I’ll send you some stuff. I am more of a youtube viewer when I started. Plus so believe the only resource is reading scripts. By doing that you learn what you need. As you grow you see new things.
"Save the Cat" by Blake Snyder is my ultimate go-to, and "Writing for Emotional Impact" by Karl Iglesias is a must-read. The former helped me understand storytelling but in a more laid-back way than Syd Field's strict guidelines. (No offense against Syd, "Screenplay" was my first-ever screenwriting book).
The latter helped me understand my characters better and instantly improved my rewrite. Now I refer to it when I create new characters and situations. For pilots, I've really enjoyed "The Hero Succeeds" by Kam Miller. Another eye-opener! Gotta love those ah-ha moments.
I love "It's beginning to look a lot like Hallmark" by Heather Hughes and Kate Wharton who are both brilliant. It's a step by step guide for writing CCR (cozy Christmas Romances) and other seasons. and so easy to follow.
Craig D Griffiths You are right. Reading scripts is key. I come across new questions about formatting when writing and I just google it, but also enjoy reading books :)
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I’ll send you some stuff. I am more of a youtube viewer when I started. Plus so believe the only resource is reading scripts. By doing that you learn what you need. As you grow you see new things.
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"The Screenwriter's Bible" by David Trottier. It has been invaluable!
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Screenplay by Syd Field. Only screenwriting book I recommend.
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"Save the Cat" by Blake Snyder is my ultimate go-to, and "Writing for Emotional Impact" by Karl Iglesias is a must-read. The former helped me understand storytelling but in a more laid-back way than Syd Field's strict guidelines. (No offense against Syd, "Screenplay" was my first-ever screenwriting book).
The latter helped me understand my characters better and instantly improved my rewrite. Now I refer to it when I create new characters and situations. For pilots, I've really enjoyed "The Hero Succeeds" by Kam Miller. Another eye-opener! Gotta love those ah-ha moments.
Is it for rewriting or for your first screenplay?
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I love "It's beginning to look a lot like Hallmark" by Heather Hughes and Kate Wharton who are both brilliant. It's a step by step guide for writing CCR (cozy Christmas Romances) and other seasons. and so easy to follow.
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Story by Robert McKee is a gem!
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I use "Save the cat" - Blake was indeed a legend.
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Reading scripts is probably the best way to learn.
I may have written some books that are recommended by Oscar Winners and top Box Office screenwriters.
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Craig D Griffiths You are right. Reading scripts is key. I come across new questions about formatting when writing and I just google it, but also enjoy reading books :)
Andrea Zastrow I've been meaning to get that one! :)
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Terrence Sellers a classic!
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HB Duran great suggestions!! Thanks!! Very intrigued about the one for pilots :)
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Mandi Allen what!!! I started a Christmas story after taking a seminar here at Stage 32. Definitely will check it out! thank you :)
The Screenwriters Bible.
Strunk & White: Elements of Style.
Aristotle's Poetics
The Art of Creative Writing by Egri
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Campbell
Screenwriting for Dummies by Shellhardt
William Martell's "Blue Books." Wish I own the hardcover books :)