About the Book:

Shakespeare For Screenwriters reveals powerful storytelling secrets from one of the greatest writers who ever lived.

"The shrewist and most useful screenwriting book I've found in years — like having the bard himself as your writing partner." — Michael Colleary, writer, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

Every writer aspires to create a character like Hamlet or a love story like Romeo and Juliet. But how did Shakespeare create characters of such compelling psychological depth? What makes his stories so romantic, funny, heartbreaking, and gripping? Why have his creations stood the test of time?

Shakespeare For Screenwriters is the first book to use Shakespeare's works to examine the fundamentals of screenwriting, breaking down famous stories, scenes, and beloved characters, to uncover timeless storytelling secrets — and then shows you how to capture their power in your own screenplays. Geared to all levels of interest and experience in both Shakespeare and screenwriting, each chapter focuses on specific lessons learned through reading Shakespeare.

If you've ever wondered what makes Shakespeare's writing so special, and wished you could add a little bit of that magic into your own work, this the book for you.  Shakespeare wrote the most powerful dramas, comedies, romances, thrillers, and historical epics in the English language. Shakespeare For Screenwriters tells you how.

What people say:

"If you think Shakespeare has no relevance to contemporary filmmaking, you aren't looking very closely. Excellent." — Howard Suber, Professor, UCLA School of Film; author, The Power of Film

"Screenwriters seeking to expand their narrative skills can do no better than to consider the Master." — Richard Walter, Professor and Screenwriting Chairman, UCLA School of Film

About the Author:

J. M. Evenson received a Ph.D. in Renaissance literature from the University of Michigan and an M.F.A. from UCLA’s famed School of Theater, Film and Television. An award-winning writer and teacher, she has worked with a variety of studios and production houses, from DreamWorks to Focus Features. She currently teaches at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.