Why We Write: Personal Statements and Photographic Portraits of 25 Top Screenwriters

The screenwriters in this collection offer personal essays -- some intimate, some philosophical -- about why they do what they do, what inspires them, and how they cope with the strange world of motion pictures. Each essay is visually brought to life by an accompanying photographic portrait of its writer. Why We Write offers a substantial, honest and thought-provoking view of screenwriting's creative process. Screenwriters include: Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (The People vs. Larry Flynt); Jeff Arch (Sleepless in Seattle); John Briley (Ghandhi); Pen Densham (Moll Flanders); Patrick S. Duncan (Mr. Holland's Opus); Trey Ellis (Tuskegee Airmen); Michael Ferris and John Brancato (The Game); Michael Grais (Poltergeist); James V. Hart (Contact); Velina Hasu Houston (Kokoro); Larry Konner and Mark Rosenthal (Star Trek V); Dale Launer (Ruthless People); Kasi Lemmons (Eve's Bayou); Angelo Pizzo (Hoosiers); Gary Ross (Dave); Tom Schulman (Dead Poets Society); Ed Solomon (Men in Black); Dana Stevens (City of Angels); Joan Tewkesbury (Nashville); Michael Tolkin (The Player); Randall Wallace (Braveheart); Daniel Waters (Batman Returns).

Only five percent of the approximately 8500 Writer's Guild members actually make a living writing. This is a collection of personal essays by 25 of the lucky onesAwriters who have already experienced success and are ready, willing, and able to pen the next blockbuster feature. The essays discuss what inspires them, how they cope in the strange world of motion pictures, and why they do what they do. Contributors include Ed Solomon (Men in Black), Randall Wallace (Braveheart), James V. Hart (Contact), and Dana Stevens (City of Angels). Elbert's photos, one per screenwriter, were shot in the writers' homes, a hotel room, an office, and at LAX. Whether you write screenplays or just love creative expression, this book's for you. Highly recommended.AMarty Dean Evensvold, Magnolia P.L., TX
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.