Top 10 Best Books for Screenwriters
In the course of your writing career, you may have heard this advice from other writers: “Writers don’t read, they write!”
Well, that is not exactly the case. While writing is necessary for honing the craft, the voices of writers gone before may prove helpful to you on your journey. These books cover broader topics than screenwriting, but they are essential to anyone who loves storytelling.
Bullies, Bastards, and Bitches: How to Write the Bad Guys of Fiction
Witty and compelling, Jessica Morrell takes the reader on a journey in developing the not-so-heroic characters in a story. From terrifying villains to the mysterious anti-hero, Morrell helps you explore the darker characters of fiction to help create a more nuanced, fascinating, and even empathetic character. No movie is complete without a great villain, and this book is the first step to creating one that your audience will never forget.
Check it out here.
Narrative Across Media: The Languages of Storytelling
This collection of essays edited by Marie-Laure Ryan works to bridge the between narrative and media, particularly visual and musical means. It explores the many ways storytelling has appeared in and shaped various cultures. Exploring how history and philosophy have shaped present-day media, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in a more academic approach to storytelling.
Check it out here.
Creating Unforgettable Characters: A Practical Guide to Character Development in Films, TV Series, Advertisements, Novels & Short Stories
As a professional script consultant, Dr. Linda Seger has seen her fair share of characters, and in this book, she distills what makes a character memorable. The book’s topics include character research, blocking, dialogue, and character psychology. She also includes interviews with top writers. From advertising to narrative to screenplay, this book is invaluable for anyone wanting to create a truly unforgettable character.
Check it out here.
Lew Hunter’s Screenwriting 434: The Industry’s Premier Teacher Reveals the Secrets of the Successful Screenplay
Proclaimed by Steven Spielberg to be the “best screenwriting teacher going,” Lew Hunter dives into the details of what makes a great screenplay. He advertises it proudly as a “how-to book:” how to develop characters, create conflict, and plot out a 3-act structure. He is not interested in making you the next Martin Scorsese or Aaron Sorkin; instead, he is interested in making you the best writer you can be.
Check it out here.
Save the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need
Regarded as one of the most practical tools when it comes to screenwriting, Blake Snyder’s book offers an insider look into the film writing process, covering everything from loglines, genre, and plot. The book is linked to the highly regarded Save the Cat beat sheet, a template that helps screenwriters construct their stories Though some writers have hotly contested his advice, this work remains one of the best resources for a beginning screenwriter.
Check it out here.
On Writing
Though not specifically connected to screenwriting, the advice offered by the “King of Horror” Stephen King will prove invaluable to anyone who wants to craft a good story. In his book, King takes the reader on a journey through his own writing process, linking the practical aspects of his craft to the trials and triumphs of his writing career. Even if you are not a fan of King’s fiction, this book is a must-have for anyone passionate about storytelling.
Check it out here.
Writing Movies for Fun and Profit: How We Made a Billion Dollars at the Box Office and You Can, Too!
Robert Garant and Thomas Lennon dive into the nitty-gritty of living and working as a screenwriter. From pitching to getting fired to handling criticism, this duo offers practical advice for success in the film world. If you want to understand what making a living in Hollywood looks like, this book is the perfect resource for you.
Check it out here.
The Idea: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen, Stage, or Fiction
With a vast range of experiences, acclaimed screenwriter Erik Bork lays out the path for writing a compelling story. Employing the acronym PROBLEM, he takes the reader through the seven elements necessary for a story to connect with audiences. Whether you are brand new to the screenwriting world or a seasoned veteran, this book has something for you.
Check it out here.
Into the Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them
In this book, John Yorke, producer and founder of the BBC Writers’ Academy, explores what it means to tell a story. From ancient mythology to summer blockbusters, he traces the common thread uniting all these stories and what that means for writers. Yorke’s book is for anyone who not only wants to write well but also to live well.
Check it out here.
Anatomy of a Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller
Regarded as one of the best story consultants in Hollywood, John Truby offers a guide to the aspiring screenwriter to create a compelling story while avoiding the most common mistakes. Drawing on a range of classics, such as Jaws, The Godfather, and Star Wars, Truby analyzes what makes a great script, focusing on plot, theme, characters, and more. The techniques found in this book make it a must-have for any screenwriter looking to improve their craft.
Check it out here.
Writing a screenplay can be a daunting task, and writing a good screenplay can be even more challenging. However, there is a comfort in knowing that others have overcome these same difficulties, and they can show you how to overcome them too. So, write, by all means, but maybe do some reading as well.
Good luck on your writing journey, and may the Author of all stories be with you!