Top 25 from Top 20 books on storytelling

Jun 9, 2024

Here are 25 top tips and recommendations drawn from the 20 essential books on storytelling and screenwriting:

1. Master Story Structure: Understand the fundamentals of story structure, such as the three-act structure (Syd Field) or the Hero’s Journey (Joseph Campbell, Christopher Vogler).
2. Create Relatable Characters: Develop multi-dimensional characters with clear motivations and goals (John Truby, Lajos Egri).
3. Focus on Emotional Impact: Ensure your story elicits strong emotional responses from the audience (Karl Iglesias).
4. Craft a Compelling Concept: Start with a unique and engaging concept that hooks the audience (Larry Brooks).
5. Use a Beat Sheet: Outline your screenplay using a beat sheet to ensure all key moments are covered (Blake Snyder).
6. Write Regularly: Develop a consistent writing routine to maintain momentum and productivity (Stephen King).
7. Revise Relentlessly: Embrace the rewriting process to refine and perfect your script (Anne Lamott).
8. Know Your Genre: Understand the conventions and expectations of the genre you’re writing in (Blake Snyder, John Truby).
9. Show, Don’t Tell: Use visual storytelling techniques to convey emotions and actions without excessive dialogue (Robert McKee).
10. Develop Strong Conflict: Ensure your story has clear and escalating conflict to keep the audience engaged (Lajos Egri).
11. Start with a Strong Opening: Hook your audience from the first scene with a compelling and intriguing opening (Syd Field).
12. Focus on the Protagonist’s Journey: Center your story around the protagonist’s emotional and physical journey (Joseph Campbell, John Truby).
13. Balance Plot and Character Development: Ensure that both your plot and characters are well-developed and intertwined (Larry Brooks).
14. Create High Stakes: Make sure the stakes are high enough to create tension and keep the audience invested (Michael Hauge).
15. Use Visual Metaphors: Incorporate visual metaphors to add depth and meaning to your story (Robert McKee).
16. Write with Authenticity: Be true to your voice and write with honesty and authenticity (Stephen King).
17. Focus on Dialogue: Write natural and purposeful dialogue that reveals character and advances the plot (Syd Field).
18. Understand the Business: Learn about the industry and how to market and sell your screenplay (William Goldman, David Trottier).
19. Develop Subtext: Use subtext to add layers of meaning beneath the surface of your dialogue and actions (Robert McKee).
20. Write with Joy: Find pleasure in the act of writing and let your passion show through your work (Ray Bradbury).
21. Create a Memorable Theme: Ensure your story has a clear and resonant theme that is explored throughout the narrative (John Truby).
22. Incorporate Universal Elements: Use universal themes and emotions to connect with a broad audience (Michael Hauge).
23. Overcome Resistance: Identify and combat the inner resistance that prevents you from writing (Steven Pressfield).
24. Be Open to Inspiration: Draw inspiration from a wide range of sources and incorporate them into your work creatively (Austin Kleon).
25. Experiment and Take Risks: Don’t be afraid to take creative risks and experiment with different storytelling techniques (Viki King).

These tips combine the essential elements of story structure, character development, emotional impact, and practical writing advice, providing a comprehensive guide for screenwriters at any stage of their career.