This is such an interesting question and it’s a valid concern. When an emerging writer buys a book on screenwriting, it can cost a lot more than the $20 she spends on it.
Bad advice, or out of date advice, can send her down the wrong path for months or even years. And time is money. That $20 can wind up costing her a fortune.
So can screenwriting advice be outdated?
Well, if the book includes information about the business and marketplace of Hollywood, then yes, that part can be out of date.
Back in 2002, streamers weren’t even a thing. The mechanics of how TV shows and movies are acquired is completely different.
But what if the book focuses entirely on craft?
Thanks to streaming, running times for TV shows tend to be longer. Many shows don’t have commercial breaks they way they did on network TV.
Doesn’t that change how shows are written and therefore how screenwriting should be taught?
Nope. Not in any meaningful way.
People have been telling stories for hundreds of thousands of years. The elements that make a story compelling haven’t changed. You need these elements in every story, regardless of whether it’s for a TV show, a movie, a novel, a stage play, or a short story.
Story is story.
You still compelling act breaks, interesting characters, and fresh dialogue.
You need to know when scenes are supposed to end.
You need to know how to write towards an ending that feels both surprising yet earned. In other words, the ending can’t come out of nowhere, but it also can’t predictable.
None of this has changed over time so it can’t be outdated.
The real question you should be asking is this: Does the author know what they’re talking about? Do they have tons of experience? Have they made a living writing stories or are they just someone who published a book?
Have you read any of their work? Did you like it? When you got to the bottom of every page, did you want to turn the page or were you ambivalent?
If you don’t enjoy the author’s work, why would you think they are capable of teaching you?
I offer a number of free webinars on the craft of writing. I rotate through various topics, so be sure to check this link often.
But I have to add, the same standard goes for me. Before you take a word of writing advice from me, it’s prudent for you to decide if you like my writing. If you love it, I might be able to help you. But if you don’t, don’t study from me.
This is your due diligence because your time is also your money.
Reminds me of a story I heard years ago about a young photographer who was invited to spend a day with a very experienced photographer.
The experienced photographer shot images of fruit all day.
And the young man studied all the lighting and camera angles, taking copious notes.
At the end of the day, the experienced photographer said to the younger man, “So, have you learned the secret of how to take beautiful pictures of fruit?”
And, the younger man said, “Honestly, I’m still not sure.”
The experienced photographer chuckled and said, “It’s simple! Use beautiful fruit!”
I love this story because it wasn’t about a bunch of fancy techniques. His approach was simple and clear.
It reminds me of what you teach, Michael. Unadorned, no BS approach to writing.