Friday, August 17, 2012

Fun Announcement


Author Dawn Dalton and I have multiple projects on the go, from solo to team efforts as with our Most-Wanted Monsters young adult series. Note - I write paranormal fiction under my pen name, Judith Graves. 

But the fun doesn’t end with print media. We also collaborate in the writing and development of scripts for film and television, and to further complicate things, Dawn also writes under the name, Dawn Ius. A writer by any other name...

We're keen to announce we've signed with film/tv literary agent, Anna Archer of Lucas Talent for our screenwriting projects. Lucas Talent is one of Canada’s leading talent agencies and we're thrilled with the professionalism and comfort level we've experienced thus far. 

Here’s to navigating TV Land!

You can follow our fiction writing and screenwriting careers on our blogs:


Judith Graves: http://judithgraves.com/

Monday, August 13, 2012

Screenwriting Resources to DIE for


SCREENWRITING RESOURCES TO DIE FOR


Below is a list of materials I'd be lost without. If you're into screenwriting, you may find some (or all!) or them useful:

CRAFT

Save the Cat: The last book on screenwriting that you’ll ever need – Blake Snyder. Ironically Save the Cat was the first book on screenwriting I’d heard other fiction writers talk about and thus the first one I purchased…but I do return to it again and again.
Save the Cat: Goes to the movies. The screenwriter’s guide to every story ever told – Blake Snyder. Main plot points of films identified so you can make them happen in your own tales.
The Coffee Break Screenwriter – Pilar Alessandra. Fantastic resource for plot structure and dividing the task of writing a complete script into bite sized, manageable sections.
Your Screenplay Sucks: 100 ways to make it great – William M. Akers. I find this to be the best revision tool around. I use it for fiction manuscripts as well. It helps you identify problem areas and kick the snot out of them.
Four Screenplays. Studies in the American Screenplay: An analysis of four groundbreaking contemporary classics – Syd Field. Wonderful breakdown of Thelma & Louise, Terminator 2, The Silence of the Lambs and Dances with Wovles. In terms of understanding what makes a story work – this beast is priceless.
Cinematic Storytelling: The 100 most powerful film conventions every filmmaker must know – Jennifer Van Sijll. You’ll never watch a movie the same way again…and it will help you place your fictional cast on your stage with more finesse and creativity than ever before.

SCRIPTS

The Shooting Script series – as with writing fiction, the best way to learn what works is to READ. Here are some of the scripts I’ve purchased, but I also follow the Scott Myers blog http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/ for script evaluations and industry insight.
A Knight’s Tale – Brian Helgeland – great example of how to incorporate music, as well as take on a period piece with humour.
Dan in Real Life – Pierce Gardner and Peter Hedges – heartwarming example of family drama / romantic comedy.
Stranger than Fiction – Zack Helm – seriously brilliant…and offers tons of insight into the creation of the script.
Juno – Diablo Cody – groundbreaking, wicked cool and reads every bit as quirky as the film.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Once more with feeling (the musical script book) – Joss Whedon – includes the sheet music for the songs Whedon composed for this episode, that’s right – words AND music, the background to its creation and then…the very cool script itself.
SIDE NOTE: I also study other script formats, such as graphic novels. Here are some resources if you’re interested…
Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative: Principles and practices from the legendary cartoonist – Will Eisner. Great insight in the development of comics and how to combine words with images.
Panel Discussions with industry storytellers – Durwin S. Talon. Everything you’ve wanted to ask about graphic novels…with real answers.
Panel One: Comic book scripts by top writers – Nat Gertler. Featuring scripts by Neil Gaiman, Jeff Smith, Kurt Busiek and more!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

WriteOnCon


Do you write middle grade or young adult fiction? Want fresh eyes on your query letter, first five pages - possibly eyes lodged in the noggins of literary agents? Want insider info on the publishing industry - from authors, publishers, editors, agents?

Want all these goodies for FREE?

Then get thee to WRITEONCON!

This August 14th to 15th sees the third annual WriteOnCon - a weekend of live events, forums, podcasts, videos, "...created by writers - for writers." Here's a blurb from the site:

"During the conference, keynote addresses, agent panels, and lectures are presented as blogs, vlogs, moderated chats, webinars, podcasts, and livestreaming. There is also a critique forum, where participants can post query letters and writing samples to receive helpful feedback and comments from their peers and industry professionals. And, as if that weren’t exciting enough, there are also daily contests, giving random winners everything from books to personalized critiques from agents."

This conference provides networking, critiques, and all the industry tips you can handle - without the cost or time commitment of travel. I've followed WriteOnCon since it's inception and always find it of value. 

My profile: TracyB2 - cya there!