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Story
 
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Story [Hardcover]

Robert McKee
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
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Frequently Bought Together

Story + Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers + Save the Cat!: The Only Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need
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Product details

  • Hardcover: 484 pages
  • Publisher: Methuen Publishing Ltd (4 Jun 1998)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0413715507
  • ISBN-13: 978-0413715500
  • Product Dimensions: 21 x 14.6 x 4.8 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 16,973 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert McKee
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Product Description

Synopsis

The author's international screenwriting workshops have long won acclaim from celebrities, film industry professionals and enthusiastic students alike. In this guide, he presents his knowledge of the essentials of screenwriting and storytelling.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
107 of 112 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Putting pen to paper is not as simple as putting pen to paper. And this only becomes evident when you've read a book like this.

This book's inspiring. It's to the point. And - although written primarily for screen writers - it's invaluale for anyone who thinks they have a story in them.

If you're a keen writer like me, you may have sat yourself down at a computer with an idea, started writing, scratching your head and wondering whether it's good or not. Step up Robert McKee:

"When talented writers write badly it's generally for one of two reasons: either they're blinded by an idea that they feel compelled to prove, or they're driven by an emotion they need to express. When talented people write well, it's generally for this reason: they're moved by a desire to touch an audience."

I'm not saying I'm a 'talented writer', but this statement hit home. McKee states that "story is not what you have to say, but how you say it." Writing should be 75% story design and 25% words. This is one of many revelations.....of which there are many.

By reading a book like this you can not only put a structure to the words that come out of your head, you can learn more about why people need stories, why they work and why they don't. How do you keep your audience's attention all the way through, how do you build them up to a climax, how do you make sure characters and story elements aren't cliched, and how do you appeal to a wide audience? Each is discussed in satisfying detail.

The other nice thing aout the book is that McKee talks 'forms' rather than 'formulas'. He's not saying that we should stick to rules - resulting in cliches - but just observe why things work. The 450 odd pages are also peppered with film examples too, which helps.

Put simply, this book is invaluable to you if you're writing a story, or just interested in them. Be warned though, it is dense and somethimes daunting - you need to set aside a good couple of weeks. Like others reviewing here though, I'm going back for a second read to take notes. And considering this is something I didn't even do for school exams, it gives you an idea of how much I value McKee's inspiration.

If you want to make your writing something others want to read too, BUY NOW.

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31 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Unbelievable! 14 Jun 2000
Format:Hardcover
This is simply the best book available for the aspiring screenwriter (and I've read most of them).

McKee fleshes out many important concepts (including turning points, the nature of irony) in a thoroughly readable journey into the nature of story - how and why it works.

But more importantly he shows us how to construct a 'great story well told'.

If there is just one screenwriting book on your bookshelf, make this it.

Do not let this one pass you by.

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44 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Essential! 30 Mar 2004
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Writing a screenplay is nothing like writing a novel: its concise, terse format presents a challenge to any writer who is used to the freedom of novel narrative. Robert McKee's book is just one of many that any newbie writer should read before writing a screenplay. His emphasis and dissection of effective story structure ensures that you too will begin to consider the technical aspect of your story: the hard part! Some people dislike the idea of the three-act structure, but to be honest, there's no way you can play with it until you understand it thoroughly. Don't read this book passively though: you'll need post-its, highlighters and a notebook in order to make the most of it. Dense and technical as it is at times, if you're serious about this screenwriting business you should set aside as much time to study the craft as you would to write. Here's the place to start.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Easy read, interesting content
I wanted a quick how to as i have an interest in story telling. Parts of it are a bit 'telling off' but otherwise a compelling read that breaks down the basic principles of what... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Lucie
Amazing Insights
This book is just amazing. Well structured, easy to read and fun and most important contains deep knowledge of a well experienced writer-tutor. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Ceasar
wish I'd read it years ago!
I nearly signed on for Robert McKee's "Story Structure" workshop in London years ago, but was held back by the cost. Read more
Published 4 months ago by S. Robinson
Something right, something wrong
The first thing you must know about Robert Mckee is: this man has never sold a movie script to a producer, ¡never!. This guru has only written 3 TV scripts. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Carlos
An excellent book. But don't go on the course.
I thought this an excellent and thought-provoking book. So excellent that I signed up about four years ago for McKee's course. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Md Lachlan
This might just become your wiritng Bible
A great book that gives an indepth guide to creating compelling, cliche free scripts. The intro is a bit polemical but the author obviously has a wealth of experience and can get... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Bobby Baker
The bible for scene writing
This is not a cosy read, it is long (could benefit from an edit that cuts 25%) and in places not easy to understand. So why have I given it 5 stars? Read more
Published 13 months ago by writer christopher
Story by Robert McKee
'Story' by Robert McKee is an excellent book, well written which gives the reader incite into the art of writing whether for film or fiction. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Helen
Great insight into movies!
This book is an amazing tool for anyone who wants to understand movies better or who wishes to write his own one day. Read more
Published 15 months ago by theparanormaldebater
The Bible of Writing
I haven't even finished all of the book yet but I know this is the kind of book I will read multiple times and constantly look back on for guidance. Read more
Published 16 months ago by T.Wakeman
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