Screenwriting Tricks for Authors (and Screenwriters!): STEALING HOLLYWOOD: Story structure secrets for writing your BEST book

Some people are 1-starring this very helpful book due to an unfortunate author feud which I only learned about recently (look for the November/December 2021 reviews, if you're wondering who). I'll instead give you an honest and unbiased review--just to mix things up here.I bought the paperback version of this book in April of 2021 and, being wrapped up in ghostwriting, only recently had time to dive into it. I'm very picky about what I read and what I review--I don't waste my time on things that aren't worth my time. And here I am. So.If you're a writer who is serious about approaching story structure, you likely own (or have borrowed) a TON of books on the topic, and have attended a TON of workshops and conferences that tackle aspects of structure, as are in this book. And STILL, I'll suggest you add THIS to your list. Having been in the publishing and writing business for more than a decade and having attended MANY conferences, conventions, and workshops of all sorts (and having given my share of workshops as well), I only wish I had found this book sooner. As stated in my review's headline, this is "easily consumable."Sokoloff has a strong understanding of structure and she makes each of her points easily and well. To help readers hone in more quickly on key terms in the text, she caps them. This allows for a faster read and easier review. Her "Master List" technique is handy--it's one of those seemingly simple ideas that is elegant in its simplicity. Applying the technique as suggested through her assignment will not only strengthen your writing, it'll strengthen your understanding of WHY you write what you do (and that is a great thing in and of itself).If you are a writer or author looking for a good resource that will help you consider your book's potential cinematic/dramatic appeal, appreciate something well and clearly written, with a layout which allows for healthy white space (and note-making space and is also good for reluctant readers who have interest in writing/telling stories), providing helpful breakdowns of some popular films, written in a voice that is inviting and clever, and includes helpful assignments, this is perfect for you.Unlike some other books mentioned in some of the other reviews, this book definitely emphasizes the Hollywood/movie angle and I'd suggest could make interesting companion reading for books/websites like Weiland's, Vogler's, Hauge's, Campbell's, and Cron's (who rank among my favorites and who I've also been painfully slow to review...).Happy reading--and happy writing--to us all!

All of my life I dreamed of writing a novel. When I retired, I took several writing classes. I was ready---or so I thought. I approached my work in progress as a "pantster." And why not? I had a story, characters, and setting. My hero and his evil antagonist were ready to do battle. I sat down at my computer with enthusiasm and confidence. That's when I saw it---the blank screen---quite terrifying in its understated threat to my aspirations.I didn't know where to start and I didn't have a plan. What to do? I keyed in a heading: OUTLINE. That's what I needed: an outline. But the screen remained blank. What next? I purchased novel writing software to help organize my ideas and get the creative juices flowing. Sigh. The learning curve was too steep and the screen remained blank and threatening. Guess I was meant to be a reader, not a writer.Along came our community reading festival. If I couldn't write, at least I could stock up on good books. While I stood in line for an author book signing, a soft voice nearby said, "Excuse me. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but did you say that you tried to write a book but found the process too complicated?""Yes," I said, it was complicated.The quiet little lady continued, "If you are serious about writing, I might have just what you need." She wrote the name of a writing academy at West Texas A&M University. "Please feel free to call if I can be of help."I went straight home and googled the website of the writing academy. Alexandra Sokoloff's class on plotting shouted my name. But so had the five classes I took before the days of the blank screen. How could I determine whether this workshop could solve my organizational problems? By gosh, I'd buy Alexandra's text book "Stealing Hollywood: Story Structure for Writing Your Best Book." I had concerns. Perhaps "Stealing Hollywood" would be just the ticket for screenwriters but maybe not so valuable for novelists. I didn't need to worry. Yes, there are valuable Hollywood tricks in the book. But this is it, the real McCoy, the meat and potatoes of how to write your best book ever. Three hundred and eighty-six pages that take you from concept to finish.Okay, so Alexandra Sokoloff can write a great text book. But can she write a great novel? I bought four of her books and, yes she can write and she writes well. Even better, she writes the genre I like to read. Airline tickets were tempting me, but could this stranger teach? Should I enroll in Alexandra's workshop "Plot Your Novel in a Week?" There was only one way to find out---hit the purchase button and head for Texas. And I did. Yep, Alexandra can teach---and entertain---and motivate. Working with Alex and the members of our class was the most fun I'd had in a long time. Every student left with good memories and a fully plotted novel.I finally have a work in progress organized by the efficient and easy to use index card method. No more intimidating blank screen. There are words,pages, even chapters.You don't have to travel to Texas to benefit from "Stealing Hollywood." The book stands on its own merit. But if you have the opportunity, it is the experience of a lifetime.Thanks, Alexandra Sokoloff for writing a fantastic book on story structure and for presenting an outstanding workshop.Thanks Jodi Thomas, bestselling author of more than 50 books, for flying to Florida for our community reading festival. Did I mention that Jodi was the kind lady who encouraged me to pursue my dream?And a final thanks to the faculty and staff of the West Texas A&M University Writers' Academy. You're the greatest!

I just used this book to write my Nanowrmo story in 30 days. If you are having trouble with plot, this is the number one book I would recommend. She gives you an exact layout of what type of things should happen when within a story. These are just basic story telling elements, but they really help you flesh out your story and help you figure out what's missing. I cannot recommend it enough.She is from the film industry, and uses the 3 act 8 part structure typical of bestselling movies. By pointing out the elements that every good story has, and in what order, she makes writing much easier.In the first part of the book, she breaks down the elements you need in your story by act, so it's easier to get a rhythm going for your story. All of the information contained in the book is available for free in her blog (she will tell you that herself), but the book organizes it so it's easier to understand.

I have found this book immensely helpful. I had earlier purchased the eBook but thought having a physical copy would be handy. I was right! I tend to write by the seat of my pants which doesn't always work out. I have tried massive planning and it didn't work for me either. This book has shown me a way that keeps me happily in the middle. The process just works for me. In it Sokoloff advocates using lists, often. Since I am a list person this grabbed me and pulled me in immediately. She also has you do your homework and in a way that makes you feel like you want to, not Have to. There are plenty of story breakdown examples to help you along your way and tips galore. Highly recommended.

Very good

This is a wonderfully helpful addition to my collection of materials helpful to my writing work.Alexandra Sokoloff has done a superb job of linking her extensive experience as a screenwriter to the tasks faced by writers of novels, short stories and the like. She understands the work and tasks involved in the various genres and does a worthy job of explaining while all writing is the same--only different.HELPFUL ... USEFUL ... DON'T BE WITHOUT THS IN YOUR WRITING TOOLKIT.

This was a good read with great advice.

A fantastic guide. It breaks down clearly the structure. Within two days of getting the book I had managed to plot out a whole book, and understand the crucial points in any story to keep an audience interested. It's well written, with lots of good advice. There are a lot of references to films, but it's done in a way which helps you understand the highs and lows of any story be it via movie or book, the results are basically the same. I will be telling my entire writing groups about this book, I use it together with how to write a novel in six months by thomas emson, for me it's not about the speed in this book but the tips and advice on how to approach writing, it was in thomas's book that I first came across reference to the 8 sequence structure, and also 2,000 to 10,000 Writing faster, writing better by Rachel Aaron, again great advice on how to approach certain aspects of writing.

I'm a writer & one that has also studied Theatre & some screenwriting so the concepts in this book are not new to me, but the way to structure & outline my novels & summarise their premise are. It's something I haven't practised before as I have always been a 'pantser'. This books provides clear defined ways of going about it & really useful exercises to practise with a step by step process.I will definitely be using this book for reference whenever I start writing a new novel. Highly recommend to any writer looking to find a way to outline & structure their books as well as write pitches.