Are you finally committed to writing that novel but have no idea how to get started? Or are you a published author - but know you need some plotting help to move your books and career up to that next level?
Screenwriting is a compressed and dynamic storytelling form and the techniques of screenwriting are easily adaptable to novel writing. You can jump-start your plot and bring your characters and scenes vibrantly alive on the page - by watching your favorite movies and learning from the storytelling tricks of great filmmakers.
With this workbook, based on award-winning author/ screenwriter Alexandra Sokoloff’s internationally acclaimed Screenwriting Tricks For Authors blog and workshops, you'll learn how to use techniques of film writing such as:
- the High Concept Premise
- the Three-Act, Eight-Sequence Structure
- the Storyboard Grid
- the Index Card Method of Plotting
- as well as tricks of film pacing and suspense, character arc and drive, visual storytelling, and building image systems - to structure and color your novel for maximum emotional impact, unbearable suspense and riveting pacing, no matter what genre you're writing in.
You'll create your own personalized workbook of genre tricks based on your favorite books and movies and tailored to your own brand of storytelling, and a collage book to build visual image systems. And the emphasis on premise is invaluable for crafting that all-important query and pitch.
In this rapidly changing world of publishing, more and more agents and editors are looking for novels that have the pacing, emotional excitement, and big, unique, "high concept" premises of Hollywood movies (and the potential for that movie or TV sale!). And if you're indie publishing, it's even more important to craft and polish your book to stand out from the crowd.
Whether you're just starting to develop a book or script, or rewriting for maximum impact, this workbook will guide you through an easy, effective and fun process to help you make your book or script the best it can be.
Includes detailed film breakdowns and analysis as well as chapters and resources on how to get a literary agent, writing a query letter, professional networking, and screenwriting contests.
For sample chapters please visit http://screenwritingtricks.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
PART ONE: STORY STRUCTURE
1. The Master List
2. What's Your Premise?
3. What is "High Concept"?
4. The Three-Act, Eight-Sequence Structure
5. The Index Card Method and Story Elements Checklist
6. Elements of Act I
7. Hero/ine, Protagonist, Main Character
8. Protagonist Case Study: Jake Gittes
9. What Makes a Great Villain?
10. Villains, Part 2: The Forces of Antagonism
11. Elements of Act Two
12. Elements of Act Two, Part 2
13. Elements of Act Three
14. What Makes a Great Climax?
15. Visual Storytelling
16. Creating Suspense
17. Plants and Payoffs
18. The Big Twist
19. Character Introductions
20. Fairy Tale Structure
21. Meta Structure
22. Your First Draft is Always Going to Suck
23. Top Ten Things I Know About Editing
24. Life is a Pitch Meeting
PART TWO: STORY BREAKDOWNS
25. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
26. Romancing the Stone
27. Chinatown
28. The Mist
29. Act Climaxes and Turning Points
PART THREE: THE BUSINESS
30. How Do I Get a Literary Agent?
31. Internet Resources for Writers
32. So You Want to Know About Screenwriting
33. Recommended Reading
Figure 1: Story Grid