In any creative endeavor, a knowledge of craft by itself, no matter how sound or thorough, is simply not sufficient to allow for the creation and growth of truly original work. While craft may provide structural tools, it does not address the most basic and universal element of all artistic work-the creative process. Designed not just to awaken creativity but to teach the writer the process of being a creative thinker within the context of screenwriting, this unique new addition to Linda Seger's highly popular collection of screenwriting books combines current theories of creativity with the practices of screenwriting, focusing on ways in which screenwriters can learn to think and work more creatively. Through discussion, exercises and analysis of scripts, one is eased into understanding and working with such pivotal creative concepts as nonlinear thinking, visual thinking, metaphorical thinking, oppositional thinking and utilizing one's unconscious mind.
does just what its title professes-provides both novice and experienced writers with the means to expand their creative processes and write at a higher artistic level.
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
One of the Great Books on Creative Problem Solving, September 21, 2006
By
Stanley D. Williams, Ph.D. (Northville, MI USA)
I love and collect books on creativity and problem solving. One of my favorites is Dr. Linda Seger's, Making a Good Writer Great: A Creative Workbook for Screenwriters. The title, unfortunately, is too narrow for its own good. It should be: Unleashing Your Creative Genius: Screenwriting as a Metaphor for World Peace...or something just as ostentatious. I'm serious. First, using Linda's techniques just replace all forms of the term "writer" for whatever job you're in: "engineer," "teacher," "mother," "assembler," "unemployed," or "politician." (On second thought, strike that last example.) Second, insert YOURSELF as the protagonist of YOUR PERSONAL story. Third, pick the problem you're having difficulty solving. And finally, using Linda's techniques and exercises creatively think your way to a solution just as you would the fictional character in a story. The problems that face all of us--writer, repressed child, or okay, even world leader--can be solved by using Linda's 12-step program. Here they are in my own words. 1. Discover your mission (or goal). 2. Articulate your values. 3. List the obstacles. 4. Plot turning points around the obstacles. 5. Stick to your passions. 6. Master your powers of observation. 7. Attach meaning to your experiences. 8. Accept your flaws as reasons to persevere. 9. Leverage the opposing forces. 10. Purpose to change the world. 11. Ask God for supernatural inspiration. And 12. Use feedback to ever improve. Linda's book is a winning tool for everyone...including writers.
Linda's writing was very helpful in the writing of my own book on screenwriting published by Michael Wiese Productions: THE MORAL PREMISE: Harnessing Virtue and Vice for Box Office Success.
A Misnomer, March 4, 2004
By
Robert Graves (Thompson Station, TN USA)
I've always felt this book had an unfortunate title and may have done much better without the "Screenwriter" addendum. The fact is that the advice and exercises that Seger gives is germane to all writers - the novelist, short story writer, as well as the screenwriter.
The "Creativity Workbook" aspect is a true title, however. This is a wonderful book for those of you who feel you're suffering from writer's block. The only solution, of course, is to just write. Even if you're writing "I don't know what to write...this is awful...I have no idea what to write..." still do it. Eventually you'll have a break through. Seger hides this simple fact into her ingenious exercises, giving you situation after to situation to write about, all the while developing characters and plot ideas.
Her focus is to truly help you develop as a writer, not merely beef up your script with cheap, dime-a-dozen plot methods. In that aspect, this book is rather unique and very successful. One of the better writing books available.
break through writer's block, February 5, 2002
By Susan Deborah Smith (Los Angeles, CA USA)
Linda Seger offers a number of ways to re-start the creative process; if only one of them works for you, the book is worth it.
Just reading through the exercises in this book was enough to get me through a serious case of writer's block. She includes an entire chapter on tapping into your religious/spiritual side to flesh out characters and deepen plot, but don't worry: If that won't work for you, she suggests skipping ahead -- there are plenty more idea-provoking suggestions to come.
It's a resource to turn to again and again, whenever a dead end looms.
A real friend to all writers!, July 15, 2000
By Lisa Craig (Lone Tree, CO USA)
This book combines craft and creativity and provides writers with the knowledge necessary to write at the highest artistic level. The exercises within can be reused time and again and push a writer to think outside the box.
Not a paint-by-numbers approach, instead this author guides you into unlocking and strengthening your own, original voice.
What are you waiting for? This is a great resource!
A must read for all screenwriters!, April 27, 2000
By
I've found so much inspiration in Making a Good Writer Great. Seger's words have helped me break through that brick wall. She is truly a light to see by. I can call myself a screenwriter once again.
