Product Description

Tells how to create a story idea, use the correct screenplay format, develop plot, portray characters, write realistic dialogue, handle writer's block, and submit a manuscript.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #31285 in Books
• Published on: 1988-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Customer Reviews

a book that gets you writing
Yes it's hokey and american, but this is a true gem of a book. It commands, challenges and inspires you to write. Yes it's three act stuff, and probably most suitable to Hollywood formula stuff, but...it actually gets you writing.

This book sets you exercises to write. Who ever read Robert McKee and tried to hone their writing skills while reading it? More likely they put that book down for a stiff gin and a bracing walk to avoid getting a DVT.

It's not perfect, but it's as perfect as you are going to get. It will stop you reading and start you writing, and that's more than half the battle.

You may buy others first, but please buy this eventually, and realise its condensed, inspiring magic.

This book lays bare the truth of many writers: we all dream of writing a work of genius, yet in dreaming, never write a word.

This book tells you to keep dreaming, and keep writing.

Brilliantly Simple
I have had this book for a number of years now. I work as an editor and script writer and find Viki King's description of the emotional journey of the hero, and that of the writer closely aligned with how you hope your audience to feel as they watch your movie. There's very few reference books that deal with that essential relationship. Obviously she works with a classic single hero story form which is great for first timers and easy to adapt for more experienced writers. Above all she gets one writing - a crucial issue for even the most experienced and celebrated writers I've worked with.

A useful programme to help you get your story out
A short and sweet book designed to help the writer listen to his or her heart when writing a story. I think this is supposed to mean 'follow your intuition and don't think too much and get the bloody thing down on paper -- and you will reach a sort of truthfulness in your work, and there will be a finished product in a format worth showing to others.'

It has provided me with a formula to follow in order to accomplish a proper story with a beginning, middle and end -- a lot more difficult than it seems when you're starting out. In particular, it has helped me manage my writing time in a more useful way. Oh, and it sets daily goals that are manageable.