In my last post, I outlined my reasons for choosing the books that make up this list.
The list, as a whole, is all-encompassing: from craft to selling. I’ve put the list in the order I suggest reading them. At the top of the list are books for new and beginning writers. Books further down the list help you forge a path toward increased awareness, skill and creativity.
1)
“Screenplay: The Foundations Of Screenwriting”, by Syd Field. Simply the best introduction to the craft of screenwriting. All the basics, without getting you overwhelmed. Very practical. Pretty much universally acknowledged as THE starting point for new screenwriters.
2)
“Making A Good Script Great: A Guide For Writing And Rewriting”, by Linda Seger. The perfect book to study after you’ve completed your first draft. Seger helps you make your script cohesive from beginning to end, focusing on subplot, commercial appeal, the hero’s journey, and character.
3)
"The Art Of Dramatic Writing: Its Basis In The Creative Interpretations Of Human Motives”, by Lajos Egri. A gem of a book that makes you take a long hard look at your premise, character motivations, and conflict. An indispensable read. And reread!
4)
“20 Master Plots And How To Build Them”, by Ronald Tobias. No one can ever agree on how many plots exist, but this book covers 20 sure-fire plotlines that help you understand the conventions of plot. Not to be confused with genre. An eye-opening read.
5)
“Story: Substance, Structure, Style, And The Principles Of Screenwriting”, by Robert McKee. This one is a real slugger. Once you have written a few screenplays and mastered Field, Seger, Egri, and Tobias, you are ready for Mr. McKee. But not before.
6)
“World Mythology”, by Donna Rosenberg. A comprehensive anthology of myths from around the world from all times, continents, and cultures, including their historical basis and influence on our culture. This is where story all began.
7)
“Your Screenplay Sucks!: 100 Ways To Make It Great”, by William M. Akers. This is Seger’s book on steroids. Akers gets into the nitty-gritty, fine-toothed-comb aspect of writing and rewriting, plain and simple. This is for after you have written your 9th draft and are moving to number 10 (and beyond).
8)
“Real Screenwriting: Strategies And Stories From The Trenches”, by Ron Suppa. Ron tells it like it is, no BS or pie-in-the-sky dreaming. This is the real-world business of screenwriting. Ron shares his nuts and bolts on craft, but most importantly: the marketing, selling, and positioning of yourself as a writer in the industry, and many of his own personal stories which help you understand the way the business works.
9)
“The Real, Low Down, Dirty Truth About Hollywood Agenting”, by Rima Greer. Greer is a Hollywood Super-Star Agent. This is the first and only book (as far as I know) that is written by an actual agent. You HAVE to read this book when it’s time to find an agent. Sobering and most enlightening.
10)
“Which Lie Did I Tell?: More Adventures In The Screen Trade”, by William Goldman. Goldman is considered by many to be the most iconic screenwriter in history. Writer of “Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid”, “Princess Bride”, “All The President’s Men”, and many more, Goldman’s anecdotes about his dealings with writing, researching, rewriting, and dealing with directors, producers, and stars is not only entertaining but immensely educational. The suggestion of this book implies you also read Goldman’s first installment: “Adventures In The Screen Trade”.
11)
“The 101 Habits Of Highly Successful Screenwriters: Insider Secrets From Hollywood’s Top Writers”, by Karl Iglesias. This one’s about the daily grind: The beauty of this book is Iglesias’ interviews with some of the most successful screenwriters ever. There’s nothing like hearing from the ones who are actually in the trenches doing the work.
I know, that’s eleven. But I couldn’t drop a single one of them from the list.
You can find any of these books at
WritersStore.com. And remember how to eat the elephant? In little burgers. Not all at once.
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