» For a current, printable booklist, click here.
Outlining, Editing & Revision
I’ve literally read a tall stack of “how to write” books and none of them really worked or helped me figure out the process. Fortunately, H. R. D’Costa’s books have been a tremendous resource. They’ve actually clarified everything for me. So helpful and easy to understand, too!
Now, with her writing guides, I feel more hopeful that I can write what I always wanted: a book that I can’t find in a bookstore, and that I would enjoy reading if I discovered it on the shelves.
Sizzling Story Outlines
» VOTED #1 PLOTTING TOOL by WritesWithTools.com
A step-by-step method to go from idea to outline
Sizzling Story Outlines: How to Outline a Novel or Screenplay, Always Know “What Happens Next” When Plotting a Story, and Finish a Draft Without Freaking Out
If you want a proven nuts-and-bolts method to get your stories told, trust this guide.
Knowing what should go into a well-plotted novel is one thing, but using this knowledge to **shape your own story** into publishable material is a totally different skill. And this is exactly what H. R. D’Costa teaches you to do.
Solid Story Compass
Make your story the best it can be…without paying a pro thousands of dollars for editing or analysis
Solid Story Compass: How to Be Your Own Developmental Editor or Script Consultant, Stop Second-Guessing Your Storytelling Decisions, and Prevent Inconsistencies from Incurring Reader Wrath
The knowledge available…is priceless (especially since I don’t have a developmental editor). I don’t have enough words to thank you! You are one of the reasons for me to reach my dream.
Sparkling Story Drafts
Get Your Story Ready to Sell—Faster
Sparkling Story Drafts: How to Outline Your Way Toward Cleaner Rough Drafts, Reduce Your Revision Time, and Get a First-Rate Screenplay or Novel onto the Marketplace—Faster
An essential roadmap for both new and veteran writers.
As I read SPARKLING STORY DRAFTS, I wrote a ton of sticky notes to improve my already published novels and a draft I’m working on—woohoo! Get yourself a copy. You’ll write faster and your writing will improve.
Story Structure Essentials
I just wanted to say thank you, H. R. D’Costa, for your amazing books on writing. They are a very important part of my writing process. Plus, I recommend them often to members of the Phoenix Screenwriters Association, especially when they need help with story structure, stakes, or outlining.
Inciting Incident (Revised & Expanded edition)
Does your story beginning set you up for success…or failure?
Inciting Incident: How to Begin Your Screenplay or Novel and Captivate Audiences Right Away (While Accomplishing Your Long-Term Plotting Goals)
I loved INCITING INCIDENT. It was so great that this morning I bought MIDPOINT MAGIC. My plan is to buy all the books in the Story Structure Essentials series.
I thought I was already clear on the inciting incident of a novel and how to create one, but the author really peels back the layers to show why they work. A fantastic guide with plenty of examples. Added to my keeper shelf.
Midpoint Magic
Stop sagging middles from derailing your story (& your writing career)
Midpoint Magic: How to Swing Your Screenplay or Novel in a New Direction and Say Good-Bye to Sagging Story Middles That Put Audiences to Sleep
These are some of the best books I’ve read about writing. I wish I found them before! My plotting process is no longer scattered, I don’t cycle back and forth because I forgot something or things don’t work.
Seriously one of the most helpful craft books I’ve read! I’m an overnight fan of this author.
Trough of Hell
Conquer Act Two…and complete your story in less time—and with less frustration
Trough of Hell: How to Wrap Up the Middle of Your Story with Maximum Impact
So packed with info…[that] I couldn’t wait to race back to my computer and apply all the great ideas to my suspense-novel-in-progress!
Story Climax
Master the ending of your story…and you could leap to the top of a reader’s “auto-buy” list or be added to Hollywood’s speed dial
Story Climax: How to Avoid Disappointed Audiences and Craft a Screenplay or Novel Climax That Thrills & Delights
H. R. D’Costa’s writing tips are concrete and practical. Yet, they go deep—like the 90% of the iceberg that is below the surface.
I can’t imagine what the author could’ve left out of this book…I’ve put down books on story wishing the author had included this topic or that. Not so with STORY CLIMAX. Highly recommend this book!!!
Storytelling Fundamentals
Story Stakes
Make your story a page-turner…and make a living as a writer
Story Stakes: Your #1 Writing Skills Strategy to Produce a Page-Turner that Transforms Readers into Raving Fans of Your Screenplay or Novel
A must-have in your top 10 books on writing.
H. R. D’Costa shows writers how to layer stakes, one on top of another, blending them into a compelling tangle from which the hero—and the reader—cannot escape. This is now one of my favorite go-to guides on writing.
Story Structure for the Win
Write Faster, Write Better
Story Structure for the Win: How to Write Faster, How to Write Better—Whether You’re a Plotter or a Pantser
Screenplay Writing
How to Write a Screenplay Now
Go from dreaming about writing a screenplay…to actually doing it!
How to Write a Screenplay Now: A Roadmap to Go from Dream to Draft (Even If You’re Short on Time or Filled with Doubt and Haven’t Had Much Luck with Screenplay Writing Before)
I have read all of H. R. D’Costa’s books, and I continue to re-read them, and they are the first screenwriting books I recommend to my fellow UCLA students and anyone wanting to master basic to complex story structure.
H. R. D’Costa’s books have imparted such screenwriting knowledge to the depths of no other. I have 365 screenwriting books in my library, and while I learn from everyone, H. R. D’Costa, for me, is the BEST!
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» For a current, printable booklist, click here.