From Keyboard to Camera: Screenwriting for Novelists

From Keyboard to Camera: Screenwriting for NovelistsWhether you're adapting something you've already written or you're starting from scratch, screenwriting is an entirely different beast than novel writing. Different terminology and formatting is only the beginning; learning how to take yourself out of the mindset of the reader, and to put yourself into the shoes of directors, producers, and even actors is a daunting challenge. All the same, learning how to navigate this different writing space is a

Whether you're adapting something you've already written or you're starting from scratch, screenwriting is an entirely different beast than novel writing. Different terminology and formatting is only the beginning; learning how to take yourself out of the mindset of the reader, and to put yourself into the shoes of directors, producers, and even actors is a daunting challenge. All the same, learning how to navigate this different writing space is a rewarding experience, that can open the door to new opportunities and uncover inspiration and skill you might even be able to use in your novel writing. For this bundle, Writer's Digest Shop has collaborated with the Writers Store to bring you eight new OnDemand screenwriting webinars and one digital guide, at an unbeatable discount of 90% off. Discover the technique and art of screenwriting today, with From Keyboard to Camera: Screenwriting for Novelists.

Demystifying Adaptation: From Bookshelf to Big Screen (OnDemand Webinar) Adapting a book for the screen can be a daunting process for both author and screenwriter. The reality is, having realistic expectations of what the adaptation process looks like is essential. Jeanne Bowerman adapted the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Slavery by Another Name, into both a feature screenplay and a limited series, pitching it to major production companies and studios. In this OnDemand webinar, Jeanne covers why Hollywood loves intellectual property, what makes a book attractive for adaptation, and how to cut down a full-size novel into a two-hour story. ($39.99 value)

How a Book Becomes a Movie: What Authors and Screenwriters Need to Know (OnDemand Webinar) The filmmaking business is complex and baffles many—even those working in it. The reality is, there is no single way to get a film made. But there’s no question that Hollywood loves adapting intellectual property. The more an author understands the different adaptation paths, the better their odds of success.

As a screenwriter, Jeanne Veillette Bowerman has adapted other author’s work, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning book, and she’s also worked closely with authors, guiding them on how to navigate Hollywood. In this OnDemand webinar, she’ll dive deep into the processes to help writers come to the negotiation table well-informed. ($49.99 value)

Screenwriting 101 for Novelists (OnDemand Webinar) Ever dreamed of seeing your idea, story, or novel on the screen? With so many platforms for screen storytelling, there’s never been a better time to make the transition to screenwriting. This OnDemand webinar covers screenwriting basics – structure, formatting, pitching, and selling. Taught by Hollywood-based film and TV scribe, Jennifer Dornbush, who has penned feature films, developed several television series, adapted scripts to novel (and vice versa), and created a kid’s TV show. ($49.99 value)

STEAMBOAT WILLIE: Using Famous Characters to Break-In! (OnDemand Webinar) In this OnDemand Webinar, Jon James Miller, award-winning screenwriter, novelist, and professional story editor, teaches the tools necessary to take advantage of brands and characters everyone knows and loves to shine a limelight on their own original work. He’ll explain how to bring these characters back to life with unique narrative techniques intended to engage readers and keep them reading. Writers will come away from this webinar with a knowledge of how to incorporate public domain properties and reintroduce them to today’s audiences. ($49.99 value)

The New Television Marketplace (OnDemand Webinar) William Rabkin has been a TV writer for close to forty years, and he's never seen a market for new projects as bad as it is now. If you want to have any chance at all to set up a project anywhere, you need to understand what the studios, streamers and networks are willing to buy in this suddenly panic-driven marketplace. This OnDemand webinar is going to explore the kinds of shows that have a chance to be bought, the genres that are going to be thriving in the next couple of years, and how to take your own stories, characters and themes and adapt them into concepts that can fly in the current market. ($49.99 value)

Breaking Into Hollywood(OnDemand Webinar) Jeanne has built a strong network for herself right from her country home in New York State while only making a handful of trips to L.A. a year. She’ll show you her key secrets and how to navigate the plethora of social media outlets available.

This OnDemand webinar covers creative, out-of-the-box strategies to use right from the comfort of your home, miles away from the Hollywood hills, and still have a shot at breaking down the barriers and breaking in.

Learn the secrets to preparing for a successful trip to L.A. and how to continue building those relationships after you’re back home. When you live far from L.A., networking is crucial. Learn the enigma surrounding networking—and find out how to create a strong community of support. ($39.99 Value)

The Sweet 16! The Only Tool You'll Ever Use Again To Create Characters (OnDemand Webinar) "I Need A Hero!” is not just the lyric of a popular 80s pop song, but the cry of every great dramatic story. All great stories are character-based. In this OnDemand webinar, Jennifer Dornbush shares 16 short and sweet tools to create enduring, popular, living, and breathing characters. The Sweet 16 is an easily-repeatable method that works for any writer, any genre, and any story form: short film, novella, novel, screenplay, TV pilot, stage play, video game, even documentary & memoir. This trick guarantees that you will have a credible, memorable, and actionable character, that helps you build a solid story structure which stays focused on the hero’s journey! ($39.99 value)

Balls of Steel: The Screenwriter’s Mindset Digital Guide (Digital Guide) Becoming a screenwriter is as much about mindset as it is about talent. Being able to write a great screenplay is only half the battle, as Jeanne Veillette Bowerman explains in this nearly 200-page PDF. You have be able to make the time to write against other obligations, understand how to submit your pages, and stay motivated in the face of rejection. ($19.99 value) 

Is Manipulation Good in Screenwriting (OnDemand Webinar) This OnDemand webinar will provide answers. You’ll learn to get comfortable with the concept of manipulating your audience, and understand more fully why it is so important. This webinar will teach you how to construct scenes that maximize the emotional impact for your audience. How to create characters that resonate, and how to build an emotional layer into your story. ($49.99 value)