Story CD: Style, Structure, Substance, and the Principles of Screenwriting Audio CD – Abridged, January 3, 2006

I recommend this very highly to anyone interested in stories. Although it is mainly addressed to scriptwriting, it might very possibly be of great value to writers of books, etc, also.The author provides a wonderfully organized perspective, and sharp and persuasive analysis of film stories and scripts. And it seems well oriented towards being helpful to a writer, rather than being merely an entertaining read nor to show off his obviously extensive knowledge . Everything is put into well-organized context most useful towards constructing screenplays / stories . It gives a lot of perspectives that even a pro writer might find helpful, I'd think, yet is written clearly and accessibly so that even a beginning or aspiring writer should be able to find much and most of it understandable and helpful.There are also references to films, probably some of which one would have seen already. And in cases where one may not håve seen the film, the author describes the film or scene enough to understandably make the point intended or to serve as a good example of some particular topic or principle or pattern.The book's approach does not take a "formulaic" approach, nor tries to channel writers into any particular pattern or formula. The author's appreciation for a wide variety of genres is evident, as is his love for many unique and wonderful films, as varied in their uniqueness as humans, perhaps.But the book's genius is in deftly identifying and portraying and explaining various principles and patterns of stories and their construction, which though not hard-rules, are often in play, and can be helpful guidelines and perspectives for anyone writing a story or script. Most-helpful!I myself felt very stuck at one point in terms of how to proceed to revise a script I had written.Taking time out to read this book, I then felt very much enabled to move-on in various ways, improving the script. With the insights gained from this book, I felt much more at ease, and confident, in moving forward with further writing and revisions, and also, gained various new directions for improvements I'd very possibly not have thought of without the insights and methods gained from this book.Again, I highly recommend this, as a wonderful book to read early on in one's aspirations towards writing, and as an excellent book, probably, for a writer at any level of experience.

Sorry I don’t have time to write a succinctly profound review but if you’re even barely considering buying this book, JUST DO IT. I honestly can’t believe the price is 25$.If you have an ounce of raw story telling talent, or if u consider yourself professional, this book is for you. Or if you appreciate the art of storytelling; or if u work in the industry and get scripts across your desk, this book is for you.I do not write scripts and have no plans to; I was introduced to this book years ago when reviewing a script someone was interested in getting funded and felt appropriate to educate myself on what makes a script great... Bc we all know when a script isn’t, but not necessarily Why. Robert blew my mind w this one; the depth, the clarity, the profundity and the genius simplification of one of the most complex art forms - telling stories about the human experience.The essence of the art form is principled out in the book. I’ve been raving about this book since I first read it in 2017, lent my hand-me-down copy, and bought my own last week to do a little book club w my gf. We enjoy watching episodics and movies and have a great time articulating why we think stories are great. I’m super excited diving back into this book again especially w a partner.In my over simplified, outsider opinion, this book is THE formula, the “bible” so to say, of the who what where when and most importantly WHY of scripting for screen.Just buy it. Buy two copies and gift one to your writing buddy or a director u work with. Heck, buy 3 copies and keep on in the car or at the office. Again, ~25$ - wow.If u want to get your script funded - this is the next place for you to go. Scripts are picked up bc they will sell, and in order to sell they have resonate universally. This book explains the essence, the principles of the art form of script writing. If you really think you have what it takes to be an all star writer then digesting this book should 100% fun for you.Just my 3 cents... again I have no plans of writing and I’m not a writer. But I enjoy the art form and I respect the mastery of technical and creative that blend as genius and excellence. For me, having this knowledge has made stories on screen that much more enjoyable as I watch the principles outlined in this book play themselves out like clockwork.I hope I’ve made it clear how magnificent and remarkable this book is in both knowledge and presentation. The hugest shoutout to Robert McKee and his wife who apparently edited this. And shoutout to all the other people behind the scenes on making this book happen. It’s brought me tons of joy, entertainment, knowledge and invigoration. And quite honestly had widened my perspective of the human condition and life itself.Just buy it, and read it. Take notes. Study it. Use it. Capitalize on it if script writing and story telling is in your cards.And if u love this book as much as I do let’s start a club lol.

Not only is one of the best books I've ever read, it does NOT disappoint in way, shape, form, or capacity. Robert McKee makes a science out of screenwriting and teaches you how to APPLY. I must admit that it is FULL of concepts and you will have to read this over-400-page-book more than once AND don't be shy if you still have to flip through it again or use AI for answers. It is THICK and I don't think we are supposed to understand it all UNTIL we start working the "rules" ourselves. Happy Screenwriting, Family. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

Very good book. Taught me a lot about writing and about making stories that arc instead of just a linear approach. This really raised my thinking level on the writing that I've done and will definitely help me be a better writer. I struggled with a few days chapters because I disagreed with the basic premise of the chapter. The key is clearly the voice of authority, but I disagree with the premise. However for the most part it was extremely well done and I look forward to reading more of Robert McKee's books.