Dreams of Discovery: A Novel Based on the Life of Explorer John Cabot
Giovanni Caboto (‘John Cabot’) was born in Genoa, Italy. As a child, he dreamed of captaining a ship across a mysterious, uncharted Ocean - from Europe to the riches of China. There was another boy in Genoa at the same time, with the same dream: Cristofer Colombo.
The Turks, in the 15th century, had a stranglehold on the trade routes to the Far East. Europe’s race to find an alternative passage was heating up. But an explorer needed patrons, funds, ships – and a vision. Whereas Colombo had taken a south and west route from Spain, Caboto was convinced a more northern route from England would lead directly to China.
Cabot remained convinced, even on his death bed, that he’d reached China – not realizing he’d claimed much of the North America for his patron, the King of England, and made an amazing contribution to the fabric of America.
Available in Print, Kindle, Apple iBooks, & Nook formats
film genre for the screenwriter
Film Genre for the Screenwriter is a practical study of how classic film genre components can be used in the construction of a screenplay. Based on Jule Selbo’s popular course, this accessible guide includes an examination of the historical origins of specific film genres, how and why these genres are received and appreciated by film-going audiences, and how the student and professional screenwriter alike can use the knowledge of film genre components in the ideation and execution of a screenplay.
Explaining the defining elements, characteristics and tropes of genres from romantic comedy to slasher horror, and using examples from classic films like Casablanca alongside recent blockbuster franchises like Harry Potter, Selbo offers a compelling and readable analysis of film genre in its written form. The book also offers case studies, talking points and exercises to make its content approachable and applicable to readers and writers across the creative field.
"Film Genre for the Screenwriter" - A Review by Monika Maslowska
“Selbo has designed an amazing story structure model which I’ve been using in my classes and loving. It’s simple, and focuses on the protagonist’s goal as the primary structural engine to drive the plot.”
Screenplay: building story through character
Screenplay: Building Story Through Character is designed to help screenwriters turn simple or intricate ideas into exciting, multidimensional film narratives with fully-realized characters. Based on Jule Selbo’s unique 11-step structure for building story through characters, the book teaches budding screenwriters the skills to focus and shape their ideas, turning them into stories filled with character development, strong plot elements based on obstacles and conflicts, and multifaceted emotional arcs.
Using examples and analysis from classic and contemporary films across a range of genres, from The Godfather to Guardians of the Galaxy, Selbo’s Screenplay takes students inside the scriptwriting process, providing a broad overview for both beginners and seasoned writers alike. The book is rounded out with discussion questions, writing exercises, a guide to the business of screenwriting, in-depth film breakdowns, and a glossary of screenwriting terms.
“This is a bible for all screenplay writers.”
women screenwriters
Women Screenwriters is a study of more than 300 female writers from 60 nations, from the first film scenarios produced in 1986 to the present day. Divided into six sections by continent, the entries give an overview of the history of women screenwriters in each country, as well as individual biographies of its most influential.
“At last there is a comprehensive book dedicated to the female voice in film - internationally heralded women screenwriters and also those whose work may have been forgotten or unacknowledged beyond the borders of their own countries.”
Pilgrim Girl: Diary and Recipes of her First Year in the New World
Pilgrim Girl is the story of 12 year old Constance Godwin who, along with her family, was a passenger on the Mayflower. Read the diary of her first year in the New World. Included are recipes of the food they prepared. Historically-based fiction that allows parents and their children a glimpse of what it was like to be a child coming of age in 1620 as well as providing recipes that can be used to create meals together.
Destination Force (Elapsed Time, Volume 1, Episode 1)
In his 30 + years of racing, John Force has had some amazing stories from his early days in racing, his time in Australia, and just the different crazy predicaments he's gotten himself in. Destination Force is based loosely on real stories from Force's past. As dad always says, he doesn't lie, he embellishes, and with this comic we hope to entertain you with tales from the man, the myth, the legend that is John 'The Brute' Force.
Olivia Builds a House
Part of the Olivia series.
Screenplay: from rewrite to market
The quintessential guide for screenwriters--whether it is the first screenplay or the one hundredth--helps create the perfect script by offering step-by-step guidance on how to focus and polish writing, to ensure that it is ready for production. After a first draft is completed and a screenplay is ready to enter the competitive marketplace, this manual offers an 11-step story breakdown, a template that takes the haphazardness out of the process of writing, as well as specific, concrete advice on the rewriting process. This must-have companion is for screenwriters serious about getting their film produced.
For more information and to purchase, click here.
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