

Tips by MaryAnn Kohl
Your Book – the idea –
Great Advice from a Publisher – Abigail McAden, Asst. Editor at Avon Books
Writer’s Guidelines – the smart way to begin
Resources to help you publish your teaching ideas –
A Few Publishers of “Teacher Books” –
Write the Book –
Preparing to Submit the Manuscript –
Submitting the Manuscript – THE MANUSCRIPT PACKAGE The First Impression – Cover Letter The Second Impression – The Manuscript Sending in your manuscript package –
The Wait: What to Expect
The Acceptance! What to Expect
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Syd Field, author of Screenplay and The Screen Writer’s Workbook, has outlined a paradigm that most screenplays follow. A paradigm is a conceptual scheme. This paradigm is the structure that holds screenplays together. According to Field, screenplays follow a three-act structure, meaning the standard screenplay can be divided into three parts: Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution.
Act I comprises the first quarter of the screenplay. (For a two hour movie, Act I would last approximately 30 minutes.)
Act II comprises the next two quarters of the film. (For a two hour movie, Act II would last approximately 60 minutes.)
Act III comprises the final quarter of the film. (For a two hour movie, Act III would be the final 30 minutes.)
The “Plot Point”–According to Field, the three acts are separated by two plot points. A plot point, often called a reversal, is an event that thrusts the plot in a new direction, leading into a new act of the screenplay. Later screenplay gurus have built on Field’s theory by stating that Plot Point #1, which leads into Act II, is the moment when the hero takes on the problem.
The Three-act Paradigm:
Act I comprises the first quarter of the screenplay. (For a two hour movie, Act I would last approximately 30 minutes.)
Exposition–The part of a story that introduces the characters, shows some of their interrelationships, and places them within a time and place.
This part of the story introduces the main character, the dramatic premise, and the dramatic situation.
Main character–the person in the story who has a need/objective to fulfill and whose actions drive the story
Dramatic premise–what the story’s about
Dramatic situation–the circumstances surrounding the action
Inciting Incident–an event that sets the plot of the film in motion. It occurs approximately halfway through the first act.
The “Plot Point”–According to Field, the three acts are separated by two plot points. A plot point, often called a reversal, is an event that thrusts the plot in a new direction, leading into a new act of the screenplay. Later screenplay gurus have built on Field’s theory by stating that Plot Point #1, which leads into Act II, is the moment when the hero takes on the problem.
What happens in Act II (Confrontation)?
Act II comprises the next two quarters of the film. (For a two hour movie, Act II would last approximately 60 minutes.)
Obstacles–In the second act, the main character encounters obstacle after obstacle that prevent him from achieving his dramatic need.
First Culmination–a point just before the halfway point of the film where the main character seems close to achieving his or her goal/objective. Then, everything falls apart, leading to the midpoint.
Midpoint–a point approximately halfway through the film where the main character reaches his/her lowest point and seems farthest from fulfilling the dramatic need or objective.
The “Plot Point”–According to Field, the three acts are separated by two plot points. A plot point, often called a reversal, is an event that thrusts the plot in a new direction, leading into a new act of the screenplay.
What happens in Act III (Resolution)?
Act III comprises the final quarter of the film. (For a two hour movie, Act III would be the final 30 minutes.)
Climax (Second Culmination)–The point at which the plot reaches its maximum tension and the forces in opposition confront each other at a peak of physical or emotional action.
Denouement–The brief period of calm at the end of a film where a state of equilibrium returns.
Hey gang, our new course just came out and it’s already really popular. I guess there was a pent up demand for this subject, as I’ve had many students request it, so we finally put it all together in a mega course that covers everything.
As is our promise, we wanted to let existing students get in on a special introductory offer, so for a limited time the $299 course is just $49 using the coupon below. Let’s see some of your wildest science fiction and fantasy ideas in the discussion areas, okay?!
Steve and Dani Alcorn help you create your original science fiction or fantasy novel or screenplay, step by step.
WRITING SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY — FROM IDEA TO PUBLICATION
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I’m pleased to announce the culmination of two year’s work with the publication of our fun, new children’s book, Molly Builds a Theme Park! It turned out to be a much bigger project than we expected, but I think it was worth it.
When the circus packs up for the season, the animals quickly grow bored. But Molly Monkey organizes them to build the theme park of her dreams. Together they accomplish their goal, and then discover the joy of sharing with others.
Ages 4-10
Linda Alcorn has been engineering the world’s best theme parks since 1979. Steve Alcorn makes equipment used in nearly all of the world’s theme parks. Together they’ve written this captivating tale of a budding theme park designer.
It’s available in full-color paperback or for Kindle. The Kindle version is just $2.99 (or free with the purchase of the paperback) and includes some fun pop-up Easter eggs! Check it out on Amazon.com