STRATEGIES AND STORIES FROM THE TRENCHES

What I loved about Real Screenwriting is author Ron Suppa’s honesty and sincerity. Here is a screenwriting book that doesn’t hold your hand while you attempt to write the next massive Hollywood hit.  What it does is shed light on the lives of those who have.  It’s a candid behind the scenes look at the business of Hollywood and the screenwriter’s place in it.  It’s not merely about how to create something great but rather what it takes to make sure it doesn’t collect dust once your done.   What makes this book fascinating is how it still manages to incorporate all the tips, strategies and tricks that aspiring screenwriters soak up.

It’s a fantastic read.

Every aspiring screenwriter needs to have a passion strong enough to live the lonely writer’s life but also the determination to succeed.  Before your pen starts scribbling or your fingers start tapping there is always a moment filled with a both fear and excitement.

It’s gut check time. Do you have what it takes?

In Real Screenwriting, you are given a welcoming glimpse into the inner workings of the professional screenwriter. Suppa gives amazingly detailed insights into the writing process and what it takes to develop and finish your masterpiece.

Beyond the usual suspects like plot, character, format and more, he also gives you numerous tales from the trenches. Entertaining stories about life in the industry that offer further glimpses into the screenwriting world.  It’s a portrait of life as a screenwriter beyond the creativity needed to create something wonderful and unique.

This is a no holds barred look at writing screenplays that doesn’t spare anyone’s feelings and tells it like it is.  I was developing a new feature screenplay while I read this book for the third time and it took longer than ever because I was constantly stopping to write notes.  I love books that get me thinking about movies and writing.

It’s a perfect addition to anyone’s screenwriting library.

XTRA: How NOT To Write A Screenplay REVIEW

One of my favorite books on screenwriting is How Not to Write a Screenplay: 101 Common Mistakes Most Screenwriters Make.

I’ve read it at least once or twice a year since the day I unwrapped it for Christmas long ago.

Click here for my review.

Since I finished my last feature screenplay, I’ve been working a ton on my new script.  I love the early development stage.  Working with a clean slate and having the freedom to try different things is incredibly inspiring.

It’s also a chance to get ahead on my research and really get to know the characters I’m creating and the world in which they live.

The other day, I was in my office writing some notes and about to head to work when I glanced at my book shelf.

It’s absolutely full of screenwriting books.  One in particular jumped out at me:

Real Screenwriting: Strategies and Stories from the Trenches

It’s one of the few books I’ve only read once and I decided it was time to go back and read about the craft I love.  Every day I read 10 pages or so on my way to work (it’s a short commute) and I’m now addicted to screenwriting books again.

I’ve since decided to go back and read a few more.  It’s a great way for an aspiring screenwriter to stay sharp especially when a story is still young and fragile.

What are your favorite screenwriting books?

Click here to check out my top 10 books on screenwriting.

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