The Art of Dramatic Writing

(Trumbo, 2015)

I’m sometimes asked how I develop my ideas and theories about writing for film and television. They often ask where they can go to get more information and develop their own deeper understanding of the craft of screenwriting.

Three Basic Rules

I start by telling them my three essential rules:

1. Sit down and write everyday. In any capacity. Screenplay, blog, a rant on reddit or a film review on Letterboxd. Whatever you can do to get those fingers dancing. Of course screenwriting is the most productive avenue, but to be a writer you must write everyday.
2. Read professionally written and sold scripts. At least one a week. It’s so enlightening and helps every writer learn the cadence of professional writing, while advancing one’s knowledge of the filmic language.
3. Read “The Art of Dramatic Writing” by Lajos Egri.

The Best Book For Narrative Storytellers

There are plenty of great books by numerous story gurus. There are also some great websites by world famous screenwriters. They are informative, educational, entertaining and excellent resources for writers at all levels. But for my money, “The Art of Dramatic Writing” is the single best book on how to write dramatic material in any media.