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Gray's Favorite Writing Books
By an Amazon.com customer
Skywalking: The Life And Films Of George Lucas, Updated EditionSkywalking: The Life And Films Of George Lucas, Updated Edition by Dale Pollock
Buy new: $14.49 / Used from: $0.95
This book was what inspired me to get into show business.
Story: Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of ScreenwritingStory: Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of Screenwriting by Robert Mckee
Buy new: $23.10 / Used from: $18.66
Essential reading on the deeper principles of storytelling and screenwriting. It is not a primer, nor does it teach you practical technique on how to structure a script. However, it is invaluable in ensuring the story you want to tell is worth telling, and is well told.
Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever NeedSave The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need by Blake Snyder
Buy new: $13.57 / Used from: $11.99
I had read about 20 books on screenwriting before this one, and it wasn't until I read "Save the Cat" that I really grasped how the structural beats of a story worked together. Plus, his teaching on different genres and their conventions is unlike anything I've seen. Lastly, by the end of it I had far more confidence that I could really do it. Rest in peace, Blake.
Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies: The Screenwriter's Guide to Every Story Ever ToldSave the Cat! Goes to the Movies: The Screenwriter's Guide to Every Story Ever Told by Blake Snyder
Buy new: $16.47 / Used from: $11.36
My only criticism on Blake's first book was that I wanted more examples of how different movies of varying genres worked within his structural beats. This second book perfectly answers that need. Rest in peace, Blake.
How to Make it in HollywoodHow to Make it in Hollywood by Linda Buzzell
Buy new: $12.71 / Used from: $0.01
Indispensable primer on the practicality of working in the film industry -- I have found most of the principles are just as applicable here in Toronto, Canada.
The 101 Habits Of Highly Successful Screenwriters: Insider's Secrets from Hollywood's Top WritersThe 101 Habits Of Highly Successful Screenwriters: Insider's Secrets from Hollywood's Top Writers by Karl Iglesias
Buy new: $9.20 / Used from: $6.50
Highly interesting interviews from many successful writers, on such practical topics as time management, the creative process, marketing yourself, and more.
The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your ScriptThe Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script by David Trottier
Buy new: $15.61 / Used from: $12.99
Very practical and well laid out book on how to structure a screenplay and present it on the page.