Yes! Finally a chance to share this fantastic book with someone.
It is called How to Live on 24 Hours a Day by Arnold Bennett. You will find it on Amazon (for free in the kindle store) <strong>here</strong>.
The book is from the 20th century but that doesn't mean it's not relevant today. I can't really summarize it, but basically it brings into perspective how much time we waste and then gives you tips on how to use your time wisely and productively. It is a fantastic book.
Another book of the same nature that I would recommend is On the Shortness of Life by Seneca, a Roman philosopher and statesman. This book is even older than the 24 Hours, but it is also very relevant to today, and a bit more philosophical. It is an excellent read and it changed my life for the better. You can find the full text on <strong>Wikisource</strong>.
Another frugal tip, there are many excellent books that have entered public domain on the kindle store and on projectgutenberg.org. I've been reading nothing but public domain books and I'm still not done with them. Authors like Mark Twain, Joseph Conrad, Jules Verne, &c.
This book might help address what you're discussing. I think it's terrific. It has a lot of outstanding advice and insights.
The Idea: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen, Stage or Fiction
by ~ Eric Bork
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H3DDND3/ref=dbs\_a\_def\_rwt\_bibl\_vppi\_i0
Here's a paragraph from the book description:
Most screenwriting books tend to focus on story structure, scene writing, navigating the business, and other parts of the craft that come AFTER the initial choice of the central concept for a story. Multiple Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning writer/producer Erik Bork (HBO’s Band of Brothers) takes a different approach. His experience in the industry and as a screenwriting professor and coach have led him to recognize that it's the selection of the initial idea that is the most important part of the process -- with the most impact on the project's chance of success.
Thanks for sharing. I'm another musician trying to make sense of libretto, book writing and story ideas. There's as much theory there as there is in music, which makes it a heavy lift for outsiders like us. Tonight I am reading Erik Bork's The Idea and what comes to mind is this passage I just read an hour ago:
"Writers often create main characters that are not so likable—who are selfish and not good to others—with the idea that they will “arc” them to someone who learns to be nicer in the end. Because aren’t main characters supposed to grow and change over the course of a movie? It’s true that the best stories often (but not always) tend to have a significant growth arc for the main character. In the end, they have somehow become a better version of themselves, as well as having solved some big problem in their world. And yes, this means they have to start the movie as the “not-best version of themselves.” But if the “not-best version” of your main character is a selfish jerk who hurts others in some way, readers will tend to not bond with them enough to want to stay with the story."
This sounds exactly like the issue you're starting to head into. Would I, as a reader or watcher, have the patience to watch this jerk in the hopes that he matures?
You might consider re-centering the story on a sympathetic actor who is being victimized. Make them the protagonist. You can still have the jerk director and his/her arc. Just don't make them the main character.
Disclaimer, I am a rank amateur.
That is absolutely going to happen. The depth and nuance on this show. Soon, it’ll be listed here for great minds to ponder:
https://www.amazon.com/Popular-Culture-and-Philosophy-125-book-series/dp/B0897GS1YK
This book is considered the modern foundation for acting, a must read for all directors: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BPW4648/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0
Hi S. I would start with Bill DeWees -- his book, for sure (you will find much of value there, even if Bill is so successful, having started decades ago, that not all of his thinking or approach will be suitable for you as a new VO in 2021). Also most of his YT videos are helpful.
You will need to decide on a DAW (digital audio workstation), which is where you will record and then adjust (process) your recordings. A great DAW for VO specifically is Audacity: it's user-friendly and it's free. And a great help for learning to use that is VoiceOverMaster, a VO with lots of helpful video tutorials.
Good luck!
If you are a newbie and a fan of stuff, there's a series called "Pop Culture and Philosophy" that starts with some pretty famous properties and discusses some ideas related to those.
I liked Marties book but the one that helped me most with writing is this: eight characters of comedy
The book is aimed at actors and writers but as a writer, just understanding how to write a classic neurotic or other characters really helps you figure out the building blocks of sit coms. As everything it’s springboard for your own stuff and twists but if you’re just struggling to get something workable and funny together like I was, check it out.
Here's what I suggest. Read this version of the Complete Works. What really throws you off and confuses you is the use of anachronistic words or words whose meaning has changed over time. Every time one of these words appears, there's a footnote explaining what the word meant at the time (usually a one word synonym). With that, you should be able to easily understand any sentence. Remember, it's made for the stage - you're not alone in getting confused with the reading. I say tough it out - it's completely worth it.
Try this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BO4GSA2/ref=oh_aui_d_detailpage_o02_?ie=UTF8&psc=1
There's a footnote for every anachronistic word supplying the modern meaning. That's more than half the battle (being able to understand a sentence in plain English). Don't hesitate to consult "No Fear Shakespeare" for scene analysis and modern translations. Remember that it's written for the stage - it's hard to understand everything you're reading as it's happening. Consult books like "Shakespeare After All" for an analysis of the play after you've read it.
Definitely put together some comedy scenes, but make sure you understand comedic structure first so you can really make them pop. A good book for that is The Eight Characters of Comedy by Scott Sedita.
After searching for what you're looking for for years, I finally came across this edition which has full annotations.
Check out this book by Bill DeWees. He does primarily narration, but lets you in on how he does what he does. The guy works hard, but makes a killing.
I tried to read The Girl in the Italian Bakery but gave up.