"Anatomy of Story" by John Truby

by **JohnNoZ** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 3:34 pm

Hi All,

I imagine that others have mentioned this book, but it is definitely worth bringing up more than once. It is far deeper than most of the writing books out there.

Definitely get five out of five from me.

Later,
John

by **Colonel Travis** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 5:38 pm

Ditto. Also McKee's book and Vogler's. Those would be my top modern three on storytelling even though I'm not a screenwriter. You a screenwriter, John? Curious what non-screenwriters think about Truby, et al.

The other day I read that Neil Geiman started reading Campbell's Hero book (I think it was that one) after his career started to take off, but that he quickly put it down because he didn't want to screw up his own approach. I got no problem with that.

For me, and this has always been the case, I'm as fascinated by the hows and whys of writing (big picture, individual authors, journalists) as I am the actual writing. Campbell, Vladimir Propp, Albert Lord, Orson Scott Card, Lajos Egri, Sol Stein, James Frey, Stephen King, Bradbury, Hemingway, even Dean Freaking Koontz - I eat all that crap up.

by **mammamaia** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 1:20 pm

i'm a screenwriter and i mentor aspiring ones... and i agree with many in the industry that mckee's book is vastly overrated... i would never recommend it to any would-be screenwriters...

as for truby, i haven't seen the book but he, like rm, is not a major writer, having next to no writing credits... which doesn't necessarily make him a poor teacher, since syd field and dave trottier are two of the best how-to gurus and neither of them are, either... he is a busy 'script doctor' however, so would certainly know what works and what doesn't..

by **Colonel Travis** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 2:38 pm

mammamaia, that's interesting. I've watched Syd Field's DVD, never took a class or read anything else by him. But I thought he was on a lower tier compared to McKee or Truby. Didn't think he was even close, it was so rudimentary.

Keep in mind, this is just one DVD course. Definitely willing to look at other stuff by him because his name pops up everywhere.

I have some minor criticisms of McKee's book (and Truby's) myself. And I think I could name some that others would consider huge. But now you've got me extra curious about your thoughts, or those of other movie folks.

by **mammamaia** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:56 pm

mckee just goes on about what makes good movies and doesn't tell you how to actually write a screenplay... syd does... in his 'workbook' he does it very well, in fact, with plenty of samples, examples and explanations of how to turn a story idea into a script... including how to build believable characters...

trottier's much-esteemed how-to lays the technical side in great detail, while field deals more with the development process and the 3-act structure paradigm... which is why i advise beginners to get, study and keep both handy, while writing...

anything you want to discuss, ct, just drop me a line, any time... hugs, maia

by **Colonel Travis** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 7:49 pm

Ah, OK - not looking how to construct a screenplay here, just reading about storytelling in general. Been picking out stuff among a number of sources, I'll check out Dave Trottier. All I know is his name.

Can't say this kind of guidance is even necessary to be a good writer. Charles Dickens wouldn't be caught dead with any of this stuff, I'm sure. But geez, pen and paper used to be the fanciest technology for centuries. If you couldn't read or write you were incredibly screwed.

by **mammamaia** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 2:55 pm

the reason a how-to is useful for screenwriting, is that it's the most specialized form of the writer's art, so if you don''t get the format and spec style just right, your chances of getting your work read are slim to none...

but i agree with you that for learning other forms of writing one shouldn't have to depend on how-to books...

by **mammamaia** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 2:55 pm

the reason a how-to is useful for screenwriting, is that it's the most specialized form of the writer's art, so if you don''t get the format and spec style just right, your chances of getting your work read are slim to none...

but i agree with you that for learning other forms of writing one shouldn't have to depend on how-to books...