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Summary: A Rosetta Stone for Writers
Review: 101 HABITS offers a key to the hearts and minds and processes of our fellow writers. Inspiring, informative and entertaining, it let's us know we are not alone, and above all, we continue to learn and grow throughout our careers. I've been making a living writing movies and TV for over 20 years, and this is one of the best books ever -- for novices or pros. Can't miss with this one.
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Summary: Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul
Review: A collection of ideas, practices and, like the title says, habits about writing from people who get well-paid to do it. The book is a confidence builder. It illustrates that when it comes to writing, there is no single way. Screenwriter A, for example, says that she always works from an outline. Screenwriter B says he never does. And they both tell you why their way works--for them. A broad range of topics is covered, everything from "Passion" to "Getting An Agent." This book is excellent for writers of every genre, from screenwriters to technical writers. Writing is writing, and for most of us, it's difficult. Owning this book is like being able to hang with a group of friends, all of whom are successful writers, and get advice on the literary questions or problems that ail you. A good subtitle for the book could be, "Relax. You Are Not Alone."
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Summary: Down to Earth and Real
Review: A lot of screenwriting books out there can be great sources on what to do and what not to do while writing a screenplay. This book is not like those...it's better. It's like sitting down with a handful of screenwriters and disscussing the process from start to finish. This is advice and multiple views on many of the essential parts of screenwiriting straight from the horses mouth. This is a book that can jump start you if you fall behind and give you what you need to make it through your screenplay. This is a must have.
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Summary: Down to Earth and Real
Review: A lot of screenwriting books out there can be great sources on what to do and what not to do while writing a screenplay. This book is not like those...it's better. It's like sitting down with a handful of screenwriters and disscussing the process from start to finish. This is advice and multiple views on many of the essential parts of screenwiriting straight from the horses mouth. This is a book that can jump start you if you fall behind and give you what you need to make it through your screenplay. This is a must have.
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Summary: A Helping Hand
Review: Are you thinking of writing a screenplay? Then you could use the advice in this book. First of all, this is not a how-to book. It doesn't show you how to develop characters, or structure a story, or tell you how to write. What it does give you is information on the daily life and habits of professional screenwriters. One of the most important pieces of advice is to just write. Too often, a beginning screenwriter will spend years to write one script and then shop it around. This is a big mistake for several reasons. A movie producer is looking for someone who can work reliably at speed. If you've only written one script, they're going to be suspicious about your abilities. Another thing is that producers are very busy, so if you get one of them to finally read your script, it's going to be the first and last chance. Do you really want to show him your first script? It's trash to him. Would you send your first painting to an art gallery? Of course not, so you shouldn't do the same with screenwriting. You should have written 5 to 10 screenplays before you think of showing your work around. Most aspiring screenwriters don't want to put in this work, and it shows. If you write, you will get better. If you love writing, and you can apply yourself to your writing, then you can have a chance to work in Hollywood.
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Summary: A Helping Hand
Review: Are you thinking of writing a screenplay? Then you could use the advice in this book. First of all, this is not a how-to book. It doesn't show you how to develop characters, or structure a story, or tell you how to write. What it does give you is information on the daily life and habits of professional screenwriters. One of the most important pieces of advice is to just write. Too often, a beginning screenwriter will spend years to write one script and then shop it around. This is a big mistake for several reasons. A movie producer is looking for someone who can work reliably at speed. If you've only written one script, they're going to be suspicious about your abilities. Another thing is that producers are very busy, so if you get one of them to finally read your script, it's going to be the first and last chance. Do you really want to show him your first script? It's trash to him. Would you send your first painting to an art gallery? Of course not, so you shouldn't do the same with screenwriting. You should have written 5 to 10 screenplays before you think of showing your work around. Most aspiring screenwriters don't want to put in this work, and it shows. If you write, you will get better. If you love writing, and you can apply yourself to your writing, then you can have a chance to work in Hollywood.
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Summary: Great Stuff
Review: Different than other books on Screenwriting. After you've figured out the mechanics, this book will help inspire you to do the work -- which I think is the hardest part!! Thanks to Karl Iglesias for this gift to writer wannabees.
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Summary: 14 top screenwriters become your mentors
Review: How would you like to have Ron Bass share his outlining process? or Eric Roth give you advice on how to make readers feel powerful emotions on the page? Or Nicholas Kazan reveal how he tackles the blank page? How about 14 highly successful writers all in one place? This is a gem of a book and the roster of writers Karl Iglesias has gathered for this book is impressive: Ron Bass, Eric Roth, Akiva Goldsman, Ed Solomon, Nicholas Kazan, Leslie Dixon, Scott Rosenberg, Gerald DiPego, Steven DeSouza, Tom Schulman, Michael Schiffer, Amy Holden Jones, Robin Swicord, and Jim Kouf. What's also impressive, and unique in my opinion, is that Mr. Iglesias has structured the book by topic, rather than by individual interview, which feels more like a symposium of habits, skills, invaluable advice, each outlined separately with comments from the panel of experts.I highly recommend this book to any aspiring writer and all who are interested in the craft of writing for the screen. Having million-dollar screenwriter Ron Bass discuss his outlining process alone is worth more than the price of the book. Forget about shelling out $300 for a screenwriting seminar and go directly to the source: those who are doing it successfully and have agreed to share their wisdom with you.
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Summary: ONE OF THE BEST!
Review: I have a ton of Screeenwriting books at home and this is one of the most helpful and inspirational. I've read certain sections of the book many times over. Some of the top Hollywood screeenwriters give insightful, practical help on a number of topics relating to the field. The book is laid out in specific, narrow topics and each writer/mentor gives his/her view on the topic (work habits, writer's block, creating characters, surviving in Hollywood, pitching, etc). Reading it gives you the feeling of having your own panel of true experts there giving advice and encouragement. The only criticism I have is that the writers featured in the book have not written many films that I would call "great", daring, or innovative. The exception being Nicholas Kazan who wrote REVERSAL OF FORTUNE...and I also like Roth's FORREST GUMP. The credits of the other writers tend toward the 'conventional Hollywood movie'. But this is a minor personal quibble, the advice given is still solid and helpful. I highly recommend this to any aspiring screenwriter. Well worth the money.
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Summary: Just at the right time.
Review: I picked up this book at just the right time when I thought I was wasting my time writing. Everything I did I thought, "A real writer wouldn't do this." I was pleasantly surprised to find most of my writing habits mirrored those of working writers. It gave me the push of confidence I needed. I loved it and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone serious about writing or curious to see what it really takes.
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