book to Screen)

Screenwriter John Irving had the formidable task of condensing his own 550-page novel into a 136-page script for the 1999 film The Cider House Rules.

Writing

Screenwriting Guide 4: Key Story Elements

Crafting compelling scenes, how to "show" (not "tell"), incorporating dramatic conflict, conveying emotion, effective subplots, foreshadowing, setups & payoffs, and flashbacks & montages.

Writing

Screenwriting Guide 3: Character Development

This guide covers how to develop your protagonist's character arc, create a backstory, outline character motivations & ensure a strong goal, and craft a key relationship and supporting characters.

Writing

Screenwriting Guide 2: Act II, Act III & Rewrites

This guide covers how to navigate Act II & Act III, the importance of the midpoint, common problems & how to fix them, crafting a satisfying ending and successful rewrites.

Writing

Screenwriting Guide 1: Starting Your Script

How to Select an Idea, The 3-Act Structure, Your Script Outline, Scene Cards as a Mapping Tool, Genre Expectations, Plot, Character & Theme, Writing the First 10 Pages, Mistakes to Avoid, Forma...

Writing

Writing True Stories: A Brief Guide on Crafting Narrative Nonfiction

This guide covers using viewpoint, framing the story, when to use scenes, and how to capture a sense of place in your narrative nonfiction.

Writing

Agents & Book Deals: A Guide for Authors

How to find, interview, acquire, and work with a literary agent, and land a book deal (plus details on agent agreements, publishing contracts and advances & royalties).

Writing

Where Nightmares Come From: The Art of Storytelling in the Horror Genre (Book Notes)

A fascinating and insightful collection of essays and interviews that delves into the art and craft of horror.

Writing

Mastering Suspense, Structure, and Plot: How to Write Gripping Stories That Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats (Book Notes)

This guidebook for writers covers plot structure & character development & provides tips on how to build tension & suspense throughout the story.

Writing

Crime Thriller: How to Write Detective, Noir, Caper & Heist, Gangster, and Police Procedural Thrillers (Book Notes)

A comprehensive writing guide that covers a range of sub-genres within the crime thriller category.

Writing

Mystery: How to Write Traditional & Cozy Whodunits (Book Notes)

With its clear and practical advice, numerous examples, and writing exercises, the book provides a comprehensive guide to the craft of mystery writing.

Writing

Inside Story: The Power of the Transformational Arc (Book Notes)

A guide to the craft of writing stories with strong emotional resonance and transformational arcs. (For screenwriters and authors.)

Writing

Prewriting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories (Book Notes)

A guidebook for screenwriters who are in the early stages of developing their stories.

Writing

The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers (Book Notes)

An adept exploration of Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey theory for writers seeking to craft compelling and emotionally resonant stories.

Writing

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You'll Ever Need (Book Notes)

This book equips writers with the tools they need to craft compelling narratives that adhere to the beats of engaging storytelling.

Writing

How to Write a Successful Series: Writing Strategies for Authors (Book Notes)

A comprehensive and practical guide that offers valuable insights and actionable advice.

Writing

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within (Book Notes)

This informative classic remains a transformative & inspirational book, offering writers of all levels profound insights into the creative process and the craft of writing.