None.
As writers, each of us wants our audience to hang in there all the way to The End. Fiction or fact, fantasy, biography, novels, short stories, film scripts, stageplays or teleplays, no matter our genre, nor how lofty or lowdown, an author’s first requirement is to recognize that we must entertain. We’ve got to hook the audience, and not let go. But, to do that effectively we must maintain a solid grip on the entire yarn we’re spinning – to hang onto our overall focus.
Successful writer Tom Sawyer will teach you his practical, take-it-to-the-bank approach as he guides you through the process from logline to premise to laying out your story – to creating vivid characters by understanding, beyond their Drivers License Information, what they’re really about – and then putting unique words in their mouths. Along the way, you’ll acquire a mindset that’ll help you turn that idea, or that incomplete manuscript, into a workable, gripping story that you’ll finish, and sell!
Novelist, screenwriter, playwright Thomas B. Sawyer was Head Writer/Showrunner of the classic CBS series, MURDER, SHE WROTE, for which he wrote 24 episodes. Tom has written 9 network TV pilots, 100 episodes, both comedy and drama, and was Head Writer/Showrunner or Story Editor on 15 network TV series. He wrote/directed/produced the feature-film cult comedy, ALICE GOODBODY. His documentary film, REUNION, was honored by the New York Film Festival, and received national theatrical release. Tom is co-librettist/lyricist of JACK, an opera about John F. Kennedy which, backed by the Shuberts, has been performed to acclaim in the US and Europe. He is publisher of STORYBASE 2.0 writer’s software. Tom’s book, FICTION WRITING DEMYSTIFIED, and STORYBASE are Writer's Digest Book Club Selections. The best-selling mystery/thriller, THE SIXTEENTH MAN, is his first novel. His latest thriller is the best-selling NO PLACE TO RUN. He's taught writing at UCLA, at other colleges and universities, at numerous major writers conferences, and online at Writers University. Mr. Sawyer has been nominated for an Edgar and an Emmy. His website is www.ThomasBSawyer.com
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You [Dave Trottier] have been great, and I have very much enjoyed the class [Proper Formatting Technique: How to Create a Compelling and Professional Screenplay] and REALLY appreciate the feedback you have given me. It has helped me immensely!
- Linda