Screenwriting From the Soul: Letters to an Aspiring Screenwriter [Paperback]

Richard W. Krevolin (Author), Jeff Arch (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1580630367 | ISBN-13: 978-1580630368 | Publication Date: September 15, 1998 | Edition: 1st

How often have you gone to the movies and come out of the theater thinking, "I could have written that!" Many of us believe we have what it takes to turn out a Hollywood blockbuster, if only we had the right tools to help us do it. Screenwriting from the Soul is that tool. It simplifies the process, and at the same time acknowledges that writing, especially screenwriting requires a great deal of patience, stamina, and faith.

There are many books on the art of screenwriting, but none approaches the subject from the unique perspective of a dialogue between expert and novice. Screenwriting from the Soul is geared to instruct the user in the practicalities, discipline, and emotional resources required to produce that winning screenplay.

Written with wit and style in the form of an ongoing series of letters between a highly experienced, successful, but tired professor and a screenwriting novice, Screenwriting from the Soul is a heartfelt exploration of the screenwriting world that will become a mainstay of writing program curriculums across the world. It goes far beyond the textbook market to appeal to anyone who has ever wanted to write, or understand Hollywood and the creative process.

This master guide helps the reader to:
· gain new insights and knowledge about screenwriting and the filmmaking industry
· gain the necessary skills, techniques, discipline, and mindset to produce successful screenplays
· touch upon the crucial spiritual aspects of the craft

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Krevolin (screenwriting, Univ. of Southern California) breathes new life into the genre of how-to books for screenwriters with his latest creative offering. He presents all of the nuts and bolts of screenwriting (e.g., structure, plot, thematic development, and character arc) in a witty and humorous style. Basing his book upon Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet, Krevolin divulges the secrets to becoming a successful screenwriter in a series of letters. The result is a pleasurable and informative read specializing in the emotive reasons for picking up the pen. Like Rilke's work, this one is destined to become a classic in its genre. Highly recommended.?Marty D. Evensvold, Magnolia Branch Lib., TX
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Richard Krevolin is one of the most dedicated and inspired writing teachers I have ever known, and in this irreverent book of writing wisdom, he dramatizes the principles of good storytelling. Screenwriting from the Soul makes the odd truths young and alive again. It's a first-rate guide to good writing, but it's also a clear-eyed assessment of what it takes to survive a writing life. This book provides the beating heart that's needed to balance the intellectual and commerical guides to screenwriting."—Christopher Vogler, Director of Development, Fox 2000 Pictures, and author of The Writer's Journey

"This insightful, humorous, and provocative guide to the creative process is more than an original and aspiring screenwriting text—it is ultimately a deeply moving treatise on life, love, and humanity."—Michael Hauge, author of Screenplays That Sell

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Renaissance Books; 1st edition (September 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580630367
• ISBN-13: 978-1580630368
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #689,737 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining effort, yet without much substance, April 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Screenwriting From the Soul: Letters to an Aspiring Screenwriter (Paperback)

Krevolin writes a novel, entertaining book that is a fresh and original deeparture from the canon of almost indistinguishable screenwriting books. Yet for all Krevolin's philosophical brilliance, the book is fairly devoid of substance. This book should be read only after readers acquaint themselves with other, more enlightening works, such as Robert McKee's "Story" or Hauge's "Writing Screenplays that Sell."

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely worth it and useful., September 3, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Ann Arbor, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Screenwriting From the Soul: Letters to an Aspiring Screenwriter (Paperback)

There are a lot of straightforward, practical, Step A, Step B, Step C books on how to write a screenplay. This book is not exactly that, although it definitely gives a lot of great insight. The best thing about this book is that it takes you through all the emotions you feel as a new screenwriter, all at the exact stages when you'd feel them. So many times I've wished I could call up Lawrence Kasdan or some other great mentor/screenwriter and see what he'd have to say, but Richard Krevolin does this for us! It's a really helpful book and he seems like a great guy.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars at its core and in its heart, December 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Screenwriting From the Soul: Letters to an Aspiring Screenwriter (Paperback)

WOW! Richard Krevolin has written a screenwriting book that actually practices what it preaches. For, like a good movie, once you sit down with popcorn and drink, you won't get up until the final credits roll (no matter how full your bladder gets).

A fictional story itself, it'll draw you further and further in with rich characters and an intriguing plotline.

And when you're done, you'll have a practical and *memorable* set of screenwriting skills and knowledge (plus you may even cry).

This book, has at its core and in its heart, *love*.

Enjoy it. Then sit down and write and write and write and write - until you can't see straight anymore!!!! (then take a nap, and get up and write again.)