Screenwriting Book Review

How NOT To Write A Screenplay: 101 Common Mistakes Most Screenwriters Make
by Denny Martin Flinn

Every time someone has asked me to recommend a book on screenwriting I mention this book.

It’s my favorite screenwriting book by far.

The approach author Denny Martin Flinn takes is genius as he explains hundreds of mistakes most amateur screenwriters make.

“I didn’t write this because I can write screenplays.  I wrote this because I have read tons of them” Writes Flinn.

Why not listen to someone who has read thousands of scripts and can spot a beginner within the first 5 pages?

I first read this book after I had finished one of my first feature scripts. 

Reading How NOT To Write A Screenplay during the rewrite stage was a fantastic way to learn how to stay away from the pitfalls that many writers fall into.

The book covers everything from formatting to content.  It may seem disheartening to learn about these mistakes and then find them in your script but it’s a phenomenal way to learn.  Flinn explains each in such a way that will literally have you thanking the book out loud.

He devotes a large chunk of the book to the issue of clarity.  You’ll be shocked at how much better your script will read once you’ve read this book. 

Even something simple as rewording a sentence makes a world of difference.

Wordiness, grammar, titles, covers, description, openings, exposition, montages and more are detailed.  It’s a valuable tool for any screenwriter but it’s especially helpful if you are a beginner.

If you’re new to the screenwriting craft, How NOT To Write A Screenplay HAS to be on your desk.

Actually, I would recommend it to any writer out there.

How Not to Write a Screenplay: 101 Common Mistakes Most Screenwriters Make