Non-Fiction Books

Are you finally committed to writing that novel but have no idea how to get started? Or are you a published author - but know you need some plotting help to move your books and career up to that next level? Screenwriting is a compressed and dynamic storytelling form and the techniques of screenwriting are easily adaptable to novel writing. You can jump-start your plot and bring your characters and scenes vibrantly alive on the page - by watching your favorite movies and learning from the storytelling tricks of great filmmakers. With this workbook, based on award-winning author/ screenwriter Alexandra Sokoloff’s internationally acclaimed Screenwriting Tricks For Authors blog and workshops, you'll learn how to use techniques of film writing such as: - the High Concept Premise - the Three-Act, Eight-Sequence Structure - the Storyboard Grid - the Index Card Method of Plotting - as well as tricks of film pacing and suspense, character arc and drive, visual storytelling, and building image systems - to structure and color your novel for maximum emotional impact, unbearable suspense and riveting pacing, no matter what genre you're writing in. You'll create your own personalized workbook of genre tricks based on your favorite books and movies and tailored to your own brand of storytelling, and a collage book to build visual image systems. And the emphasis on premise is invaluable for crafting that all-important query and pitch. In this rapidly changing world of publishing, more and more agents and editors are looking for novels that have the pacing, emotional excitement, and big, unique, "high concept" premises of Hollywood movies (and the potential for that movie or TV sale!). Whether you're just starting to develop a book or script, or rewriting for maximum impact, this workbook will guide you through an easy, effective and fun process to help you make your book or script the best it can be. Includes detailed film breakdowns and analysis as well as chapters and resources on how to get a literary agent, writing a query letter, professional networking, and screenwriting contests. "Sokoloff's advice is spot-on, and her teaching style is direct and effective. A must-have book for authors and screenwriters." - JA Konrath, A Newbie's Guide To Publishing

A revised and expanded second volume of award-winning author and screenwriter Alexandra Sokoloff's Screenwriting Tricks For Authors workbook, with a special emphasis on writing love stories. Contains all the general story structure lessons of STFA I and much more, but with special attention to key story elements, techniques, and examples from romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and romantic adventure, including ten full story breakdowns. Screenwriting is a compressed and dynamic storytelling form that carries enormous emotional power, and the techniques of screenwriting are easily adaptable to novel writing. You can jump-start your plot and bring your characters and scenes vibrantly alive on the page - by watching your favorite movies and learning from the storytelling tricks of great filmmakers. You'll learn how to use techniques of film writing such as: - the High Concept Premise - the Three-Act, Eight-Sequence Structure - the Storyboard Grid - the Index Card Method of Plotting - as well as tricks of film pacing and suspense, character arc and drive, visual storytelling, setpieces, and image systems - to structure and color your novel for maximum emotional impact, suspense, and pacing, no matter what genre you're writing in. "Sokoloff's advice is spot-on, and her teaching style is direct and effective. A must-have book for authors and screenwriters." - JA Konrath, A Newbie's Guide To Publishing Join the Story Structure Extras mailing list for free bonus material such as full story breakdowns: bit.ly/Story_Structure_Extras

Write and sell your best book – by learning from the movies! Are you finally committed to writing that novel or screenplay, but have no idea how to get started? Or are you a published author, but know you need some plotting help to move your books and career up to that next level? Screenwriting is based on a simple and powerful structure that you already know from watching so many movies and television shows in your lifetime. It's a structure that your reader or audience unconsciously expects, and is crucial for you to deliver — whether you’re traditionally published or self-publishing; writing mystery, romance, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, paranormal or cozy. In this textbook of the internationally acclaimed SCREENWRITING TRICKS FOR AUTHORS workshop, award-winning author/screenwriter Alexandra Sokoloff will show you how to jump-start your plot and bring your characters and scenes vibrantly alive on the page — by watching your favorite movies and learning from the storytelling tricks of great filmmakers: • The High Concept Premise • The Three-Act, Eight-Sequence Structure • The Storyboard Grid • The Index Card Method of Plotting • The Setpiece Scene • Techniques of film pacing and suspense, character arc and drive, visual storytelling, and building image systems. Every aspect of writing a book is covered, from finding a great idea to final draft: Plot, theme, character development, setting, world building, dialogue, pacing, conflict, suspense — with hundreds of examples from well-known movies, books and TV. Find extra support from the author on her Screenwriting Tricks for Authors Substack! WHAT AUTHORS ARE SAYING: "Alex Sokoloff's STEALING HOLLYWOOD is the owner's manual that belongs in every writer's toolkit. Alex dissects the elements of storytelling with clarity, wit and wisdom. Don't thank me—buy the damn book!" —Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author "I'd already written fifteen novels by the time I met Alex and discovered her unique approach to structuring fiction. She changed my entire writing process for the better. I couldn't live without my three-act storyboard! Alex is a gifted and generous teacher and author, and STEALING HOLLYWOOD is a must-have book for new and seasoned writers alike." —International bestselling author Diane Chamberlain “No one does story analysis better than Sokoloff.” —International bestselling author Steve Cavanagh "Sokoloff's advice is spot-on, and her teaching style is direct and effective. A must-have book for authors and screenwriters." —JA Konrath, bestselling author of A Newbie's Guide to Publishing "Whether you're an old pro or an apprehensive beginner, Alex Sokoloff offers a sensible nuts-and-bolts approach that puts you in control of your material." —Margaret Maron, Edgar®, Agatha, Anthony & Macavity Award-winning author of the Deborah Knott mysteries "Sokoloff is a generous mentor with the gifted ability to address a storyteller's practical concerns while encouraging artistic integrity and every author's unique voice. Only three of my half dozen novels have been written with her unwitting guidance, but I can guarantee that with this book at my fingertips, all my future work—and my reading audience—will benefit from her advice. Recommended without reservation." —Vicki Pettersson, bestselling author of the Sign of the Zodiac series