This is something I wish I had when first starting out in screenwriting. It’s a list of essential screenwriting books that helped clearly define the screenwriting craft to me.
Each book reveals a new approach, complete with the writer’s own methods, to tackle the challenge of telling a story. You’ll find some that were written for those interested in mythology, interested in writing plays, and those interested in general writing guidelines. Together, I feel these books present a solid foundation for new screenwriters.
Feel free to leave a comment revealing your own …

As scriptxray expands into new and exciting areas of the screenwriting craft, including screenplay competitions, partnerships, and more, our main focus is you. After all, if it weren’t for you, the reader, we wouldn’t be here.
We’re currently expanding the collection of screenplay services available here at scriptxray, including coverage, treatment creation, page by page notes, and creative development, but we need your help.

In effort to build the most reputable team of story analysts (also known as script readers), we want to know what you, the screenwriter, want from your reader. We’ve …

Hi – just a quick note:
I just implemented a new feature, called feedback, which will enable you, constant reader, to send scriptxray your feedback; whether it includes an idea for a post, asuggestion for the site, or a question you’d like scriptxray to explore, you can kick it on over anytime.
Here’s how it works:
1. Click the “feedback” tab (to the left)
2. Select the suggestion you’d like to vote for
3. Click “Vote”

Check out my latest post over at Greenwriter.org!
It’s called “Writing Your Life Story? Don’t Forget the Compelling Concept” and it’s about one of the most common mistakes I see as a reader – writing a screenplay about your life when your life really isn’t all that exciting.
Check it out!
Writing Your Life Story? Don’t Forget the Compelling Concept

Everyone and their parents know that the film business is notorious for being a difficult and cruel place to work.
It’s both hard to break in and hard to stay in.
So much in fact, screenwriters have been seasoned to be ready for those golden moments when they might be able to connect with someone or send someone their work – because it’s a chance to slip into Hollywoodland through the side gates … not to imply that there are front gates where most people gain access, because there aren’t.
This moment usually involves …