The best screenwriting books to have, keep and cherish

The Writers Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, 3rd Edition (Christopher Vogler)

Once upon a time.... This book traces the essence of storytelling thousands of years and identifies the basic building blocks of all lasting stories. And why do you need to know that? Well, if what worked thousands of years ago remains true today, you, the writer, owe it to your audience to understand these basics. Beyond that, this book and its principles are required reading in Hollywood, so if you want to succeed there you need to start here.

Story: Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of Screenwriting (Robert McKee)

This is the first book I recommend to friends who ask me, "what's the best screenwriting book to get?" You will find this book on the shelves of numerous Oscar- and Emmy-award winning writers. And upon reading it yourself, you will understand why, and you will be proud to boast it is on your bookshelf. Particularly powerful is McKee's demonstration of how character and story are interwoven and the elements required to develop an "eventful" scene, including scene analysis techniques that will improve your work. I also strongly recommend attending Robert McKee's Story Seminar.

Art Of Dramatic Writing: Its Basis in the Creative Interpretation of Human Motives (Lajos Egri)

Egri's focus on premise and character is unsurpassed. Though considered a guide for playwriting, his insights and instruction can and should be applied to screenplays as well. You will find his ideas referenced in any screenwriting book worth reading, but there's no substitute for the source material, which in great detail covers a story's premise, character development and growth, rising conflict--all the critical elements required to create a compelling ending. This is not a book to be ignored.

Your Screenplay Sucks!: 100 Ways to Make It Great (William M Akers)

Akers is a 20-year screenwriting and script analyst veteran who has identified the recurring mistakes shared by all beginning screenwriters, and, for the benefit of all, has compiled these into a checklist that, if followed, will help you remove said offenses from your own work so that you will become a better writer--a writer whose work producers will enjoy reading. You can't control whether someone reads your script in its entirety, but you can control the obstacles that will disuade them from doing so.

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles (Steven Pressfield)

Purposely designed as a quick read, I'm sure, Pressfield shares the techniques he has successfully employed to defeat the "resistance" you likely face from day to day in your futile effort to succeed in screenwriting. This book is particularly for you if you believe yourself to be disciplined yet have difficulty finding the time to write.

The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script (David Trottier)

This aptly titled "Screenwriter's Bible" not only is a great introductory book but also a must-have reference even for experienced screenwriters. It covers the essential basics and provides updated screenplay formatting standards; Trottier is the "Dr. Format" featured in Script magazine.

Making a Good Script Great (Linda Seger)

While many screenwriting books cover the basics, this book is a must-have for elevating your material beyond the basics. Sure, maybe the script you wrote is good, but good is not good enough. There are a ton of "good" scripts out there--but that's a pretty big pile. What pile do you want your script to be in? This book was written by a long-time script consultant and I highly recommend it--especially if you are hoping to sell your script to Hollywood.

Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read (Michael Hauge)

This book will help you distill your compelling, compound-complex stories into simple sentences. And why does that matter? Because, frankly, nobody has the time to listen to your extensive diatribe and, more importantly, nobody has the time to read your screenplay. So you must "sell" them on the idea to read it, disgusting as that might sound. But it's the sad truth. So whether you are pitching your story to a big-time producer or merely trying to gain the interest of an up-and-coming actor to be in your film, you must learn how to succinctly sell your story, and this is one of the best guides available.

The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller (John Truby)

Recommendation forthcoming. Click on the Amazon link to see other reviews.

The TV Writer's Workbook: A Creative Approach To Television Scripts (Ellen Sandler)

This is a must-read for anyone looking to develop a quality sitcom. Ellen is an industry veteran and knows what you need to know to develop a sitcom you can pitch to the major networks. And even if you don't want to go that route, her insight will help you develop the essential ingredients to build the foundation required for numerous comic situations.

Dramatica: A New Theory of Story (Melanie Phillips)

What I like about Dramatica theory is its complete approach to story development, approaching an issue from all conceivable angles. Likewise, it helps you create a cast of characters with distinct dramatic roles--all of which serve the story. Many screenwriting books focus on character or plot, but this book is a comprehensive approach to story development. See its companion software program, Dramatica Pro.

Psychology for Screenwriters: Building Conflict in Your Script (William Indick)

Ah, yes, are you already flashing back to Pysch 101? Well this book definitely will take you back, but it also will propel you forward. Why? Because your characters are psycho! They have a past. They have "issues." They have... desires. Actually, after reading this book I wish I had taken a few more psych courses, because understanding human nature will help you develop more intriguing characters and develop more intriguing stories!

The Moral Premise: Harnessing Virtue & Vice for Box Office Success (Stanley D Williams)

This is a pleasant new discovery for me and I'm still working through some of the exercises, but what I really like is its friendly workbook-style approach that can help you develop a truly compelling story structure.

From Reel to Deal: Everything You Need to Create a Successful Independent Film (Dov S-S Simens)

This book covers everything you need to know to produce a film and breaks down the process into simple manageable steps. However, if you are going to produce your own film, take care to write a compelling script that an audience would want to sit through.

Cinematic Storytelling: The 100 Most Powerful Film Conventions Every Filmmaker Must Know (Jennifer Van Sijll)

This is a beautiful book and a must-have because it contains screenshots and screenplay excerpts that demonstrate visual storytelling--and, well, film is a visual medium. Even if you are not planning to produce your own work, this book will demonstrate the power of images--and that in itself will make you a better screenwriter.

Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film & Television (Judith Weston)

Whether you consider yourself to be a writer or director, understanding actors--being able to communicate with actors-- will be among the keys to your success. Judith shares her invaluable insights gained from years of experience as an actor and director, and it is the wise scribe who takes note. Understanding techniques actors employ to bring characters to life will help you create more interesting characters and write more interesting scenes. Study with Judith if you can.