800.272.8927     MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 6PM PACIFIC TIME
Money Back Guarantee

Return Policy

Your satisfaction is our top priority. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please return the item(s) for an exchange or refund within 30 days from the purchase date, unless otherwise noted on the product page.

Ship the item(s) to The Writers Store via a traceable and insured method. You will be responsible for return shipping fees.

Please include a completed Return Form with your shipment. Refunds take up to one week to process once we have received the item(s).

Software returns must be deactivated and uninstalled from your computer before a refund may be issued. Please contact the software manufacturer if you need assistance uninstalling or deactivating your software.

The following items are not returnable: Hollywood Creative Directories, DVDs (opened), and Gift Certificates.


Your Satisfaction is Our Goal
0 Items in Cart

Shaping True Story Into Screenplay

At a Glance

  • Helps writers see the difference between ideas with true dramatic potential and memories best left in the scrapbooks
  • Guides readers towards objectivity about their real-life experience
  • Stresses the importance of finding a metaphor to use as a springboard for the development of characters and plot

Shaping True Story into Screenplay is based on the premise that theme can be used as a guide in the development of plot and character. This isn't about being pedantic or preachy. This is about getting clear on the message a story will carry beneath the surface, and allowing that core idea to inform and infuse the screenplay.

The book uses an array of exercises to empower screenwriters who are spurred on by personal experience and to help them make the leap from cathartic expression to true storytelling. With an encouraging and supportive tone, the book guides writers towards objectivity about their experience.

An inspirational guidebook, Shaping True Story into Screenplay helps writers visualize solutions to their screenwriting challenges as it explains how to:


  • Clarify the themes of a true story and use them as a springboard for the development of plot and character 
  • Shape the plot into a personalized three-act structure along a focused spine 
  • Layer the story with complementary, cohesive subplots 
  • Build character arcs from the motivations and conflicts in real life
  • Invent a frame to help propel the story forward
  • Imagine the truth to create new scenes that are metaphors for real events
  • Choose what to leave out in the interest of the story

“The book offers how to plot, build characters, pace conflicts of real life, invent a frame to propel the story, and create scenes that are metaphors for real events. Her gift of simplicity and personal humility is given to all who wish to share a true story. The book is easy to process, inspiring and encouraging. It is like having a personal coach along the way.” - City and Mountain Views, Denver, Colorado

"Candace Kearns Read has a knack for whipping a weak script into shape. She is tough, but in the kindest way. This book will be an invaluable resource to all writers and directors." - Jeff Woolnough (Director, OUTER LIMITS, THE DON CHERRY STORY and CELINE)

"Having relied on Candace's instincts, judgment, and clarity, I can testify that she is the absolute best, and consider Shaping True Story Into Screenplay a great gift. So will anyone who reads it." - Robert Palmer (Manager of Anthony Hopkins, Faye Dunaway, and Dick Van Dyke)

"Candace Kearns Read is an extremely talented screenwriter and story analyst. Anyone intending to develop material based on 'real life' will benefit from the wisdom and experience found within these pages." - Ben Press (Buchwald/Fortitude Agency)

"Candace is a highly regarded script analyst and writer. Top agents in Hollywood wouldn't let their A-list clients make a move on a script until Candace signed off on it with her insightful, smart and savvy analysis. In this book, Candace impeccably shares her great skill and creativity to help screenwriters, and expertly enables you to develop your greatest possession into a compelling screenplay, by guiding you to write what you know best: Yourself." - Tony Greco, Screenwriters Online

Product Details

Return Policy

Your satisfaction is our top priority. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please return the item(s) for an exchange or refund within 30 days from the purchase date, unless otherwise noted on the product page.

Ship the item(s) to The Writers Store via a traceable and insured method. You will be responsible for return shipping fees.

Please include a completed Return Form with your shipment. Refunds take up to one week to process once we have received the item(s).

Software returns must be deactivated and uninstalled from your computer before a refund may be issued. Please contact the software manufacturer if you need assistance uninstalling or deactivating your software.

The following items are not returnable: Hollywood Creative Directories, DVDs (opened), and Gift Certificates.

Meet the Author: Candace Kearns Reed

Candace Kearns Read began her career as a story analyst for talent and literary agencies, primarily the William Morris Agency and International Creative Management. 

The clients she has worked for include Michelle Pfeiffer, Denzel Washington, Anthony Hopkins, Marlon Brando, Mel Gibson, Nicolas Cage, Roger Spottiswoode (Director, TOMORROW NEVER DIES), Jeff Woolnough (Director, THE DON CHERRY STORY and CELINE), John Wells Productions, Castle Rock Productions, and Village Roadshow Pictures. 

Over the years she has worked as a script doctor on many films, including DANGEROUS MINDS, NIXON, WHITE OLEANDER, CRIMSON TIDE, COURAGE UNDER F...

$12.95