EMOTIONAL STRUCTURE
SOME REVIEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, AND AROUND THE BLOCK, FROM SEASONED PROS AND NOVICES ALIKE.
“It's as if Peter Dunne were telling you this book by flashlight, at your elbow on a very dark night, whispering a steady stream of the most necessary, seldom-mentioned cautions, directions, encouragements, as he accompanies you through that dangerous tanglewood he knows so well, the writing of a screenplay. Your heart grows quiet as you go along together, dark shadows begin to assume familiar shapes and you know you can do what he asks.”
Stewart Stern, Academy Award Winner Screenwriter
Rebel Without A Cause; The Ugly American; Rachel, Rachel; Sybil
“What Peter Dunne’s Emotional Structure achieves is precisely what so many other scriptwriting manuals - not to mention scripts - fail to do: a synthesis of the emotional and the intellectual, the practical and the creative, leading, most importantly, to that perfect synthesis of what you want to say and what others want to see.”
Paula Quigley, Lecturer, Masters & Doctoral Film Studies
Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
“All too often you see ‘The last book you will ever need to read on writing.’ Peter Dunne’s book is the first book all aspiring writers should read. I will use this information for the rest of my career as professor and as director.”
Chip Chalmers, Director’s Guild of America Filmmaker in Residence
College of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts
Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.A.
“Although marketed as a guide for screenwriters, I think Dunne's clear, logical explanations and thoughtful advice are useful no matter what form of writing you're pursuing. If you're trying to tell a story and make it resonate, take Dunne's advice. A worthy addition to any writer's toolbox.”
Sam Camp, Memoirist, Novelist, University Instructor
Orange, Ca., U.S.A
“The revised edition of EMOTIONAL STRUCTURE comes from an award-winning producer and writer who here tackles the elements of adding emotional depth to a plot. The basics of creating an emotionally-charged scene are probed in chapters which show how to balance incidents and responses, follow logical paths and introduce unexpected emotional moments, and how to create emotional honesty within the context of a plot. An excellent survey provides writers with many keys to script success.”
Midwest Book Review - Oregon, WI., U.S.A.
“For all of us who have doubts that we can really write well, Peter Dunne provides a smart, very readable, hands-on guidebook to success. He offers a wealth of Practical Wisdom. Every writer - whether novice or seasoned pro - can gain truly important insights from Mr. Dunne.”
Kenneth Johnson, Emmy Award-winning Director/Writer/Producer
The Bionic Woman, The Incredible Hulk, V, AlienNation
Los Angeles, Ca., U.S.A
“Peter Dunne not only delivers clear explanations of the key elements of the craft of screenwriting but he uses the same gentle care that supports the title of the book to teach writers how story reveals the emotional needs of characters.”
Steve Duncan, Producer, Screenwriter, Associate Professor
Film Studies, Loyola Marymount University
Playa del Rey, Ca., U.S.A.
"I found Peter Dunne's book immensely helpful. With its easily applicable tools and step-by-step advice, it is a great companion to the journey of every writing process. However, the main strength of the book lies in its ability to identify and unlock the creative potential embedded in the realization that a writing process is a personal journey for the characters as well as the author."
Kristin Veel, Author
Copenhagen, Denmark
“I've read all the usual books over the last six years as I've tried to master this screenwriting thing (it's much harder than it looks). McKee, Field, Seger et. al. sit on my bookshelf. But Dunne's work is by far the best of them and ranks up there with Egri's "The Art of Dramatic Writing." Most of those other books deal with the nuts and bolts of craft whereas Dunne takes us deeper to find the emotional core of your characters that will drive the story forward. And really, movies are all about emotion.
“Yes, there's a formula (i.e. structure) that Dunne suggests we follow, but anyone with half a clue how to write a story knows this is a necessary evil to transfer the knowledge from Dunne to us eager writers. Those who rail against the "Hollywood formula" just don't get it. Everything has a structure, and if you think guys like Dunne don't know the rules are meant to broken then you're fooling yourself. Dunne renders all the bickering over formula moot by elevating character's feelings as the crucial aspect of any story. And he provides a number of excellent methods to help dig deep and figure out what those are. Dunne also points out that the real glue that binds any story is the up and down emotional journey of the protagonist. Great stories are more than a random string of plot points. It's the protagonist's inner turmoil that gives each scene meaning.
“I'm sure beginning writers will get a lot out of this, but it's writers further along in their craft who will benefit the most. I can't recommend this book enough. If you're serious about writing a screenplay then buy this today.”
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
Minneapolis, MN
“First off, I never write reviews. Something has got to really impress me to make me want to look it up again and post a review. And Emotion Structure has.
“I've read a lot of the popular screenwriting books over the years which all seem to deal with plotting and character goals and "pat the dog" moments. Emotional Structure is the first book to deal only with the emotional journey that one's protagonist should follow. The author assumes the reader has a good handle on plot and then offers insight on taking your writing to the next level. If you've been writing for a while, then a lot of his ideas seem common sense and may already be in your scripts at one level or another. But reading this book allows you to fully realize the potential of your "story" not just the "plot." It is taking my current script to the next level and I fully intend to outline the emotional structure with future projects.”
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
Los Angeles, CA. USA
“I've read numerous books on screenwriting and this one is at the top of my must-have list. This book gives you the tools to analyze scripts/movies/your own writing from a point of view that is rarely taught or understood. It takes you beyond 3-Act structure and gives you the tools to write not just a clever plot, but a great STORY - one that moves the reader and makes the reader care.
“Learning the principles in this book has been an awakening for me as a writer. This is a great book for the beginner or the advanced screenwriter and applies to any genre. A great reference to have on your desk while you're writing. Highly recommend!”
D. Mendez, Screenwriter
Los Angeles, Ca. U.S.A
“Peter's book is the only one of its kind, purely focused on character arcs. Character arcs are the heart of any great story telling and most books breeze by the subject without offering enough insight on how to effectively create an organic arc true to your individual story. This book takes it to a completely different level. Peter guides you in building your story's unique emotional structure, and then teaches you on how to extract all the necessary story elements out of the emotional structure, to unify your story and give it an emotional punch. It is an absolute must read for anyone serious about writing.”
Devon Gupta, Screenwriter
Hollywood, Ca. U.S.A
“I am not an aspiring screenwriter. But I am interested in storytelling so I bought a few books on screenwriting. My opinions here certainly represent those of a beginner.
“Fortunately, he presented an almost complete screenplay of his own story titled "Indirection." Dunne shows his readers how the story is developed, from a three-sentence outline to a three-page treatment, and eventually to a full story with all three acts. This hand-holding exercise is very valuable to me as a beginner. Now I know how everything comes together from start to finish.”
San Diego, Ca., U.S.A
“I should have posted this months ago. I bought this book, full price at the bookstore because I'd never seen anything like it. I still haven't. This guy is concise, thorough and easy to understand, using small words when small words are appropriate--instead of ten dollar words to show off his knowledge.
“I love it, have worn it out, and will buy anything else he does. Everyone else has talked about how good this book is. What I'll say is this--thank you for NOT using the stereotypical "archetype" babble, or mythic journey, or GMC, or any of the other overused cliches. This guy spent time thinking. It shows in his writing. Way to go, Dunne.
Amazon.com
“Peter Dunne's Emotional Structure is an amazing insight into how to tell a story in screenplay form. It also delves rather smoothly into the higher language of character development. If ever you have wondered how master writer's create characters that come to life when they enter a scene, look no further. From page one, Dunne begins to deliver a master class filled with deep insights into the human condition and doesn't let up till he has you where he wants you. To me, it just makes sense. It's informative, entertaining and great as a reference guide for screen writing at any level. The book is so beautifully written and personal, you feel as though you have known him for years. A good portion of the foundations covered could easily be used in a Psychology or Philosophy class. The end result, your characters and story will make more sense than ever before. I highly recommend it and wish I had access to this book twenty years ago when I started out in the business. It is essential reading for all film makers, not just screen writers.
Emily Wallin, Supervising Producer
Hollywood, Ca., U.S.A
“Dunne's incredible professional experience and immense knowledge of the industry shines as he clearly takes the reader step-by-step into, and through, the emotional and intricate tempo writers often aspire to achieve. A book that simply guides, educates, and instructs the reader/writer. This book is a celebrated discovery, immensely supportive. Peter Dunne's own artistry illuminates throughout the book. Happily, and expectantly looking forward to his next publication.
Valerie Peacock
Florida Film & Television Office - "Film Commissioner.”
Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.A
Personal Consultation Inquiries: peterd@emotionalstructure.com
