Screenwriting Book: Use St. Patrick as Inspiration for Your Hero’s Actions

Dear Friends,

Aspiring screenwriters must accustom themselves to looking everywhere for inspiration when it comes to developing a believable story arc for their hero. What are the qualities that make a hero heroic, and how can you create a persona that takes on a life of its own beyond the story itself?

The yearly over-the-top observation of St. Patrick’s Day shows what can happen with strong hero development. Even though St. Patrick himself lived about 1600 years ago, his story still resonates with followers and believers to this very day. The basics of his story, from his birth in Britain to wealthy parents, his kidnapping at the age of 16 by Irish raiders, his personal conversion to Christianity, and his eventual devotion to the Irish people, are all well-known. But what was it about his story that transcends time and culture, fostering world-wide love and adoration?

The answer is that he touched peoples’ hearts, and that is what the successful screenwriter must also accomplish with his hero. My book, The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, provides insights on how to construct an emotional experience that leads readers to discover for themselves the real merit of our unspoken, subtextual themes. In order to be effective, all stories must impart emotion.

The most crucial job when beginning a story is to introduce the lead in a way that fosters immediate character sympathy. An actual recipe exists, a list of nine ingredients that elicit sympathetic responses when connecting readers to your lead.  The more of these nine character attributes you include, the more emotionally effective your story becomes:

1. Courage
2. Unfair Injury
3. Skill
4. Funny
5. Nice
6. In Danger
7. Loved
8. Hard-Working
9. Obsessed

How many of these attributes were exhibited by St. Patrick, and how many are shown in the characters you are developing? If your character has less than six of these attributes, your story may be in danger. There are other qualities of character that can help create a hero an audience will want to root for, but these are the never-to-be-ignored basic nine. Use them liberally.

To help you understand more about creating heroic characters, I invite you to download a sample chapter from my book or visit Amazon.com for a look inside at some of the chapters and initial pages. The “23 Steps All Great Heroes Must Take” is an easy to understand paradigm that supports writers and filmmakers with the interconnecting, powerful storytelling elements they need. Use my revolutionary Hero Goal Sequences blueprint for writing blockbuster movies.

Here are some videos that will help you avoid writer’s block.

• Toni Morrison talks about her motivation for writing
• Get Results!The best motivation compilation video of 2013
• Motivational quotes from the GREATS on preparation
• Will Smith shares his secrets of success

Thanks for your support of the book, god luck and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Eric Edson and Staff


About The Story Solution:  The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay. He also covers screenwriting tips, screenwriting resources, and screenwriting books. Visit the website and Facebook page for more screenwriting tips and resources.

Use St. Patrick as Inspiration for Your Hero’s Actions

Dear Friends,

Aspiring screenwriters must accustom themselves to looking everywhere for inspiration when it comes to developing a believable story arc for their hero. What are the qualities that make a hero heroic, and how can you create a persona that takes on a life of its own beyond the story itself?

The yearly over-the-top observation of St. Patrick’s Day shows what can happen with strong hero development. Even though St. Patrick himself lived about 1600 years ago, his story still resonates with followers and believers to this very day. The basics of his story, from his birth in Britain to wealthy parents, his kidnapping at the age of 16 by Irish raiders, his personal conversion to Christianity, and his eventual devotion to the Irish people, are all well-known. But what was it about his story that transcends time and culture, fostering world-wide love and adoration?

The answer is that he touched peoples’ hearts, and that is what the successful screenwriter must also accomplish with his hero. My book, The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, provides insights on how to construct an emotional experience that leads readers to discover for themselves the real merit of our unspoken, subtextual themes. In order to be effective, all stories must impart emotion.

The most crucial job when beginning a story is to introduce the lead in a way that fosters immediate character sympathy. An actual recipe exists, a list of nine ingredients that elicit sympathetic responses when connecting readers to your lead.  The more of these nine character attributes you include, the more emotionally effective your story becomes:

1. Courage
2. Unfair Injury
3. Skill
4. Funny
5. Nice
6. In Danger
7. Loved
8. Hard-Working
9. Obsessed

How many of these attributes were exhibited by St. Patrick, and how many are shown in the characters you are developing? If your character has less than six of these attributes, your story may be in danger. There are other qualities of character that can help create a hero an audience will want to root for, but these are the never-to-be-ignored basic nine. Use them liberally.

To help you understand more about creating heroic characters, I invite you to download a sample chapter from my book or visit Amazon.com for a look inside at some of the chapters and initial pages. The “23 Steps All Great Heroes Must Take” is an easy to understand paradigm that supportswriters and filmmakers with the interconnecting, powerful storytelling elements they need. Use my revolutionary Hero Goal Sequences blueprint for writing blockbuster movies.

Here are some videos that will help you avoid writer’s block.

• Toni Morrison talks about her motivation for writing
• Get Results!The best motivation compilation video of 2013
• Motivational quotes from the GREATS on preparation
• Will Smith shares his secrets of success

Thanks for your support of the book, god luck and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Eric Edson and Staff


About The Story Solution:  The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay. He also covers screenwriting tips, screenwriting resources, and screenwriting books. Visit the website and Facebook page for more screenwriting tips and resources.

5 Actions Screenwriters Can Take To Get A Jump Start On The New Year

I wish all of our loyal fans a Happy Holiday Season, and hope that you find great inspiration for developing an exciting screenplay in 2014. A career in screenwriting can be a difficult path to take. Some screenwriters have ideas that just pop out of their heads, but have trouble honing them into a workable script. Others manage the finer points of scriptwriting, but can’t find the spark that makes their characters come to life. Bringing all of these writing skills together can be a challenge, but there are some steps you can take to give yourself the edge. Here are my five suggestions for actions you can take now that will help build your skills and get you started on the path to bringing your screenplay to life in 2014:

1. Be Observant: Some of the greatest characters on screen seem so realistic because of some unique personality quirk or heroic trait the screenwriter has given them. As you go about your daily life, be observant of the people around you, take note of their personality traits, and write down those characteristics which you think could help you develop the story line in your screenplay.
2. Learn The Basics: Since very few of us are born with the art of screenwriting inside our brain most of us need a little help to nurture our skills and build our creativity. Be aware of opportunities to build your skills, like those available through the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. They offer online and onsite writing courses, master classes, screenwriting resources, and a Writers Studio.
3. Learn The Industry: Learn from those who have already achieved success in the industry you hope to pursue. There are TV writing consultants, screenplay consultants, and romantic comedy screenwriters who can all serve as a source of knowledge.
4. Use Your Resources: Many websites offer a list of screenwriting resources you can use to find additional information.
5. Read More: My book, The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, provides many insights aspiring screenwriters can use to hone their craft. I’ve provided the tools necessary for any writer to construct a forceful emotional ride in his or her storytelling.

As my holiday gift to you, download a chapter from my book, The Story Solution, so you can learn more about the HERO GOAL SEQUENCES that make compelling characters come to life. While at my website, also be sure to sign up for my newsletter which provides tips, resources, insider info, and news you can use.

Happy Holidays and here’s to your writing success in 2014!

About The Story Solution:  The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay. Eric covers screenwriting tips, screenwriting resources, and screenwriting books. Visit the website and Facebook page.

Movie Review: ‘The Last Days on Mars’

The Last Days on Mars grabs you right at the beginning and doesn’t let go. It is a text book example of how to make a sci-fi thriller.

The hero is a senior systems engineer played by Liev Schreiber

Based on Sydney J Bounds’ 1975 short story,The Animators, the film focuses not on landing on Mars, but on the crew’s last day of a six-month mission. After six-months, a lot of things have begun to break, including the crew’s nerves. And that is what makes this movie special – its examination of the human psyche under pressure.

The hero of the story is senior systems engineer Vincent Campbell, played by Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan, Lee Daniels’ The Butler). Within the first few minutes of the film we realize that Campbell, whom the crew is dependent upon to keep things running, is suffering from a potentially debilitating psychological problem. His battle to overcome his inner daemons is paralleled in the crew’s battle against the daemons they discover on Mars.

Olivia Williams’ character alienates everyone

The screenplay by Clive Dawson (The Bunker,The Bill) is a tutorial for screenwriters. As I watched the film, I had mixed feeling at first. The plot is quite similar to Europa Reportwhich premiered at this year’s LA Film Festival and I kept being reminded of Alienand The Thing. What these films share in common is the uber-genre which screenwriting guru Blake Snyder (Save the Cat)identifies as “Monster in the House”.  In these films a small group of people are trapped in a confined space with something that wants to kill them. Dawson has mastered this genre.

Director Ruairí Robinson, this was his first feature, and editor Peter Lambert (The Twilight Saga: New Moon) also deserve credit for keeping the film tight and exciting. I watched the screener for this film on my PC, and I could see the tiny progress bar move across the bottom of the monitor as the film progressed. It showed me that the film was hitting the beats needed for a successful Hollywood-style film at exactly the right places (see professor Eric Edson’s The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take).

Besides Schreiber’s performance as the hero, the rest of the cast also deserves praise. The characters are sharply drawn and each personifies aspects of the human condition.

Schreiber and Garai examine the stricken Koteas

Romola Garai (Vanity Fair) plays the heroes’ mentor and love interest, a love which never gets beyond holding hands, but is real none-the-less. As everything begins to deteriorate around her, she personifies strength and is the only one who tries to hold everything together.

Elias Koteas (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) plays the captain of the mission. His failing is that he has become too friendly with his crew, rather than remaining their leader, thereby enabling the weaknesses of the others to manifest themselves. Olivia Williams (The Sixth Sense) plays one of the geologists tasked with finding life on Mars. She is the mirror of Koteas’ character, so focused on the mission that she alienates and loses the trust of the rest of the crew. Goran Kostic (Taken) plays the other geologist whose arrogance and deceit start the chain of events that lead to tragedy. Johnny Harris (Snow White and the Huntsman) plays the crew psychologist, personifying the powerlessness of modern psychology against real problems. Tom Cullen (Downton Abbey) and Yusra Warsama (Dracula, the TV series) also give impressive performances, being the youngest members of the crew and trying to deal with guilt and lack of confidence.

It is that interplay of tortured souls that makes this movie so good. Yes, it is a familiar sci-fi genre, some of the scenes seem somewhat derivative, but the story is really about the human spirit, its failings and its triumphs. It is both technically and emotionally an exciting journey.

The Last Days on Mars, an official selection of the 2013 Cannes Film Festival Director’s Fortnight, rated “R”, is available now on iTunes and on demand and opens in theaters December 6, 2013.

TV Writing Consultants We Love To Recommend

“Some writers of television shows make it look much too easy…”

They put words on a page for actors to interpret and resolve everything by the end of the show. Simple, right? Eric Edson, author of The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, knows that creative screenwriting can be much more difficult than it appears. He advises up-and-coming television writers to learn as much as possible about their chosen industry before tossing their hats into the television game.

Eric’s book describes how to achieve screenwriting success through the development of a great hero. Most television dramas or comedies revolve around a central character – the hero. The Story Solutioncontains guidance on writing Hero Goal Sequences® and outlines the 23 actions used to create a forceful emotional ride.

To learn about the business side of the industry, Edson advises aspiring authors to seek advice from experienced TV writing consultants. A TV writing consultant can help you learn how to write within the time constraints of the television medium, teach you about what audiences are looking for in characters, and show you how to sell a TV spec script to producers.

Eric Edson reviewed several top TV writing consultants who might become part of an industry newcomer’s advisement team. The accomplished educator, author and screenwriter wanted to make sure up-and-coming authors could find consultants who have valuable insights to offer.

His selections were based on reputation in the television industry, background experience, and effectiveness at helping emerging authors. Learning from these TV writing consultants will help newcomers understand how to write scripts that make it to the small screen.

If you are seeking knowledge that will help you sell a television script, consider learning from these writing consultants.

Sandler Ink – TV Writing Consultant

Ellen Sandler, leading TV writing expert and career coach, is the ideal consultant for the writer who wants to break in to the entertainment industry and chart a long, successful career in television. Emmy-nominated Co-Executive Producer of Everybody Loves Raymond and veteran writer/producer of hit television shows, she offers insight and expertise as well as creative support and direction.Visit the website and Facebook pageor call 310-383-3772 for more information.

Jen Grisanti Consultancy – TV Writing Consultant

Jen Grisanti Consultancy Inc. helps writers accomplish their writing goals through one-on-one consults, seminars, teleseminars, networking events and podcasts. As a Current Programs Executive for both Spelling Television, Inc. and CBS/Paramount, Jen staffed, advised and guided the writers and directors of top primetime shows for twelve years. Visit the website andFacebook page or call 323-944-0962 for more information.

Novel Consultant – TV Writing Consultant

Michele Wallerstein is a screenplay, TV script, and novel consultant. Her TV script doctoring and novel consulting helps writers develop their work, thereby improving their chances of a sale and/or obtaining an agent. Wallerstein’s former work as a Hollywood Agent has given her the tools as ascreenplay consultant to improve your work and help make it saleable in today’s market. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 818-501-2826 for more information.

Finding a TV writing consultant can be a challenge.

Eric Edson is committed to helping aspiring screenwriters and TV writers quickly gain an insider’s knowledge of the script writing business, but he knows that finding a TV writing consultant can sometimes be a challenge. This review aims to help readers of his screenwriting book, The Story Solution, to simplify their research for strong TV writing consultants. These three highlighted TV script consultants are not the only good ones out there, of course! But they are surly among the very best. We hope this information gives you additional resources with which to pursue insights into the television writing process. 

About The Story Solution: The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay. He also covers screenwriting tips, screenwriting resources, andscreenwriting books. Visit the website and Facebook page for more information.

5 Twitter Accounts Scriptwriters Should Follow

 

In an effort to ensure up-and-coming screenwriters are aware of the best screenwriting resources online, Eric Edson reviewed several Twitter accounts that can provide excellent information. The author and screenwriter wanted to make sure that those who follow the screenwriting tips outlined in his book have an understanding of how the business of selling a movie script works. 

Twitter can provide a valuable source of information to sell a screenplay. Following an insider’s Twitter account can lead to useful tips on agents, deals, and movie results.  Once a creative screenwriting project is fully developed, script writers may benefit by following tweets from well known screenwriters when trying to sell a screenplay.

The final selections were chosen based on reputation of the feed manager, reliability of information, and timeliness of data. Scriptwriters who follow these Twitter accounts will build a good foundation of knowledge about Hollywood and the film business.  The full review can be read online on the Story Solution screenwriting blog.

After thorough consideration, Eric Edson recommends that scriptwriters follow these Twitter accounts: ScriptChat, Bad Script Advice, Writer’s Relief, Box Office Mojo and The Story Solution. If you are seeking knowledge that will help you sell a screenplay, these information outlets will guide you along the way.

“We’re stuck with technology, so we might as well use it to our best advantage. Tools like Twitter are much overlooked. Tweets from well known screenwriters offer truth reduced to 140 characters of wisdom. We hope this review helps our loyal readers connect with valuable screenwriting resources online.” said Eric Edson

Eric Edson’s book, The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, is a scriptwriting course that outlines the completely new Hero Goal Sequences® method for screenwriters and novelists to create dynamic heroes and powerful stories that get deals. The Story Solution website is a valuable source for information on screenwriting books.

About The Story Solution:  The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay together into a seamless storyline. He also covers screenwriting tips and screenwriting books. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 818- 677-3192 for more information or to download a sample from the book.  

5 Twitter Accounts Scriptwriters Should Follow

“Twitter can provide a valuable source of information to sell a screenplay…”

Following an insider’s Twitter account can lead to useful tips on agents, deals, and movie results.  Once a creative screenwriting project is fully developed, script writers may benefit by following tweets from well known screenwriters when trying to sell a screenplay.

Eric Edson’s book, The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, is a scriptwriting course that outlines the completely new Hero Goal Sequences® method for screenwriters and novelists to create dynamic heroes and powerful stories that get deals. The Story Solution website is a valuable source for screenwriting tips and information on screenwriting books.

In an effort to ensure up-and-coming screenwriters are aware of the best screenwriting resources online, Eric Edson reviewed several Twitter accounts that can provide excellent information. The author and screenwriter wanted to make sure that those who follow the screenwriting course outlined in his book have an understanding of how the business of selling a movie script works.

The final selections were chosen based on reputation of the feed manager, reliability of information, and timeliness of data. Scriptwriters who follow these Twitter accounts will build a good foundation of knowledge about Hollywood and the film business.

After thorough consideration, Eric Edson recommends that scriptwriters follow these Twitter accounts: ScriptChat, Bad Script Advice, Writer’s Relief, Box Office Mojo and The Story Solution. If you are seeking knowledge that will help you sell a screenplay, these information outlets will guide you along the way.

ScriptChat (@scriptchat) is the best resource for live Twitter interviews, where filmmakers and other industry insiders will answer your burning questions. Screenwriters and filmmakers meet to talk craft, host guests and panels, and share ideas on Sundays at 8pm EST and 8pm GMT in this virtual space. Visit the website and Facebook page for more information.

Bad Script Advice (@badscrptadvice) offers hilarious scriptwriting advice that is clearly meant to be taken in reverse. With the advisory that, “I write bad scripts, now you can too!” you’ll learn not to begin each scene with a description of the quality, feel, and position of the sun in the room and other insights that will really make your script stand out.

Writer’s Relief (@WritersRelief) is an author’s submission service that uses its Twitter feed to provide tons of enriching quotes, articles, and other great resources for writers. Visit the website and Facebook page for more information.

Box Office Mojo (@BoxOfficeMojo) invites screenwriters to “get your fresh box office stats here!” As the number one online destination for box office news and analysis, the box office reporter follows the hallmarks of accuracy, comprehensiveness, and perspective in providing a Twitter feed that engages and informs. Visit the website and Facebook page for more information.

The Story Solution (@storysolution) Follow Eric Edson’s Twitter feed for tips and resources related to storytelling structure, curing writer’s block and other script writing insights. Edson has written seventeen feature screenplays on assignment for such companies as Sony, Warner Brothers, Disney, 20th Fox, ABC Motion Pictures, and Lifetime and uses this outlet to post motivational tips and reminders.

Twitter is a valuable source of scriptwriting tips and truths reduced to 140 characters.

Eric Edson’s commitment to excellence includes providing aspiring screenwriters with an industry professional’s knowledge of the entire screenwriting industry. Finding Twitter accounts to follow for continual updates on Hollywood happenings can be a challenge for scriptwriters. This review aims to save readers of his screenwriting book, The Story Solution, from the effort of finding Twitter accounts to follow on their own. We hope this information helps you learn about the screenwriting process. 

About The Story Solution:  The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay together into a seamless storyline. He also covers screenwriting tips,screenwriting resources, and screenwriting books. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 818- 677-3192 for more information or to download a sample from the book.