Author: Robert McKee
Book Link

This is a workshop inside of a book.

While it is meant for screenwriting, the principles McKee espouses in here are a gem for anyone looking to take on the craft of storytelling.

I originally picked up this book a few years ago as a library loan, but life got the best of me and I had to return it before finishing. It seems the universe really wanted me to read it as I found it back in the library in their sale section at a ridiculously reduced rate. Thus, I forked over the few bucks, took it home and spent time with it.

I’m typically wary of books that attempt to teach the craft of writing, or storytelling, because the methods by which our literary giants use vary to the point where there’s no consistent grounding. What works brilliantly for one writer is a disaster for another.

However, if a book on craft (written by a veteran in the field and not somebody looking to cash-in on hopeful writers without a clue) can provide a few good gems to help unlock some ideas in my own process to make it better, I’m all for it.

This book had many gems and a few mind-blowing moments for me. One particular brain-busting moment came when McKee defined what makes a story cliché… it completely changed my thinking.

I’m glad I finally picked this book up and took the time to read it. It now has a prominent place on my reference shelf where I’ll be sure to come back to it time and time again.