Now Write! Screenwriting: Screenwriting Exercises from Today's Best Writers and Teachers (Now Write! Writing Guide Series)

I wasn't going to write a review on this book because I'm a contributor to it and I figured everyone would assume that I'm just doing shameless self-promotion. But here's why I'm reviewing it. When the editors contacted me and asked if I'd contribute an exercise, they said they were contacting the best, most prolific screenwriters and t.v. writers in the industry (yes, the flattery was nice!) and asking them to contribute one exercise-- the one and only exercise that has helped them more than any other when it comes to writing. That was tough. I had to think long and hard about what technique or trick I've used the most to help me and I ultimately decided that a technique I've used countless times to barrel through writer's block was the one to send in. So I did. It's in the book. If you read it, you'll see it.Fast forward to publication and me as I receive a couple free copies. Having been a t.v. writer for as long as I have been, I didn't think I'd learn anything new from this book. I figured there'd be some good stuff, but I never in a million years thought it would help me. I was 100% wrong. As I flipped through the book, I found myself so engrossed with some of the ideas and exercises from other writers that I've now included them in my arsenal of writing tools. I've been writing for t.v. for more than 10 years and have had more than 40 movies produced, and this book STILL made me a better writer than I was before I opened it.I've bought a ton of copies and given them as gifts to people that I've mentored or friends that have dabbled in screenwriting. They've all raved about it. What you're buying is a collection of the very best tips from successful, working writers with an exercise that goes with each concept. If you did one exercise a day, you'd be 100 times better at writing than you are right now. And if you just flipped through the book and found a few exercises that made a difference for you-- that helped you fill your own personal writing deficiencies-- then, again, you've just made great progress. The concept is brilliant and it works because it's a collection of the best ideas from the best writers. BTW, I wasn't paid to contribute to the book and I don't make any money on it so there's no financial benefit in promoting it. I really just believe in the book and am proud to have been a part of it.

Great ideas for writing

Reminded me a great deal of Linda Aronson's great book "Screenwriting Updated" which perfectly blended the practical (in the form of exercises) and the lateral (in the theory behind the exercises).The chapters are highly focused, and bite-sized for easy consumption, and the talent behind them is quite staggering - as well as their willingness to part with great techniques.Probably not a book for the beginning writer, but certainly a great tool for the writer with solid understanding of dramatic principles and structure, who wants a refresher, or needs a little kick-start.

The book is easy to follow, but it could have had more examples and explained various formats and uses better instead of leaving it vague. I've gotten more out of the "Everyday Screenwriting book" than this one.

Hi all, I definitely recommend this screenwriting bible. I am a novice film school student and have really learned a lot from the pros that have contributed to this compilation of knowledge. It's packed with useful advice and exercises you can (and SHOULD) do to buff up your writing muscles.These are writers who have sold scripts and made money where we all want to be so definitely take a peek inside and see what you learn from those seasoned travelers.Fade InRead it and master the craft of screenwriting.Enjoy!

Very enjoyable read on all aspects of writing for Hollywood.

If you're a screenwriter, this book is one that should be in your library. It's an amazing compilation of advice from working and successful writers as well as respected instructors - including Richard Walter one of my idols. It's a breeze read and if you take the advice to heart and mind, you will definitely improve as a writer.

I never write reviews, but this book deserves another good one. As someone who's just started work on her first screenplay, I've found "Now Write!" to be SO helpful and inspiring. I'd recommend it to anyone who's interested in screenwriting. It's just overflowing with great information and wonderful advice from a plethora of experts. LOVE it!

This book is loaded with valuable screenwriting tips and excellent writing exercises. It's a real treasure and one of my top favourites. If you're serious about improving your screenwriting skills, get the book. Thank you to all of the writers.

Great book!