An intermediate or advanced student of screenwriting will find little or nothing of note in this book, and will probably come away with the same impression I had: that the average reader knows more about the subject than the author.

A beginning screenwriter would be better off reading any number of decent texts: Robert McKee's "Story," or books by David Trottier, Christopher Keane, Syd Field, Jennifer Lerch, etc. I've read about 25 screenwriting books, and Wolitzer's is the only one I felt had not one useful suggestion or new insight.

Here is an amusing bit, taken from page 54 of "Fitgerald Did It," about Wolitzer's "screenwriting process." Perhaps it will illustrate the kind of information (or lack thereof) that this book contains:

"I usually gather various snack foods around me when I'm beginning something, knowing that I'll be there for a while and will need sustenance, but also because I want to give myself a little illicit treat to mark the pleasurable starting moments of a new project. When I begin writing, I like to feel happy but disciplined; the goal is a contented Zenlike state achieved through small indulgences . . ."


Great Book for Accomplished Writers   October 25, 1999
 6 out of 9 found this review helpful

This book is perfect for people who already have a lot of experience writing stories, but who now want to try their hand at the screenplay form. There is none of the boring, basic stuff about how to define a character or what a story arc is; instead Wolitzer focuses on translating the skills you already have to the specifics of the screenplay. Very helpful to aspiring screenwriters!


Inexperienced Author Provides Nothing   August 6, 1999
 5 out of 12 found this review helpful

The author does not know how to craft screenplays, so she should not be writing a book on how to write and sell them. This book offers very little useful information. You're better off getting any other guide.