101 habits

As part of my new year's resolutions, I've decided to finally read all of those screenwriting books that everybody talks about, if only to make pleasant conversation with fellow writers.

I'm kind of glad I've waited this long to really delve into these kinds of books, because I think we've been writing long enough now to have a real voice and style that isn't going to be affected or swayed by something weird I read. I think that reading too many Hollywood-type books can be paralyzing to newer writers. From my script reading experience, I can tell you the newest of writers would probably be better served learning the rules of basic grammar and spelling. But I digress.

So I happened to be at the library a few days ago (another resolution of mine!) and I picked up a few books that interested me.

I just finished "101 Habits of Highly Successful Screenwriters." Here's the Amazon link to the newest edition, although I haven't turned on the thing where I get five cents if you buy a copy. I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually but for now I have more important things to do.

I enjoyed the book, if only to cement in my own head that we are doing most things right. I think the part that stuck with me the most were the sections on networking. I've often felt like networking is a failing of ours, but since writers are kind of hermit-like in general, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. The book's selection of mentors seemed to share the opinion that networking is really secondary to the writing, and networking just to network isn't all that helpful.

Find the people you'll want to work with, and form real relationships, and you'll be good.

I read the 2001 edition, and from the only review on the new edition, it's much the same. However, the new edition includes advice from Terry Rossio, and if you're a fan, that might be reason alone to pick it up.