Reviews of Writing Books
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting, Second Edition by Skip Press
Alpha Books, May, 2004Hardcover, 390 pages
ISBN: 1592572251
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
There is nobody better suited to to lead aspiring screenwriters through the maze
that is Hollywood than Skip Press. A popular screenwriting instructor and successful
screenwriter, Skip has an
insider's understanding of the business world of
Hollywood. Skip is also a terrific writer and has no trouble
translating his knowledge in a way the novice screenwriter
can easily understand. Skip deftly explains the picky details
that are unique to
screenwriting, such as what brads are and why the first ten pages
of your script are so crucial. He also teaches some of his insightful
screenwriting tools like learning to read the newspaper like a screenwriter,
designing screenplays using the "shaping force" in act one and the "midpoint
change" in act two, and how to find problems and plot holes in your
screenplays. For those who are short on time, each chapter in the book includes
a section called "The Least You Need to Know" that summarizes
the most important subjects. If you
are new to screenwriting and looking for a book that can teach
you how to find movie ideas, write a better script and pitch a
screenplay then this is the book you want. Highly recommended.
The Writer's Handbook 2005 edited by Elfrieda Abbe
The Writer Books, August, 2004Paperback, 1003 pages
ISBN: 0871162121
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
The popular Writer's Handbook offers concise listings for
thousands of markets, making it easy for writers to quickly research
markets for their work. Edited by Elfrieda Abbe, who is also the
editor for The Writer magazine, the Writer's Handbook is updated
each year with new market listings, articles, interviews and
information for all kinds of writers. Listings for agents, contests,
conferences and workshops are also provided. This year's edition
also includes a reference section with information about copyrights,
contract basics, top books for writers and writing-related websites.
Writers will get a lot of mileage out of this fast, informative and
well-organized writer's aid.
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