McKee: Love Him or Hate Him?

[tmnt]

Just re-read both of Goldman's books over the last couple months. They aren't really a guide as such for how to write, though there are still lots of things to pick u, but more he gives good insight into the industry

They give me some motivation, both good reads.

 

[Bill Clar]

Am I the only one to find this tome tedious in the extreme? A good editor could have removed 75% of it and made a tidy little tool that left out nothing of consequence.

I haven't finished the book but I am having difficulty with his writing style. He takes too long to get to the point. It's an elegant read, but I'm not an elegant person. Get to the heart of the matter.

 

[naavt]

... think if you're a serious writer you should already kind of already know most of the stuff he covers.

I think his book is a great compilation of what others have contributed for the craft (and for whom he made a note on the end of his book), not dismissing some personal guidance from him which I really find helpful.

i think it would be very good for non writers who want to understand story, like directors, editors, animators, etc.

Many writers who attended his seminar stated that it was very helpful. I'm not an Hollywood writer but I've wrote a couple of screenplays for 2 shorts which were financed produced and performed by major actors/actresses here and besides that I've found his seminar very helpful too, even if I has read his book over and over...

his stuff applies more to features than tv.

Sorry if I disagree but IMHO besides cinema it serves to literature, theatre, and other communication mediums where literary structure is commonplace.

...but his book or his seminar won't teach you how to write. no book or seminar can. someone i know compared it to going to a seminar on ballet. someone can tell you all about ballet, the history, the technique, but you're not going to be able to do ballet afterwards.

We both agree on this but let me add one thing that might be at hand for someone who's considering to by "Story". McKee is the first to state that his book won't teach nobody to write! He's only giving away some useful information on how to "master the form". That is what an "artist" will do in his words. To add up, he also states that you can master his book inside out but you have to have TALENT! And he states that no one could ever be a fine writer without it, no matter how many times you read the book.

If I love the book? Yes I do. Why? Because it's a great reminder of what to do in the majority of the cases.