Fiction Factor - 5 Books Emerging Screenwriters Need to Read

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FIVE BOOKS EMERGING SCREENWRITERS NEED TO READ
by 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 credits 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 for many unproduced writers writing isn't enough, they 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 helpful system that focuses on solving common storytelling problems. But remember 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. The only way to truly digest the information is to write your own scripts. Your own writing experience will help you sift through this information. 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

Successful writers digest their writing experiences and discover what works and what does not work for them. Gradually you will discover how and where to use the helpful techniques these authors share.

=> Let The Fisrt Draft Be Yours

As you rewrite, seek legitimate feedback from working film pros, published writers, trusted professors and movie lovers. For more info on generating legitimate feedback GO HERE => www.breakingin.net/tswfeedback.htm

Okay, here's the recommended book list:

Book List For Emerging Screenwriters

>From the dozens of screenwriting books on the market, I've chosen five books 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 about movie writing and script marketing. Don't expect to polish them off in one rainy weekend.

~~ The Screenwriter's Bible by DaveTrottier

This book guides beginners on the writing, formatting and marketing their first screenplays. Dave is an excellent teacher as well as a successful screenwriter, so this book is a great place to start.

INFO on Screenwriters Bible => http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1879505444/breakintoscre-20

~~ Screenplay: Foundations of Screenwriting by Syd Field.
Some successful Hollywood screenwriters swear by this little book. Crisp, succinct, pithy -- just like a good screenplay.

INFO on Screenplay: Foundations of Screenwriting =>
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/156731239X/breakintoscre-20

~~ Writing Screenplays that Sell by Michael Hauge

Michael explores the essential elements of a successful screenplay in a practical and helpful way.

INFO on Writing Screenplays that Sell =>
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0062725009/breakintoscre-20

Read our 3-part interview with this popular script coach CLICK HERE => http://www.breakingin.net/hauge1.htm

~~ Making a Good Script Great by Linda Seger

This book explores REWRITING. Read this book AFTER you have completed a draft of your script.

INFO on Making a Good Script Great =>
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0573699216/breakintoscre-20

~~ 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=> http://www.breakingin.net/samplechapter.htm

For a complete list of reliable books on movie genres or marketing screenplays GO HERE => http://www.breakingin.net/books.htm

Good reading, and good luck!

© Copyright 2003 Lenore Wright

Lenore Wright has 15 years experience writing and selling screenplays in Los Angeles and New York. For free marketing tips and tools SUBSCRIBE to her newsletter Script Market News by sending a blank email to newsletter@breakingin.net or visit her Website http://www.breakingin.net/
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