Screenwriting How-to Books: Myths and Realities

When your screenwriting professor advises you to avoid reading any screenwriting how-to books, you might wonder if there’s some truth to her words. Indeed, it is true that some screenwriting books are written by less experienced or even failed screenwriters. However, this does not mean that all such books are of poor quality or that they can’t be valuable to your craft.

Who Wrote the Great Screenplays?

Let's take a closer look at some famous screenwriters and the books they wrote:

William Goldman - Apart from his acclaimed screenplays like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), All the Presidents Men (1976), and The Princess Bride (1987), William Goldman authored Adventures in the Screen Trade: A Personal View of Hollywood and Screenwriting. This book provides a unique perspective on the screenwriting process and the Hollywood scene. Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon - They wrote Writing Movies for Fun and Profit: How We Made a Billion Dollars at the Box Office and You Can Too!, which explores their successful careers, including the screenplays for Night at the Museum (2006), Reno 911!: Miami (2007), and Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005). Their insights into the movie business can be quite enlightening. Stephen King - Though renowned as a best-selling author, Stephen King also wrote scripts for movies like Creepshow (1982), Pet Sematary (1989), and Sleepwalkers (1992). His book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft not only delves into his writing process but also touches on screenwriting principles.

Tips from Expert Writers

While these authors are undoubtedly accomplished, their books still hold valuable lessons. For instance, Adventures in the Screen Trade by William Goldman offers practical advice on navigating the complex world of Hollywood. Similarly, Writing Movies for Fun and Profit by Garant and Lennon provides tangible tips on how to write profitable screenplays. And Stephen King's On Writing is a comprehensive guide that covers the fundamental aspects of storytelling and scriptwriting.

Why Screenwriting Books Are Still Valuable

One reason a screenwriting professor might caution against these books is the belief that writing screenplays is a highly personal process that cannot be entirely codified. This is partially true. Every writer has their unique style and approaches, and no single book can guarantee success. However, these books can still serve as excellent resources for understanding the technical and creative components of screenwriting.

Just as learning the rules of mathematics doesn’t make you a mathematician, reading a book on screenwriting doesn’t automatically turn you into a great screenwriter. But these books can certainly help you understand and navigate the industry-standard formatting, character development, and story structure. They are tools to aid your learning and growth as a writer.

Conclusion

So, should you read screenwriting how-to books or not? The answer is a resounding ‘yes.’ Use these books as part of your learning process, alongside your own personal practice and feedback from others. Consider them a starting point, a guide, and a reference tool. Remember, the best way to become a successful screenwriter is through practice, dedication, and continuous learning. The books you choose can be your companions on this journey.

Whether you opt for Adventures in the Screen Trade, Writing Movies for Fun and Profit, or On Writing, there is much you can learn from these works. And who knows? You might even find that some of the lessons apply to your other writing pursuits as well.