Customer Reviews

A Writer's Roadmap

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

It's generally best to avoid the slash and burn reviews from critics who want to promote their own "brilliance" rather than give a review and avoid the glowing "can do no wrong" reviews - and I see this book has attracted both. While not the final word on all screenwriting, Mr. Wellman's book is a solid collection of practical advice nuggets from a person who has actually wrote and SOLD major screenplays, whereas so many writing teachers and critics have not. He writes as a screenwriter to screenwriters in a folksy, informal style much as he would if he were sitting and talking to you over coffee rather than in some style of straightjacketed literary correctness. He summarizes the best from a variety of writing sources and adds many of his own unique observations from countless hours of watching and analyzing screenplays and movies. Writing a book on screenwriting is not simply being able to include some exhaustive list of information about the craft or being able to come up with some new clever technique, but knowing what basic principles to focus on so you don't get caught up in a Gordian knot of screenwriting do's and don'ts. While hardly an exhaustive survey of the craft, Roadmap has the incisive ability to focus on the crucial elements to make a screenplay a success: understanding your hero and what he/she wants, understanding your enemy, discovering the hero's inner conflict (wound), clarifying the story's thematic argument, filling out the story cast, outlining the major story beats, and feathering in other craft techniques. In addition to having read the book I have heard the man teach personally. And I as a produced feature screenwriter myself, can say that he is one of the most astute screenplay structure analysts in Hollywood. The book is a valuable addition to one's screenwriting library.

There is no better book out there that discusses modern movie structure. While this is NOT a book for a beginner, anyone who has struggled with the ups and downs of creating 2nd and 3rd acts for a screenplay will find this book will be a great help in achieving clarity. Believe the positive reviews and not the nay-sayers. Some people just enjoy being contrary.

Really great book. There is much depth and clarity about the art and structure of storytelling and how it relates to screenwriting. This book builds on Syd Field's and Viki King's screenplay writing and coaching. This guy actually discusses what happens in movies with great story awareness that I understood structure and how it serves any story and any script. Great movie examples too.

After having read every major screenwriting book out there Wellman's straight forward no nonsense approach clearly identifies key elements that result in inspiration and fresh insights into your writing process or your latest project. This is a book for those that are currently writing... those that have read until their eyes burn about how to write. By culling the complex theoretical bulk weighing down many books, Wellman brings a cerebral athleticism that is reminiscent of the Nike slogan "Just Do It" for writing. By sticking to basics and reminding or introducing the essential moves that are the foundation of an author's craft and skill I felt freed from the convoluted bonds that hinder us and sprinted through the book. The latest project I am working on has benefitted immensely from his organic and slick expertise. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to mainline keen insights of our medium.

As a writer I was immediately interested in Mr. Wellman's informative book, "A Writers Roadmap." Although it is geared toward screenwriters, those of us who are involved in any form of writing will find invaluable information packed inside these pages.

Coming from a man with the experience and background of Mr. Wellman only adds to the encouragement that this reviewer would give to other writers to make it a point to read this book. He shares freely not only his triumphs in writing, but also his mistakes. This puts you at ease knowing that no one is perfect and that writing is a learning experience and a road we are all traveling together. He takes you by the hand and gives you example after example of many different aspects to make your screenplay, or in my case, my novel all that it can be.

His words of knowledge will help those who are being held down by the sneaky 'writer's block' that we all experience from time to time. He shows how to draw from our own experiences in life, our friends, our enemies, ourselves and use that to help create the work that is within us. He explains clearly the different levels that any good work should have within it and helps you to achieve that goal.

Mr. Wellman writes in a way that is simple to understand and apply. He does not talk down to you, but encourages you to reach out and become all that you can be as a writer.

I highly recommend that every person who is serious about their writing, be it screenplay writing, novel, short story or whatever area they are pursuing, to grab a copy of this excellent book and keep it by your side.

It is a wealth of information, ideas, suggestions, and encouragement that you will turn to time and time again.
I thank you Mr.Wellman for allowing me to review your book and believe me I will incorporate your suggestions in everything that I write.

A must read for all writers!

Shirley Johnson/Reviewer
MidWest Book Review

There's countless screenwriting books out there. I've read countless screen writing books. Some are great, some are okay, some are lousy, but almost all say mostly the same thing. This was totally refreshing. I enjoyed Wellman's enthusiasm as he spoke of devouring great works. I couldn't put this book down, and when I was done devouring it, I felt nourished rather than bloated for a change. I also deeply appreciate his candor in often just saying "this works..who knows why...who cares...go see for yourself!" Yes!

I found this book to be unique. Educational and Informative. It was easy to relate to with the writer using terms, phrases and easy to understand instructions. Even someone like myself (a little slow at times) had no problem keeping up and understanding where the author was coming from. A Writer's Roadmap was a huge help to me. And if you are into creative writing then I know you will find this book a great help to you too.

If you want the real scoop on SCREEN WRITING then this is definately the book for you! Author Wellman shares his own personal experiences as a scrren writer as well as tips on how to write for the big screen or as far as that goes he gives great advice on how to write period...novel or other wise. A WRITER'S ROADMAP is a must read book as far as I'm concerned...a struggling writer!

This is the most candid book on screenwriting I know. It's written from the gut by someone who's been through the mill - the highs and lows - and come out with a lot of brass tacks wisdom. The style is clear, direct, to the point with a lot of equally unfussy emotional honesty.

I used to see Wellman when he was part of a theatre company in LA about 10 years (he was a pretty powerful actor, I thought, with a really funky CV - from The Klansman to Sommersby!). This book packs a similar punch.

Like another reader, I was duped by the number of glowing reviews for this book. And I thought, "Well, one negative review out of a number, it must be a good book." But I was wrong.

This isn't just a poorly written book on writing, it's a poorly written book. There's no coherent structure or flow, there are numerous typos and, if that weren't enough, the individuals cited in the index are alphabetically listed -- by first name. On top of that, Mr. Wellman uses the actor's names when discussing characters in films. Taken out of reference, a quote like "Julia Roberts is a hooker" could get him in a good deal of trouble.

There's nothing of merit in this book that can't be found elsewhere. The only worthwhile piece of advice is this: In regards to theme, the first act is the protagonist's argument, the second act is the antagonist's argument and the third act is the writer's argument. There. I just saved you $13 plus shipping.

The book reads like a transcription of a lecture, and maybe that's what it is. However, a reader will have a difficult time asking questions and getting a response than someone in the audience.

Unlike the other reader who found nothing worthwhile in this book, I won't say I'll use it for toilet paper. But if the heater breaks down and I'm low on fire wood, this will be the first thing to go.