Hello fellow writers! People often ask me what my favorite screenwriting resources are, so I compiled them all here, along with some FAQs:
Classes
MasterClass: Shonda Rhimes Teaches TV Writing
MasterClass: Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting
MasterClass: Judd Apatow Teaches Comedy
Books
Cut to the Chase: Writing Feature Films
Save the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need
Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting
Inside Story: The Power of the Transformational Arc
Story: Style, Structure, Substance, and the Principles of Screenwriting
Which Lie Did I Tell?: More Adventures in the Screen Trade
Podcasts
Scriptnotes: John August & Craig Mazin
FAQs
Can you read my script?
Unfortunately, I can’t… for legal reasons as well as a packed writing schedule. But I wish you so much luck!!
How do I find a writing partner?
Finding the right writing partner is a lot like dating… it requires time, patience, and chemistry. A great place to get started is screenwriting classes or a writers’ group.
Do I need to move to LA to be a screenwriter?
Not anymore. I’m based in the Pacific Northwest.
What do you think of screenwriting contests?
Not all screenwriting contests are created equal… look for ones that offer notes on your script, genre-specific categories, and reputable judges. I should note that I got my start because of the ScreenCraft Comedy Contest, so I’m biased to believe that contests can and do work!
How do I break into screenwriting?
There’s no one way to answer this question. All I can say is, have 2 really fantastic writing samples that showcase your voice—what you truly love to write—and you’ll be in good position to seize the moment when opportunity does knock.
Shiwani Srivastava 