Stealing Hollywood ― Story Structure Secrets for Writing Your Best Book

Are you finally committed to writing that novel or screenplay, but have no idea how to get started? Or are you a published author, but know you need some plotting help to move your books and career up to that next level? You CAN write better books and scripts—by learning from the movies. Screenwriting is based on a simple (and powerful) structure that you already know from watching so many movies and television shows in your lifetime. And it's a structure that your reader or audience unconsciously expects, and is crucial for you to deliver. In this textbook of the internationally acclaimed SCREENWRITING TRICKS FOR AUTHORS workshop, award-winning author/screenwriter Alexandra Sokoloff will show you how to jump-start your plot and bring your characters and scenes vibrantly alive on the page by watching your favorite movies and learning from the storytelling tricks of great filmmakers: ‧ The High Concept Premise ‧ The Three-Act, Eight-Sequence Structure ‧ The Storyboard Grid ‧ The Index Card Method of Plotting ‧ The Setpiece Scene ‧ Techniques of film pacing and suspense, character arc and drive, visual storytelling, and building image systems. Based on the internationally acclaimed Screenwriting Tricks for Authors workshops and blog, this new print edition incorporates all the basic information from the first Screenwriting Tricks for Authors workbook and doubles the material, including ten full story breakdowns. The textbook-quality edition is 8 x 10 inches and lies open flat for easy highlighting and note-taking. For information on books, workshops, and free Story Structure extras, go to www.ScreenwritingTricks.com REVIEWS: "Alex Sokoloff's STEALING HOLLYWOOD is the owner's manual that belongs in every writer's toolkit. Alex dissects the elements of story-telling with clarity, wit and wisdom. Don't thank me—buy the damn book!" —Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of Ladies' Night and Summer Rental "I'd already written fifteen novels by the time I met Alex and discovered her unique approach to structuring fiction. She changed my entire writing process for the better. I couldn't live without my three-act storyboard! Alex is a gifted and generous teacher and author, and STEALING HOLLYWOOD is a must-have book for new and seasoned writers alike." —International bestselling author Diane Chamberlain "Sokoloff's advice is spot-on, and her teaching style is direct and effective. A must-have book for authors and screenwriters." —JA Konrath, bestselling author of A Newbie's Guide To Publishing "Whether you're an old pro or an apprehensive beginner, Alex Sokoloff offers a sensible nuts-and-bolts approach that puts you in control of your material." —Margaret Maron, EdgarR, Agatha, Anthony & Macavity Award-winning author of the Deborah Knott mysteries "Sokoloff is a generous mentor with the gifted ability to address a storyteller's practical concerns while encouraging artistic integrity and every author's unique voice. Only three of my half dozen novels have been written with her unwitting guidance, but I can guarantee that with this book at my fingertips, all my future work—and my reading audience—will benefit from her advice. Recommended without reservation." —Vicki Pettersson, bestselling author of the Sign of the Zodiac series