It doesn't matter if you are a screenwriter, novelist or short story writer, if you can only purchase one book on story theory, The Anatomy of Story by John Truby is the book to buy.  From story concept to final draft, Truby leads writers by the hand to perfect story structure.

 

Following the Hero's Journey, Truby gives writers 22 essential steps for storytelling.  By knowing in advance, how these steps fit into your story - you will be well on your way to telling a terrific tale.  Truby does not use fancy language or jargon, he outlines the steps in common, everyday English that anyone can understand.  Filled with examples from both movies and novels, you can see immediately how to apply his theory to your own work.

 

After reading this book, you will no longer see story the same way.  You will catch yourself looking for the steps in both books you read and movies you watch.  Once you understand how story is supposed to work, you will know why some books and movies leave you feeling so unsatisfied.  As a writer, you will be in a much better position to not write the next bomb - you will have a story that gives you a greater chance at finding an agent and seeing your work in the bookstore or on the big screen.

 

Apply the principals in this book to make yourself a stronger writer.  You will be glad you did.  If you want to take your writing to the next level, you can do nothing better than learn The Anatomy of Story from a master storyteller.  If you're like me, you will also invest in Truby's Blockbuster software - which makes it even simpler to understand the steps and apply them to the story you want to tell.