Scott, thanks for everything you do with this blog and the screenwriting community. Any chance you could update us on your book? Maybe a series on that would help stir up ideas as you write and revise.

Scott, you've got so much planned, it is almost overwhelming. There's so much to look forward to!

PS When the Anita Loos series is over, would you consider working through another book like that? It's been a really great series.

if we're voting here, please cast my ballot for the GITS Script Reading & Analysis monthly class. Because that's what it is - an in-depth study of what works and what doesn't, all while studying really successful films. Some are in my preferred genre; others are squarely out of it (which is important). And it's a lot of work (sure is!) but for my money, the best way to learn and move forward is to: * watch the film (for enjoyment first - no notes allowed) * read the screenplay * then re-watch the film (and the time counter) with the screenplay open on your desk, and compare them "script-to-screen" * finally, politely debate your classmates, and see what they're taking away from the film Asking what was kept in there / or left out / or changed / emphasised / reordered / how they dealt with Time / or made a scene more visual is a great way to learn. Maybe the best. For example, the film Bull Durham offers several lessons in how to disguise exposition scenes that are just unbelievable. Another - does Indiana Jones really have a character arc? (and does that matter so much in the Action genre? James Bond usually doesn't). Or with Pretty Woman - how does the writer go about making a hooker a sympathetic character? The King's Speech had me - an American guy - cheering on this elite British royal, pulling for him to find his voice because he had the balls that his brother didn't, and his country needed him to lead them in time of war. We're always told to get to "the core essence". Okay, if I could only access 1 thing on GITS every month, it would be this series. Just one guy's opinion. John A

I only discovered this site a couple months ago, and it has been such a valuable tool as I immerse myself back in screenwriting. Thank you, Scott, for being willing to help the underdog .....

David, I have several titles lined up. Frankly overseeing all aspects of The Quest Initiative last year ate up almost all of my time I had earmarked for books, but I will definitely move forward on one eBook this year with more to come. Thanks for your interest. Knowing people actually want to read a book gives me more motivation.

Thanks for your suggestions via email. A weekly and monthly recap: Good ideas both.

I've found the Loos & Emerson series interesting, plus at least a few other folks. Not sure how many others. There are a few other old books on screenwriting I've found [thanks for the suggestion you sent via email], but what I may be more inclined to do is something deriving from the History of American Screenwriting class I teach. Even if I did a series on the evolution of screenplay format and style, that would be helpful in providing a broader context re the subject. I'll keep thinking about it...

John, I'm going to keep doing this monthly series, at least through this year. As noted in a post last year, at the very least it will serve as a recurring reminder to people about the importance of reading scripts. Also it will give me an excuse to do deeper analysis of scripts and movies I have wanted to do over the years. As always, I will continue to hope folks will be involved with the conversation. Certainly appreciate your observations and analysis!

Erica, thanks for the kind words. Glad you found the site and all the best on your creative efforts in 2013!