Comments on: Adapting Screenplay Structure to Genre Novels

By: Chart Your Characters’ Lives On and Off the Page | Writers In The Storm Blog

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 12:01:24 +0000

[…] the past I have talked about adapting screenplay structure to genre novels — Hook, Twist, Plot Point One, Midpoint, Plot Point Two, Dénouement. And I talked about the joys of 4″ x 6″ cards, each of which has something […]

By: James R. Preston

James R. Preston — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:34:30 +0000

And thanks for the motion on your page! Sigh -- tipoz r the ban of ur xistenz. Of course I mean "It holds up well." Please add me to your mailing list for when Going Down in Flames is released.

By: James R. Preston

James R. Preston — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:26:53 +0000

In reply to Chris Cannon. Thanks, Chris. This was a fun, challenging essay. I remembered Jaws well, and thought that the structure would serve as an example, but it had been years since I last saw it, so I watched it again, and I holds up really well. Congratulations on Going Down in Flames!

By: Chris Cannon

Chris Cannon — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 10:58:01 +0000

I love how you broke this down. I'm still laughing about "crunchy on the outside."

http://www.chriscannonauthor.com

By: James R. Preston

James R. Preston — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 03:14:31 +0000

Yes, "crazy people" is a good description. Personally, I like to let characters ramble and then use what I can, most often at the second draft stage. This site is one place where I can talk about the voices in my head without making people very nervous. Heh heh heh. Thanks, Lyn!

By: texasdruids

texasdruids — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 01:05:45 +0000

Excellent post, James! I follow a similar plot sequence when I rough out my books. It helps to keep the basic structure in mind, preventing characters from running off on side paths that don't lead where you want them to end up. Crazy people!

By: Link Feast For Writers, vol 52 | Reetta Raitanen's Blog

Link Feast For Writers, vol 52 | Reetta Raitanen's Blog — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 21:40:17 +0000

[…] Adapting Screenplay Structure to Genre Novels by James Preston […]

By: James R. Preston

James R. Preston — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 21:35:52 +0000

John, thanks for the comment. I hope this skeleton helps you. I think what we do is such a balancing act between art and craft that sometimes it's tough to draw the line. I looked at your blog and 2,000 words a day is ambitious, so quit reading my response and get back to work!

By: John Holton

John Holton — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 20:43:13 +0000

I'm going to try this with a few novels and see if it works. This really cleared up a lot of things for me. Thanks!

By: James R. Preston

James R. Preston — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 18:43:02 +0000

In reply to Michael Stephen McGuire. I think Michael is right on both counts. Writing is hard work, and the screenplay structure provides a skeleton. Writing is also the most fun you can have with your clothes on. I think it is clear from these responses that none of us want a "paint-by-the-numbers" novel, but as genre writers we all want some kind of scaffolding because our readers are used to it. Michael, congratulations on getting Blunt Force filmed!