Shakespeare for Screenwriters: Timeless Writing Tips from the Master of Drama by J. M. Evenson

Shakespeare for Screenwriters is the first book to use Shakespeare's works to examine the fundamentals of screenwriting. The book offers insight into what makes Shakespeare's creations so powerful by analyzing the timeless themes in his greatest works and translating them into practical writing advice. Geared to all levels of interest and experience in both Shakespeare and screenwriting, each chapter focuses on specific lessons learned through reading Shakespeare. William Shakespeare wrote the most powerful dramas in the English language.

Shakespeare for Screenwriters tells you how. • Does for Shakespeare what The Writer's Journey did for Joseph Campbell. • Reveals storytelling secrets from the one of the greatest writers ever to have lived. • Combines respected wisdom from Shakespeare with practical writing advice. • Breaks down famous scenes to discover why they are so compelling. • Compares Shakespeare's most powerful scenes to modern-day films. • Provides exercises to help writers uncover timeless themes, stories, and ?characters in their own work. • Author is a screenwriter and Shakespeare scholar.

Review
"Like having the Bard himself as your writing partner." -- Michael Colleary, writer of Face/Off and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

"Screenwriters seeking to expand their narrative skills can do no better than to consider the Master. Kudos to Evenson for a truly original contribution to this increasingly overcrowded field." -- Richard Walter, Professor and Screenwriting Chairman, UCLA School of Film

"Shakespeare for Screenwriters offers golden lessons that can make us all better writers -- no matter what you're working on." -- Susan Hurwitz Arneson, writer on South Park

"If you think Shakespeare has no relevance to contemporary filmmaking, you aren't looking very closely. An excellent, concise book!" -- Howard Suber, Professor, UCLA School of Film, and author of The Power of Film