July/August 2013 Issue
July/August Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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How to Write a Script, Writing Tips
If you dream of making it in Hollywood, seeing your words translated into film, or turned into the next great indie project, you’re at the right place. Get insights into writing the perfect spec script, crafting scenes, and developing that perfect opening plot point.
Looking to take your script to the next level? Final Draft screenwriting software contains a suite of tools to help you create a script like the pros!
Selling Your Book’s Movie and TV Rights – What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever wondered how something gets made into a film—and how your work can be tapped for one, too—here’s the inside scoop on options. Read more
3 Tips for Consistent Tone
If you find yourself having a difficult time sustaining one tone over a long work, try these three tricks. Read more
Publishing 101: What You Need to Know
Here’s your step-by-step guide to the publishing process–how it works, why you need to know and how you can play an influential role in your book’s success.
by Jerry D. Simmons
Read more
The Anatomy of a Writer’s Website
Whether you build it yourself or hire a designer, your website can do more than bring you into the 21st century—it can be an invaluable part of your marketing arsenal.
by Linda Formichelli Read more
Television Showrunners
Not all television executive producers are showrunners. The title isn’t even listed on credits. What does a showrunner do and how do you become one?
by Robin Rowe Read more
Book-To-Film Adaptation Tips
Douglas Preston, who frequently collaborates with Lincoln Child (they’ve penned 11 novels together and are best known for their Agent Pendergast series), recently shared his thoughts on adaptations, specifically the 1997 movie adaptation of their first Pendergast novel, Relic.
By John Folsom Read more
Turning a Novel into a Screenplay
Let’s face it: A novel and a screenplay are two very different creatures. It’s like comparing a housecat with a bobcat—both are cats, but one you want curled up on your lap and the other, not so much.
by John Folsom Read more
What Producers Want
Producer Lynda Obst loves literature. She’s shepherded five novels to the big screen with more in the works. So, what does the producer of films like Contact, How Lose A Guy in Ten Days, and The Fisher King, look for when reading a book or article?
By John Folsom Read more
From Idea To Script
Here’s how to turn your promising concept into a screen-worthy script.
by Jurgen Wolff Read more
Does Your Screenplay Need a Treatment or a Synopsis?
A treatment or a synopsis can be an indispensable tool, both for writing and marketing a screenplay. In this article, we’ll look at the relationship between the treatment, synopsis, summary, logline, scene cards and coverage. A synopsis can be a story guide for writing your screenplay, or be written afterwards as part of your film’s press kit. So, how do you write a good synopsis? First you have to know the basics.
by Robin Rowe Read more
The WD Interview: Diablo Cody
After taking home the Oscar for her very first screenplay, stripper- turned- memoirist- turned- screenwriter Diablo Cody is ready for her close-up.
By Chad Gervich Read more
Mobisode Writing Could Put Extra Cash in Your Pocket
Looking around at the proliferation of TV shows and movies, you might not think there’s anywhere entertainment vendors could squeeze in their products. But there is—and they’re looking for writers to help.
by John Scott Lewinski Read more
Online Exclusive: An Interview with Indiana Jones Scribe David Koepp
With blockbusters like Spider-Man, Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible and the newest installment of Indiana Jones under his belt, you’d think scriptwriter David Koepp holds the secret to Hollywood success. And in some ways, he does.
by Patrick McGilligan Read more
Being an Author in Hollywood
Trying to make a living writing books is difficult, so a word of advice to anyone who’s planning a move to Los Angeles: Stay right where you are.
by Marc Weingarten Read more
The Four Commandments of Writing Good Sentences
If you want to write a good sentence, don’t pay any attention to your grammar. I don’t mean “a sentence this like OK is.” I mean don’t automatically think you’ve written a good sentence just because it’s grammatically correct. Lots of bad sentences are grammatically correct. Some of these bad sentences might even be yours.
by Bonnie Trenga Read more
Challenging the Limits of Memory
In this excerpt from Writing Life Stories, Bill Roorbach teaches you how to pay attention to and translate your memories and how to overcome your resistance to remembered places and events. Read more
First Success: Gigi Levangie Grazer’s Rescue Me
Gigi Levangie Grazer, a screenwriter whose original screenplay Stepmom became a movie starring Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon, is celebrating the release of her first novel Rescue Me (Simon & Schuster). Grazer talks to Writer’s Digest about her inspiration, plans for her next project and her various writing habits and rituals. Read more
Script CPR: Cut, Polish, Revise
You don’t have to be a script doctor to know how to fix a script that isn’t working. Here’s some first aid for scriptwriters. Read more
Great Endings
You can craft all the Oscar-winning dialogue you want, but if your last scene isn’t up to snuff, your movie won’t make it. Read more
Select the Perfect Script Software
There are nine different script formatting programs available on the market today.
Use our guide to discover which one is right for you. Read more
Aaron Sorkin
The West Wing‘s Emmy-winning writer explains the “barometer of artistic integrity.” Read more
Collision Course
Layer plot lines and characters to give your play the substance it needs to be a full-length production. Read more
And the Oscar Goes To…
Get the inside word on how three scriptwriting programs measure up. Read more
Donald P. Bellisario
Even after suceeding with old favorites such as Magnum P.I.
and Quantum Leap, this writer and producer is flying to new heights with JAG. Read more
Landing a Hollywood Script Agent
Agents of any stripe are tough to catch, but if you want to get the best deal for your script, you’ll need a script agent. Here’s how you can reel one in. Read more
