A revised and expanded sequel to Stealing Fire from the Gods, this 2nd edition includes important new revelations concerning the ultimate source of unity, the structures of the whole story passage, the anti-hero's journey, the high-concept great idea, the secrets of charismatic characters, and the analyses of many important new stories and successful films.
Stealing Fire from the Gods
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| |||||||||||||||
Browse the best books of summer including blockbusters, beach reads, and editors' picks in our Summer Reading Store. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Bonnet, founder of Astoria Filmwright.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
38 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
When I open a book to read and review I often put myself into the mindset of either a student in my class with their new idea and passion to write - or I compare what I'm reading to whatever project I'm currently working on. For "SFFTG" - I fell into the former.
When I get first time writers in my class they usually show up with TONS of passion mixed with very little idea. Something they heard, a family friend story, a true life adventure they went on and they want to write it. Then, during my class, we go through the process of fleshing out their idea into something cohesive. Hopefully ending up with a fully fleshed out idea that they can now go write. I do not psychoanalyze what they are putting into the idea. We do not deal with issues of conscious versus subconscious, metaphors and archetypes or dealing with the quintessential character. Mostly, we are just trying to show character, build conflict, create momentum and complete the story.
What James Bonnet does in his book, though, is deal with that subconscious. He deals with the metaphors, the archetypes. The journey of hero and the antihero.
Using a device entitled "The Story Wheel" he shows the journey of the hero to antihero. He shows the upside of a story and the downside of a story. He does not push a belief that you need to write one or the other - he really explains, in clear language, the path of story. A path you may not really realize you are on (subconscious).
He also does a great job of giving you examples of both types of story in film. How "The Godfather" is a story of an antihero while "Star Wars - Episode IV" is a classic story of a hero called to do great things. Much like Frodo in "The Lord of the Rings Trilogy."
The only real fault I have with the book comes from that thought process of my students: "I want to tell a story, how do I tell it?" The book starts out with the basics of where stories came from, what their purpose is, who they touched and how they moved people. Then, with the written word, how stories changed. But then, in part three, he goes into the story wheel and the golden paradigm and all the details - and it becomes a bit overwhelming. I found myself bogged down in minutia and confusion wondering: "Okay, do I have an archetype? Is he on a journey upwards? Where does the antihero come in? Is my conscious mind speaking? My unconscious?"
What I think would have been more helpful, would have been for Mr. Bonnet to have moved part 4 where he writes about the art of story-making and put that BEFORE part 3. Get people's creative juices flowing in the right direction and then explain how they can use the wheel to their advantage, how their subconscious is affecting their story, how they have archetypes and heroes and antiheroes.
Another benefit would have been for Mr. Bonnet to use a made-up story as a basic tool for exploration. He frequently uses the 9/11 tragedy as an example - but would have liked him to have started with that earlier on in the book. In other words write: "Lets say your idea is about 9/11. How many stories can you glean from that? From what angle? The firefighter, a trapped victim, the wife, the daughter, the son, the mother, the father, the pilot, the colonel, the terrorist, the homeless man on the street, the President, etc." And then take it to the next level: "Okay, lets narrow this down to a typical hero story and focus on the firefighter." And then follow that through the book - touching on other aspects and how someone's unconscious mind can influence what you have written or are writing. Instead, what I found later (in part 3) was very helpful, but scattershot. Having written 15+ screenplays I can see what he was talking about - but for a first time writer - I think this would add to confusion.
Bottom line: For an experienced story writer, I think this is an excellent book. It helps you look back on your stories and see how they followed a certain logical path and how your subconscious affected that path. How you followed the story wheel whether you meant to or not. But for a first time writer, I would suggest the book only if you have got a story already laid out and, even then, I would read parts 1, 2 and 4 and then part 3.
When I get first time writers in my class they usually show up with TONS of passion mixed with very little idea. Something they heard, a family friend story, a true life adventure they went on and they want to write it. Then, during my class, we go through the process of fleshing out their idea into something cohesive. Hopefully ending up with a fully fleshed out idea that they can now go write. I do not psychoanalyze what they are putting into the idea. We do not deal with issues of conscious versus subconscious, metaphors and archetypes or dealing with the quintessential character. Mostly, we are just trying to show character, build conflict, create momentum and complete the story.
What James Bonnet does in his book, though, is deal with that subconscious. He deals with the metaphors, the archetypes. The journey of hero and the antihero.
Using a device entitled "The Story Wheel" he shows the journey of the hero to antihero. He shows the upside of a story and the downside of a story. He does not push a belief that you need to write one or the other - he really explains, in clear language, the path of story. A path you may not really realize you are on (subconscious).
He also does a great job of giving you examples of both types of story in film. How "The Godfather" is a story of an antihero while "Star Wars - Episode IV" is a classic story of a hero called to do great things. Much like Frodo in "The Lord of the Rings Trilogy."
The only real fault I have with the book comes from that thought process of my students: "I want to tell a story, how do I tell it?" The book starts out with the basics of where stories came from, what their purpose is, who they touched and how they moved people. Then, with the written word, how stories changed. But then, in part three, he goes into the story wheel and the golden paradigm and all the details - and it becomes a bit overwhelming. I found myself bogged down in minutia and confusion wondering: "Okay, do I have an archetype? Is he on a journey upwards? Where does the antihero come in? Is my conscious mind speaking? My unconscious?"
What I think would have been more helpful, would have been for Mr. Bonnet to have moved part 4 where he writes about the art of story-making and put that BEFORE part 3. Get people's creative juices flowing in the right direction and then explain how they can use the wheel to their advantage, how their subconscious is affecting their story, how they have archetypes and heroes and antiheroes.
Another benefit would have been for Mr. Bonnet to use a made-up story as a basic tool for exploration. He frequently uses the 9/11 tragedy as an example - but would have liked him to have started with that earlier on in the book. In other words write: "Lets say your idea is about 9/11. How many stories can you glean from that? From what angle? The firefighter, a trapped victim, the wife, the daughter, the son, the mother, the father, the pilot, the colonel, the terrorist, the homeless man on the street, the President, etc." And then take it to the next level: "Okay, lets narrow this down to a typical hero story and focus on the firefighter." And then follow that through the book - touching on other aspects and how someone's unconscious mind can influence what you have written or are writing. Instead, what I found later (in part 3) was very helpful, but scattershot. Having written 15+ screenplays I can see what he was talking about - but for a first time writer - I think this would add to confusion.
Bottom line: For an experienced story writer, I think this is an excellent book. It helps you look back on your stories and see how they followed a certain logical path and how your subconscious affected that path. How you followed the story wheel whether you meant to or not. But for a first time writer, I would suggest the book only if you have got a story already laid out and, even then, I would read parts 1, 2 and 4 and then part 3.
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By Ted Perkins
Format:Paperback
We've all read the screenwriting books. We're reminded about how technically specific the writing needs to be. We're simultaneously horrified and execerbated by what the money-making writers do/did/will do to sell their manuscripts. And then out of the blue, you read Jim's book. And you're reminded of the beauty and wonder of the process we all used to call storytelling (before the idea got restocked under "selling"). Read this book twice. You won't get it the first time. Once you do, you'll stop thinking about the quick buck, and your creative aspirations merge with the likes of such greats as Chayefski, Schulberg and Mamet. It's hard to admit that we have so much to learn. It's refreshing to know STEALING FIRE FROM THE GODS teaches it to us.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real testimonial to how this book can change your writing life
November 20, 2006
By authorette
Format:Paperback
I initially came upon Mr. Bonnet's book through a round-about manner. I had written my first novel and feeling very ambitious, I was going to learn how to write the screenplay for it. After taking an online screenwriting class, the teacher posted an article written by Mr. Bonnet on his website. From that article, I found Mr. Bonnet's website, storymaking. After seeing the 1st edition of Stealing Fire From the Gods, I ordered it from Amazon. As soon as it was in my hands, I couldn't put it down. I absorbed the book's content and in the process, I let go my ego about the book I had written and took off the rose-colored glasses which revealed all the flaws in my story. I was fired up to apply what I had learned from the book but the information didn't completely gel inside my head until I flew to Studio City and took Mr. Bonnet's weekend seminar, The Master Class. It made all the difference and that was a year and a half ago.
If you are a writer of novels or screenplays, you must purchase this book. Its insights will help elevate your writing. Stealing Fire from the Gods is meant to be highlighted up, passages marked for reference. It is the roadmap to your story without it being formulaic. Mr. Bonnet gives many, many examples from popular, well-done films to illustrate his teachings as well as examples from events in history that fall into the story pattern he's uncovered. I believe the examples he uses are the most important elements in the book because if you are familiar with the film, book, or history examples, you immediately make the association with the material.
Just last month, in October, I returned to Studio City as Mr. Bonnet's guest in his weekend class and I placed in his hands a copy of the novel that came out of me as a result of his first class. (The Breath of Hu published through Lulu under Michele Angel) I applied the story model that I learned from his book and class initially to rewrite the first book. It organically changed into a whole different story, a process different from the first time around. As I let go of my first story and embraced the new one that emerged, my creative unconscious took control over the whole process with spectacular results. The same can happen for you. Just take the first step and buy Stealing Fire From the Gods.
If you are a writer of novels or screenplays, you must purchase this book. Its insights will help elevate your writing. Stealing Fire from the Gods is meant to be highlighted up, passages marked for reference. It is the roadmap to your story without it being formulaic. Mr. Bonnet gives many, many examples from popular, well-done films to illustrate his teachings as well as examples from events in history that fall into the story pattern he's uncovered. I believe the examples he uses are the most important elements in the book because if you are familiar with the film, book, or history examples, you immediately make the association with the material.
Just last month, in October, I returned to Studio City as Mr. Bonnet's guest in his weekend class and I placed in his hands a copy of the novel that came out of me as a result of his first class. (The Breath of Hu published through Lulu under Michele Angel) I applied the story model that I learned from his book and class initially to rewrite the first book. It organically changed into a whole different story, a process different from the first time around. As I let go of my first story and embraced the new one that emerged, my creative unconscious took control over the whole process with spectacular results. The same can happen for you. Just take the first step and buy Stealing Fire From the Gods.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stealing Fire form the Gods is a must read for all those wishing to...
What I like most about this book is the simplification and logical breakdown of the structural components that define the art of story telling. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Swpnila
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gets you into the heart and mind of the story!
This book is on another level all by itself. It goes much deeper than just explaining the how and why of story. You get a chance to see how life really works. Read more
Published 6 months ago by C. R. Lewis
5.0 out of 5 stars
A cure for the uninspired ...
I just completed reading STEALING FIRE FROM THE GODS and I am so grateful for all of the work the author has done to understand story and to map the connections between story and... Read more
Published on May 17, 2011 by A. Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Stealing Fire From The Gods" by James Bonnet is a must read for...
"Stealing Fire From The Gods" by James Bonnet is not only an incredibly valuable resource for anyone interested in literary pursuits or film, but for anyone searching for meaning... Read more
Published on August 3, 2010 by Valerie Romanow
1.0 out of 5 stars
Self-evident ignorance
This is a painful piece of work, designed to make you feel like you're doing something important. Anything that truly resonates is borrowed from Joseph Campbell's work. Read more
Published on April 1, 2008 by Sam Paige
5.0 out of 5 stars
The definitive book for real storytellers
If you appreciate the deepest dimensions of stories and you want to tell them, buy this book.
The author said he began decades ago asking the question, 'what are stories... Read more
The author said he began decades ago asking the question, 'what are stories... Read more
Published on February 13, 2008 by Kris Hembury
1.0 out of 5 stars
Stealing Money From The Schlubs
Okay, I have my MFA in screenwriting, and have read many a book on writing (and there are some very good ones out there). Read more
Published on September 26, 2007 by H. Satterfield
4.0 out of 5 stars
Slightly over my head
[3.5 stars]
I have to give this a three-and-a-half-star review, because like an opera viewer, while I can recognize the skill of the singers, I am technically inept at... Read more
I have to give this a three-and-a-half-star review, because like an opera viewer, while I can recognize the skill of the singers, I am technically inept at... Read more
Published on September 13, 2007 by Frederic Woodbridge
3.0 out of 5 stars
Lots of info but not motivational and boring
This is a book full of information on writing. It breaks down the task of writing into almost like a math problem or some sort of physics formula. Read more
Published on September 5, 2007 by Jimbolaiya
4.0 out of 5 stars
Subconscious Source
This book came just in the nick of time for me. After my first re-write on a screenplay I needed something a little more abstract than 3 act structure descriptions. Read more
Published on August 30, 2007 by Simon B. Veredon
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 73
books:
See all 73 books this book cites
11
books
cite this book:
See all 11 books citing this book
- A Christmas Carol (Bantam Classic) by Charles Dickens on 5 pages
- Harry Potter 6 und der Halbblutprinz by Joanne K. Rowling on 4 pages
- Paradise Lost (Penguin Classics) by John Milton on 4 pages
- Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker by George Lucas on page 5, page 11, and page 236
- A Christmas Carol by Martha B. King in Front Matter, page 65, and page 118
See all 73 books this book cites
- Life or movie: Which comes first? An aspiring screenwriter's discovery of... by Mickael L. Rozwarski on page 36, and Back Matter
- Creating Characters: Let Them Whisper Their Secrets by Ken Atchity in Back Matter
- The Film Director's Intuition: Script Analysis and Rehearsal Techniques by Judith Weston in Back Matter
- Writing the Fantasy Film: Heroes and Journeys in Alternate Realities by Sable Jak in Back Matter
- The Complete DVD Book: Designing, Producing, and Marketing Your Independent Film on DVD by Chris Gore in Back Matter
See all 11 books citing this book
Books on Related Topics
(learn more)
|
