Customer Reviews

Shaping True Story Into Screenplay

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Shaping True Story into Screenplay is a book that dares to say what needs to be said.

Essentially that, just because something is true doesn't make it dramatic. Ms. Kearns Read shows writers how to squeeze out the most essential parts of a true story to make it dramatic an compelling. I often think that something from my personal experience will be a great jumping off point for a story or scene. The question I have to ask myself is; will it help the story or just be filler? This book taught me how to know the difference.

I have many, many screenwriting books. Some are useful, some are not. This is one I'll keep referring back to for years, I'm sure.

Jimmy

Candace not only gives great guidance for those that are writing or wanting to write a screenplay; the exercises at the end of each chapter give you an opportunity to dig deep into your own personal story - really for any reason at all, including just plain self-discovery. I've found it extremely helpful in my own first-time shot at developing a story into a screenplay. Candace pulls on a lot of her personal experience and offers it in a way that most anyone will find value in. While I have not read a lot of books on how to write screenplays, and no doubt there are some excellent books on the subject, this one is a gem; it is fun, engaging and you will learn about yourself and your story.