Screenwriting : (Just some) writers resources - quick and easy, all in one place. by Donovan Swart

Hi all,

Insert some profound writers quote to get you motivated!

Now that you are, here are a few resources that I would like to share that has helped become a better writer/filmmaker. This is my own opinion, and I'm not affiliated with these recommendations in any way and receive no incentive to promote them.

The most daunting thing is that there is so much out there – my advice is start with one, practise the techniques and then buy/move on to the next one, we often get caught up in buying as many books and listening to all these podcasts, audiobooks, youtube clips etc then we left with an overwhelming feeling of "this is a lot to learn and to take in". I'm confused! Start small, process small.

Books:

I have read most of the big players in town, these were my favourite they gave me firm insight into the character and what is needed to construct a good story.

John Truby’s Anatomy of Story –

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anatomy-Story-John-Truby/dp/0865479518

Amazon review "I return to this book every time I begin planning something new, then go back again to add new layers to the second, third fourth draft . It's invaluable and the best advice around on creating story, turning the process into a delicious puzzle I am keen to solve"

Robert Mckee

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Story-Substance-Structure-Principles-Screenwrit...

"This book offers no easy solutions, but it tells it how it is, and in full. It's honest, profound, pragmatic, and the real deal"

James Scott Bell - How to Write Dazzling Dialogue: The Fastest Way to Improve Any Manuscript

Gets you thinking like a writer - helps with that tricky bastard; subtext and vanquish exposition!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Write-Dazzling-Dialogue-Manuscript/dp/09103...

Podcasts-

Writing excuses – 15 min long podcasts on everything about writing.

https://writingexcuses.com/

Quick and easily digestible advice and exercises

Online resources

Lessons from the screenplay - video breakdown on all aspect of the story using blockbuster examples.

https://www.lessonsfromthescreenplay.com/

Master Class:

David Mamet, Arron Sorkin, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard et al.

Its worth getting the whole years membership and have access to all of it.

Im happy to extend any help or advice to him in any capacity.

Thanks

Don