By Forris Day JR
Most of us have been into a Starbucks Coffee Shop. I guarantee you that if you polled the customers who are using computers as to what they are doing, at least one person would be working on a screenplay. It just seems that having a coffee in the relaxing and soothing environment that Starbucks offers is enticing to many writers. It is a location where many people feel most creative. I only use Starbucks as an example, so before you go off thinking I’m getting some kind of perks from them, no I am not. Admit it though. You have witnessed it yourself. Perhaps you have even written parts of YOUR screenplay there.
There is nothing wrong with this but imagine how much more productive you could be, as a screenwriter, if you could be creative anywhere. It would take some sort of exercises. Yes writers need to exercise their brains just like athletes exercise their muscles. The book “The Creative Screenwriter – Exercises To Expand Your Craft” offers screenwriters a plethora of exercises to do just that. To make your brain think like a creative writer. Sure, you can write, but wouldn’t it be great to have the skills to really dig down deep into your stories and make them more powerful than ever? This book can help.
The book is divided into 17 unique chapters designed to help you develop your writing skills. Think of them as 17 different muscle groups. Here is sampling of what is covered in some of the chapters; characters, the worlds they live in, their relationships, dialog and working on individual scenes just to name a few. There is a bonus section at the end called “DIY Script Surgery”. This section is great for folks who are already working on a script but are hitting roadblocks. You look up the problem you are having, and the “prescription” as it is called, guides you to the chapters and exercises needed to help you tackle your problem.
The book can be read straight through from beginning to end. You can do the exercises as you go or skip them for now then go back and do the ones you feel will help you the most once you finish the book. Reading the book is sort of like taking a screenwriting course that assigns homework projects that are actually fun. Your brain will get a real workout and you will, in turn, become a much better writer. This is not the kind of book you read once then put aside. It is meant to be constantly referenced back to. You will never be bored again because you can always grab “The Creative Screenwriter” and do a few writing exercises.
Writen by Zara Waldenback and Craig Batty, two professional screenwriting teachers, this book is a must-own resource for any screenwriter. I will even go as far to say playwrights and novelists will gain valuable lessons from the exercises contained withing it’s pages. I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and I know I will enjoy referencing it for the rest of my life. The exercises can be used endlessly leading you down a different creative path each time. The power of the mind is amazing so let “The Creative Screenwriter” help you harness yours.
Rating: 9/10 – “Become the best writer that you can be”