Archive - Screenwriting Tricks for Authors

What is your INTENTION for this book?

Let's talk about Act I and Act III - and another thing that’s important for anyone at any stage of writing: your INTENTION.

48 mins ago •

Alexandra Sokoloff

What's Your PREMISE? — Identifying the ACTION LINE of your story

No matter where you are in your book or script— I really urge you to do this TODAY. Here's a template to make it SO much easier!

Aug 5 •

Alexandra Sokoloff

July 2025

A book by the end of the year

Let’s talk about getting your book DONE by the end of the year - in very practical terms.

Jul 30 •

Alexandra Sokoloff

Act & Sequence Breakdown: Se7en

The 90’s crime/horror classic Se7en is an outstanding teaching film for authors and screenwriters of all genres.

Jul 22 •

Alexandra Sokoloff

Se7en: Horror is having a moment. Again.

Se7en is one of the clearest examples available of how to elevate our writing by using the Three-Act, Eight-Sequence Structure of film.

Jul 14 •

Alexandra Sokoloff

Half a year to write your book

We are halfway through the year. So - what do you need to do to get that book written?

Jul 7 •

Alexandra Sokoloff

June 2025

Use an OPENING IMAGE to start your book

The idea of OPENING IMAGE is one of the best screen tricks that novelists can steal.

Jun 26 •

Alexandra Sokoloff

Lessons from Musical Theater

Looking at musical theater is an excellent way to learn how to write unforgettable scenes and dramatize Story Elements like Inner and Outer Desire, Into…

Jun 21 •

Alexandra Sokoloff

This summer, watch movies for craft!

Once you’ve learned how to watch movies for story structure, every film becomes a master class in craft.

Jun 16 •

Alexandra Sokoloff

Movie breakdowns

Here's a page with links to the movie breakdowns I've done on this Substack - in progress!

Jun 16 •

Alexandra Sokoloff

Your author vision statement

Have you written out your vision of what you want your life as an author to look like? Your big dreams, your day-to-day? Where you want to be a year…

Jun 8 •

Alexandra Sokoloff

Bute Noir Crime Writing Festival

Tickets are now on sale for my favorite book festival - Bute Noir, on the spectacularly beautiful Isle of Bute, August 1-3.

Jun 8 •

Alexandra Sokoloff

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