Sheila Gallien's Screenwriting E-Book

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So Your Mama Loves It, But Is It Ready for the Big Time? The 10 Most Common Mistakes Screenwriters Make (And How You Can Avoid Them)

Everyone wants that coveted career in screenwriting. Everyone sees the big payoff.

The mass of literature tells you it's easy, you can make a quick buck, you can live the good life. But not so long ago writers as great as William Faulkner and John Steinbeck wrestled with the screenplay. It is a difficult and brilliantly compressed form, not simply a template to be "fleshed out" with screenwriting software.

Don't be fooled. There are no shortcuts, but if you're willing to work at it, you can elevate your work to a level where you will open doors and build relationships, the first step to a sale. 

So Your Mama Loves it, But is it Ready for the Big Time? is not a simple how-to list or a feel-good tome. It is a state of the union address, full of tips that will help deepen your writing and take it to the next level, and punctuated with difficult but clarifying questions designed to help you assess if your work is ready to enter the gates of Camelot.

The Bill Broyles Foreword

"This book is simply the single best resource on screenwriting you can get." - Bill Broyles

This book is simply the best single resource on screenwriting available. I had the benefit of Sheila Gallien's insights on every script I wrote for six years: from Apollo 13 to Cast Away, with four or five others thrown in for good measure.

Her advice was always clear, direct, and to the point. It was always grounded in rock-solid principles of story-telling. She helped me see what I had done wrong, and how to make what I had done right even better. That is a rare gift.

Other books have been written on the how-to's of screenwriting. None give the writer such an insider's view on how to trouble-shoot your own script. It's like being given the best toolbox in the business.

Above all, it's specific. Dip into it any time you know you can make your screenplay better and you're not quite sure how.

Or better yet, browse through it when you're stuck and in the depths of writer's despair. It's so shrewd and pointed and wise in the ways not only of screenwriting, but life itself, that at the very least it will make you laugh. And I wager it will send you back to your script inspired, with renewed determination.

Having this book is the next best thing to having Sheila reading over your shoulder. And it doesn't get any better than that.

--William Broyles, 2004

William Broyles, Jr. credits; Screenwriter Apollo 13, Cast Away, Unfaithful, Jarhead, Flags of our Fathers.

Robert McKee - Nothing more need be said

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Sheila Gallien's Favorite Screenplays

Hi everyone, these are my favorite scripts feel free to vote on them or add your own. Many, many thanks for stopping by.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

"Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed more...0 points

Unfaithful by Alvin Sargent and William Broyles

I was lucky enough to watch this story transform d more...0 points

Cinema Paradiso by Giuseppe Tornatore and Vanna Paoli

This is the movie that made me love movies. In ter more...0 points

The Godfather by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola

Not a wasted nanosecond. For me, it's the moment M more...0 points

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown by Pedro Almodovar

The perfect blend of angst and humor. Burning beds more...0 points

Screenwriting Software on Amazon

Sheila does not endorse any particular screenwriting product.

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Sheila Gallien Screenwriters Link List

Click on any/all these links for screenwriting help and information. Thanks for visiting.
Creative Screenwriting Magazine
Creative Screenwriting was named "the best magazine about screenwriting" by the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post. Sign up for CS Weekly for free.
Screenwriting Expo
The largest event in the world for screenwriters, Screenwriting Expo 6 features hundreds of seminars on every aspect of writing imaginable as well as numerous A-list guests of honor.
CS Web
This portal to the screenwriting world includes more than 1,000,000 words of advice to help you make the transition from aspiring to professional screenwriter
Drew's Script-O-Rama
Drew's is always a great place to find scripts.
Screenwriting Expo DVDs
Creative Screenwriting magazine brings you the best A-list speakers and seminars from the Expo on DVD. Beginning at only $14.95, these DVDs are a huge value.
TV Screenwriting
Veteran TV writer and producer Catherine Clinch presents her method for writing a TV screenplay from concept to production, discusses how the networks and studios work, the rules of writing two, four, and seven-act scripts, and how to approach writing a spec for an existing show.
Screenwriting Message Boards
The best place on the net to seek advice from fellow writers or to check out the job board and build your career.
litscene.com
Litscene.com is the portal for writers and authors. There are 3750 sites in the directory. Get more exposure by adding your site or project to the directory, or if you're looking for a resource, use our site search.
Fortress Entertainment
Launched in early 2004 by founders Patrick Rizzotti and Brett Forbes, Fortress Features is a fully self-financed feature film and television development and production company. Backed by the American Film Capital II, LLC private equity investment fund managed by the co-founders and Tighe Curran, Fortress specializes in early stage financing of commercial film and television properties maximizing creative control and financial return.
Scriptfly
We have thousands of screenplays to choose from. New movie scripts and older classic movies. All scripts are in their original screenplay format for your script writing education and collection. If you don't see it, please ask.
Robert McKee's Story Seminar
For over 15 years, Robert McKee's Story Seminar has been the world's ultimate writing class for over 50,000 screenwriters, filmmakers, TV writers, novelists, industry executives, actors, producers, directors and playwrights.
Write Brothers Software
Since 1982, Write Brothers Inc. (formerly called Screenplay Systems) has been the world leader in film and television production software. Our software is sold worldwide and has been used in the development of most of your favorite films and television shows.

Rather than stifle creativity, Write Brothers believes that the computer has given people unprecedented freedom to create, develop, and implement new ideas and inspirations. Since 1990, over 80% of the Academy Award® nominations and 95% of the Emmy® awards went to companies that used Write Brothers/ Screenplay Systems' software.
Absolute Write for Screenwriters
This is a great resource for screenwriters including; links, articles, interviews and message boards.
Muse Ink
Award-winning screenwriter and bestselling author Ami Hendrickson is the founder of Muse Ink - inspiring writers and helping them put their vision into words.

Are You Ready For Your Big Trip to Hollywood?

Your script is done and now you're ready to hang with the stars. Just two small problems. The other one is how to get there. Orbitz! can help.

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Google Screenwriting News

Academy's 2012 Nicholl Screenwrit​ing Competitio​n Now Underway
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is now accepting entries for the 2012 Don and Gee Nicholl...
IF Istanbul Film Festival invites filmmakers to Sundance Labs
If Istanbul Independent Film Festival's collaboration with the Sundance Institute for screenwriting...
Zooming in on Hollywood's leading black men
?What happened, basically, was that black people wanted to see themselves on screen,? said Monroe,...
Oscar-nominated Screenwriters Panel Podcast
One of the events that has become a tradition of this week is Jeff Goldsmith's panel of Oscar-nominated...

Sheila Gallien Supports the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Sheila Gallien thanks you for donating to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Many thanks for your help and support.

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation seeks to prevent pediatric HIV infection and to eradicate pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs.

Featured Blogs

The Hangman Store Product Line and More - Heavy Mirror and Picture Hanging Hardware
Hanging Picture Frame Solutions that are too easy to believe. How your art looks to the world matters and Hangman makes your art look great! Childproofing your home? We have a solution. Hangman also sells Security and Organizing Hardware.
Robb Auspitz Online Stores - Picture hanging
The RA-Stores Blog educates the consumer about the different products and services sold by my online stores. Additionally, I feature products and services from various associates.

We sell a wide variety of quality products including: Hangman Products picture hanging hardware.

The list of stores, products and services will continue to expand as we continue to find different ways we can help you enrich your life. Stop in and spend some time with us. We always appreciate your time and business.
Marc Zumoff, Broadcast Coach, TV Broadcasting, Making a Career Change, Blog
Marc Zumoff, Broadcast Coach, has helped people all over the country find news and sports broadcasting jobs, even if you want a career change at 30 or 40. Break into broadcasting by learning from one of the best. Contact Marc today.
Mat Board, Foam Core Board, Picture Framing Supplies, Tools and Hardware
M&M Distributors sells mat board, foam board and picture framing supplies and equipment to the picture framing trade, businesses, artists and institutions. Take advantage of our discounted picture framing supply prices, order today.

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Sheila Gallien Friends

Click on any/all these links and discover some great products or learn things that are relevent to your life. Thanks for stopping by.
What type of child safe and child safety products are you looking for? Kidz Safety Store has a solution.
KidzSafetyStore.com sells child and baby safe and child safety products. Our vendors include Clementine Art, Wild Zoo, Instinctive and Hangman Products. We are also a resource for child and home safety information including links and product recalls.
How should I hang framed wall art decor? The Hangman Store has picture frame hanging solutions.
Hanging picture frames or heavy mirrors? The Hangman Store sells picture hanging systems that make your framed wall art, all of your home wall decor, look even better. Additionally, we also offer home office organizing hardware, fasteners and safety hardware. Need to child proof your home? We can help with that also.
M&M Distributors: Quality Picture Framing Supplies & Equipment.
M&M Distributors supplies picture framing distributors and retail outlets with; picture frame glass, mat board, foam board, and picture framing supplies and machines for professional framers, garage framers, conservators, hobbiests, and photographers.
Advanced Chiropractic - located in South Jersey
The Advanced Chiropractic Center is one of South Jersey's premier Chiropractic offices. Dr. Neil Liebman, who is celebrating his 20th anniversary as the Sixers Chiropractor dedicates himself to excellence in chiropractic care every single day.
The Glass Crafter - Custom Stained Glass in New Jersey
Custom Stained Glass in New Jersey including stained glass windows, panels, hangings, kitchen cabinets, other stained glass pieces, stained glass repair and restoration.
Ward Heating and Central Air Conditioning and Fuel, in South Jersey
Ward Heating and Air is located in Burlington County, South Jersey. We provide heating and central air conditioning systems and service along with fuel oil deliveries. Call us today at 856.829.4985, we'll make you smile.
Welcome To Chow-E-Chowz Expressions. Every child has a right to live "Safe" around the world
As you know, there are many children missing around the world that Special Agencies and Law enforcements are not able to find or give an accurate report of missing children. I believe any child that goes missing for any reason should be reported and found.
Young Starrs Theater Company, Montgomery County Acting Classes, Broadway Shows, Children
Young Starrs Theater Company, located in Ambler, PA provides quality acting classes for children in the Philadelphia area while giving them the opportunity to perform. At Young Starrs it's not just about the show.

Printers on Amazon

You need to output those great scripts. Here are some choices.

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Sheila Gallien Screenplay Consultant
Sheila Gallien is a top screenplay consultant who helps screenwriters improve their story and script. Sheila will upgrade your screenwriting skills and your script's marketability.
Marc Zumoff, broadcast coaching for news and sports. Work with the best in the broadcasting industry.
Marc Zumoff the play by play voice of the Philadelphia 76ers can help you learn how to break into one of the ten hottest careers, broadcasting, with his broadcast coaching service

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Sheila Gallien would love some Reader Feedback

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  • Reply
    goo2eyes Jan 22, 2012 @ 12:38 pm | delete
    the success of a movie depends foremost on excellent screenwriting and directing. actors and actresses have to play the roles as best as they can.
  • Reply
    KimGiancaterino Jan 9, 2012 @ 6:14 pm | delete
    Thanks ... I've just added Sheila's book to my lens on freelance script reading. Excellent resources here!
  • Reply
    rauspitz Jan 9, 2012 @ 9:03 pm | delete
    Thank you for adding Sheila's book to your list and thank you for the compliment.
  • Reply
    Swisstoons Dec 7, 2011 @ 10:10 pm | delete
    Years ago, I went to the library looking for a book on screenwriting. It was checked out, so I grabbed the book on writing gags for studio greeting cards (the tall skinny ones)...also on the "S" shelf. That led to freelancing hundreds of greeting card gags to the major companies of the day...which led to writing for cartoonists...which led to my becoming a cartoonist myself with sales to major magazines. I like to imagine that if that book on screenwriting hadn't been checked out, I might've become an Oscar-winning screenwriter. Hahaha. Not likely! :) The Write Brothers software discussed above looks interesting! So do all the other resources you've gathered here. Excellent lens!
  • Reply
    rauspitz Dec 7, 2011 @ 10:17 pm | delete
    Thank you for the compliment. I use Movie Magic Screenwriter myself and it is excellent software.
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rauspitz

I am a web designer focused on e-commerce and progressing my skills in SEO. I'm also a photographer and live in the Philadelphia area.

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