Screenwriting Tricks for Authors

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March 2024

Writing the Mentor Character & Working with a Mentor
A double header for the holiday on this archetypal character — in fiction and in our lives.
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Alexandra Sokoloff
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What is a Mentor?
"A book must be an ice-axe to break the sea frozen inside us." - Franz Kafka And sometimes as artists we're lucky enough to find a mentor who does it…
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Alexandra Sokoloff
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Master List: The MENTOR character
Let’s use the Master List method to take a look at a crucially important character archetype: THE MENTOR. Almost all books and scripts have at least…
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Alexandra Sokoloff
World Building: Theme & Image Systems (Part 2)
So how do you create an image system in your books? There are several exercises I’ve developed that I’ve always done in my writing workshops, and detail…
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Alexandra Sokoloff
Two new options for private feedback and chat
I’m going to try two new options for paid subscribers and workshop students to post and get feedback on their books or scripts in a private setting.
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Alexandra Sokoloff
Introduce yourself and your book!
In the next few weeks I’ll be moving key posts over from the Circle message board to this private paid subscriber section, and encouraging you to post…
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Alexandra Sokoloff
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What is THEME?
Theme is what your story is about. On a deeper level than the plot details. The big meaning. Usually a moral meaning. But I think it’s much more useful…
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Alexandra Sokoloff
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How to break your book
"Breaking a story" is what TV writers call their process of plotting. It’s a fantastically valuable term and concept for novelists to understand and…
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Alexandra Sokoloff
2

February 2024

Leap Year, One Day: The MAGICAL DAY story
I didn’t do a post for Valentine’s Day (book deadline!) but here’s one for you romance writers, for Leap Day! And this is not just for romance writers…
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Alexandra Sokoloff
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Leap Year, One Day: The MAGICAL DAY story
The Magical Day, or Magical Holiday trope is one of the most popular story patterns of all time—and not just for romance! It plays with the idea that…
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Alexandra Sokoloff
Take an art bath!
If you’re feeling winter blues, blahs, or burnout, I have the cure. Take an art bath! A completely immersive experience in someone else’s stunning…
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Alexandra Sokoloff
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© 2024 Alexandra Sokoloff
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