Now Write! Screenwriting

January 1, 2011
Editors Ellis and Lamson, whose Now Write! series has previously tackled fiction and nonfiction, delve into the world of screenwriting in a how-to packed with advice and exercises from working movie and television writers and other experts in the business. The concise, pointed essays, averaging three-to-four pages, offer tips on getting started, tackling structure, building characters, and what to do with the script when its done, followed by exercises intended to jump-start the writing process. Lost scribe Christina Kim urges writers to go beyond what they know through firsthand research. German film writer Beth Serlin shows readers how to pump up the action through verb choice. Legendary screenwriting guru Syd Field offers advice on how to make characters well rounded. Script consultant Bill Lundy breaks down the all-important log line to show writers how to summarize their screenplays in one sentence. Packed with invaluable knowledge and tips, this volume is essential reading for any aspiring screenwriter.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)