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.

Pre-Oscar Smack Down Session – Will You Be Ringside?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Los Angeles, CA January 20th, 2013 - Screenwriter and university professor Eric Edson will be joining the authors of Michael Wiese Productions for the annual Pre-Oscar Panel at the Writer’s Store in Burbank, CA on March 1st, 2014 1:00PM to 2:30PM.

In this lively discussion moderated by Matt R. Lohr, MWP authors will discuss top picks for Oscars in all major categories.  On the panel with Eric Edson for the March 1st festivities will be Steve Kaplan (The Hidden Tools of Comedy), JM Evenson (Shakespeare for Screenwriters) and Carole Kirschner (Hollywood Game Plan).  

Michael Wiese Productions is the number one publisher in the world for books on indie filmmaking and screenwriting. The MWP Facebook page announces new releases, contests, and workshops every day, LIKE the MWP page for updates.

The Writers Store is located at 3510 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505.  Join the fun and make your predictions for FREE at The Writers Store on March 1, 2014.

ABOUT ERIC EDSON: Eric Edson has written seventeen feature screenplays on assignment for companies including Sony, Warner Brothers, Disney, CBS, and Showtime, as well as writing for episodic television.  He is author of the book “THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take,” and Director of the Graduate Program in Screenwriting at California State University, Northridge.  Follow Eric Edson on Facebook for screenwriting tips and resources.

Top 10 Reasons Screenwriters Love The Story Solution

 

The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, by experienced screenwriter Eric Edson, is acclaimed as one of the best books on screenwriting available. Through his focus on heroes, actions and developing a story, Edson helps aspiring screenplay writers take their craft to the next level. Here are the top 10 reasons why screenwriters love The Story Solution: 

1. Innovation: Eric Edson uses The Story Solution to deliver a completely new approach to writing a screenplay that keeps producers, agents and audiences glued to their seats.
2. Education: Edson uses his many years of teaching experience to explain the basics of writing a movie script in clear, compelling language. He is Professor of Screenwriting and Director of the Master of Fine Arts Program in Screenwriting at California State University, Northridge.
3. Experience: Edson doesn’t just teach screenplay writing; he has real-life experience, having written seventeen feature screenplays on assignment for such companies as Sony, Warner Brothers, Disney, 20th Fox, ABC Motion Pictures, Lifetime, Showtime, NBC, and TNT.
4. Free Chapter: Subscribe to the informative newsletter and download a free sample chapter from one of the best screenwriting books on the market.
5. Actionable Insights: Edson reveals the 23 actions used in writing screenplays to create dynamic, three-dimensional heroes who link together all parts of an engaging screenplay from first page to last.
6. Ongoing Support: The art of scriptwriting can’t be simply picked up from one book, no matter how good it is. Edson stays engaged with upcoming screenwriters through his blog updates and Facebook postings. He is constantly providing tips and insider insights every young screenplay writer can use to achieve success.
7. Networking Opportunities:  Join any of these message boards and talk with other screenwriters about story lines and Eric’s Hero Goal Sequences concept.
8. Humor: The Story Solution is clear and fun to read, yet still brings to light an innovative way to insure effective plotlines for both screenplays and novels.
9. Motivation: Edson offers motivation to get started and get going again when new screenwriters are met by the challenge of writer’s block or other impediments that can stifle them or keep them from writing. In fact, one piece of advice he often offers scriptwriting students it to “Write Badly With Pride,” as long as you are writing. The rest will fall into place, but you have to make a start.
10. The Art of Storytelling: Screenwriting and creating heroes that an audience can engage with are true art forms. Edson knows that it may not be an easy path in life, but he helps writers understand why they feel the need to bring these characters to life, and Eric provides encouragement for the task of creation.

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 or call (818) 677-6608 for more information.

Tags: best books on screenwriting, best screenwriting books, creative screenwriting, screenplay writer, screenplay writers, screenplay writing, screenwriters, screenwriting tips, scriptwriting, writing a movie script, writing a screenplay,writing screenplays

Eric Edson

Visit My Website / View My Other Posts

Eric Edson has written seventeen feature screenplays on assignment for such companies as Sony, Warner Brothers, Disney, 20th Fox, ABC Motion Pictures, Lifetime, Showtime, NBC, and TNT. He has also written for episodic television. He is Professor of Screenwriting and Director of the Graduate Program in Screenwriting at California State University, Northridge, and lectures through the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, the largest screenwriter training center in the world. Eric holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting and Film Directing from The American Film Institute, and a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting from UCLA. He also earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English at UCLA. Eric has been a member of The Writers Guild of America since 1981. He lives in Calabasas, California. Eric can be reached at: eric@thestorysolution.com

Top 10 Reasons Screenwriters Love The Story Solution

 

The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, by experienced screenwriter Eric Edson, is acclaimed as one of the best books on screenwriting available. Through his focus on heroes, actions and developing a story, Edson helps aspiring screenplay writers take their craft to the next level. Here are the top 10 reasons why screenwriters love The Story Solution: 

1. Innovation: Eric Edson uses The Story Solution to deliver a completely new approach to writing a screenplay that keeps producers, agents and audiences glued to their seats.
2. Education: Edson uses his many years of teaching experience to explain the basics of writing a movie script in clear, compelling language. He is Professor of Screenwriting and Director of the Master of Fine Arts Program in Screenwriting at California State University, Northridge.
3. Experience: Edson doesn’t just teach screenplay writing; he has real-life experience, having written seventeen feature screenplays on assignment for such companies as Sony, Warner Brothers, Disney, 20th Fox, ABC Motion Pictures, Lifetime, Showtime, NBC, and TNT.
4. Free Chapter: Subscribe to the informative newsletter and download a free sample chapter from one of the best screenwriting books on the market.
5. Actionable Insights: Edson reveals the 23 actions used in writing screenplays to create dynamic, three-dimensional heroes who link together all parts of an engaging screenplay from first page to last.
6. Ongoing Support: The art of scriptwriting can’t be simply picked up from one book, no matter how good it is. Edson stays engaged with upcoming screenwriters through his blog updates and Facebook postings. He is constantly providing tips and insider insights every young screenplay writer can use to achieve success.
7. Networking Opportunities:  Join any of these message boards and talk with other screenwriters about story lines and Eric’s Hero Goal Sequences concept.
8. Humor: The Story Solution is clear and fun to read, yet still brings to light an innovative way to insure effective plotlines for both screenplays and novels.
9. Motivation: Edson offers motivation to get started and get going again when new screenwriters are met by the challenge of writer’s block or other impediments that can stifle them or keep them from writing. In fact, one piece of advice he often offers scriptwriting students it to “Write Badly With Pride,” as long as you are writing. The rest will fall into place, but you have to make a start.
10. The Art of Storytelling: Screenwriting and creating heroes that an audience can engage with are true art forms. Edson knows that it may not be an easy path in life, but he helps writers understand why they feel the need to bring these characters to life, and Eric provides encouragement for the task of creation.

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 or call (818) 677-6608 for more information.

 

Eric Edson

Visit My Website / View My Other Posts

Eric Edson has written seventeen feature screenplays on assignment for such companies as Sony, Warner Brothers, Disney, 20th Fox, ABC Motion Pictures, Lifetime, Showtime, NBC, and TNT. He has also written for episodic television. He is Professor of Screenwriting and Director of the Graduate Program in Screenwriting at California State University, Northridge, and lectures through the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, the largest screenwriter training center in the world. Eric holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting and Film Directing from The American Film Institute, and a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting from UCLA. He also earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English at UCLA. Eric has been a member of The Writers Guild of America since 1981. He lives in Calabasas, California. Eric can be reached at: eric@thestorysolution.com

STORY EXPO 2013 Recap

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 11th, 2013 – Eric Edson and The Story Solution team recently attended the largest expo in the screenwriting industry, STORY EXPO 2013 in Los Angeles, CA.

Starting this year, this expo brought together screenwriters, TV writers, novelists, journalists, graphic novelists, fiction writers, comic book writers and those who understand and appreciate the nuances that make a movie a box office success.

Derek Christopher’s STORY EXPO 2013 brought together over 60 Speakers, 100+ classes and 30+ exhibitors for attendees from all over the world, in what is being called the ‘screenwriting and scriptwriting event of the year.’  Screenwriter and university professor Eric Edson offered a completely new approach to writing powerful scripts to attendees.

The event had sell out numbers of both exhibitors and attendees this year, drawing industry members and exhibiting companies to the Westin LAX Hotel, September 6th-8th, 2013.

We embraced STORY EXPO as a perfect opportunity to share with many, many like-minded authors, students of screenwriting, members of the press, distributors, and retail book buyers. It was a place where connections were made, partnerships were forged, and brands were launched.

As we walked around the show and spoke with fellow authors about the current state of storytelling in the movie industry, a conversation we kept having at the event was how excited attendees were to be learning from so many masters in the field.

“It was just so much fun for both the presenters and the attendees to meet each other and discuss what we all love about writing, and to share insights in the creation of story,” said Eric Edson.

Syd Field delivered a poignant opening keyword speech about the writer’s development process. Syd is the author of 8 bestselling books on story and screenwriting, with sales topping 1.2 million.  Story Expo attendees were delighted to have such an inspirational and pivotal figure like Syd Field to open STORY EXPO.  Syd spoke about why we write stories, and the motivation behind why we try to change people’s lives with the stories we tell.

Michael Hauge and Chris Vogler delivered a Story Expo Exclusive! First time available anywhere. Christopher Vogler and Michael Hauge, creators of the iconic HERO’S 2 JOURNEYS course, explored THE ESSENCE OF THE HERO in this jam-packed, 90-minute session featuring the two legendary teachers.

The closing keynote was given by international known author and speaker Jen Grisanti, Story/Career Consultant at Jen Grisanti Consultancy, Inc.  Jen is also the Director for Writers on the Verge at NBC, a former studio executive, a blogger for The Huffington Post and author of Story Line: Finding Gold In Your Life Story, TV Writing Tool Kit: How To Write a Script That Sells, and her self-help book, Change Your Story, Change Your Life.  Jen Grisanti gave an empowering address about the importance of living the truth of your own personal story.

Eric Edson presented four seminars on two topics; “Cracking Screen Story Structure” and “14 Character Categories in All Successful Screen Stories.”  Each seminar was approximately an hour and a half. In these classes, Eric covered the 23 interlocking actions used in every successful movie to create dynamic heroes and emotion-filled plots, and the 14 character categories that are used by all successful authors.

SEE FULL GALLERY OF PHOTOS HERE

Other speakers included John Truby, Dov Simens, Steve Kaplan, Rex Pickett, Ellen Sandler, Arnold Shapiro, Jeremiah Comey, Pilar Alessandra, Father Steve, Richard Hatem, Chad Gervich, Leslie Lehr, Lee Jessup, Pamela Jaye Smith, Alejandro Seri, Troy Devolld and many others.

“This was an amazing event full of fun, networking and learning. Derek Christopher has created something of real value.  We’re already looking forward to next year and making more new friends,” said Eric Edson.

Also included in STORY EXPO was an exciting pitch room where attendees had an opportunity to pitch their ideas and stories to over 80 major companies.  Connections were made and deals were struck.

Everyone on the Story Solution team felt the show was a roaring success given the great education and new connections made at the event.  Eric will be teaching new classes at the 2014 STORY EXPO and the Story Solution team looks forward to seeing old friends made in 2013, and new friends yet to come.

That wraps up our summary of STORY EXPO 2013.   As always, we’ll be sure to keep everyone informed with our latest news and future presentations for the book.  Thank you for your support!

For more information about STORY EXPO 2013 visit the Facebook Page or web site athttp://www.StoryExpo.com or call 800-814-0544.

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 or call 818- 677-3192 for more information.

###