My essays take you through a step-by-step process on how to write dramatic, compelling stories. Whether you're writing a screenplay... book...or play...my essays will guide you to more clear, dramatic writing.

Introduction to Essays

The essays explore what I call foundation issues of storytelling:

• The human need for stories, and how a story is crafted to meet the needs of an audience for a dramatic, fulfilling story.
• Crafting a story premise that lays out a story's dramatic story idea, movement, and fulfillment.
• The relationship of a story's characters, plot and conflict to a story's premise.
• Using a premise to understand how to start telling a story on page one.
• Understanding how to create a plot that makes a story's movement potent and dramatic, and thus fulfilling to a story's audience.
• And more.

Movie Reviews

Several of my essays explore and explain story principles by reviewing popular movies. Go to the movies to better understand the craft of dramatic storytelling!

Script Services

My script consulting services range from critiquing finished manuscripts to talking with writers on the phone to help them work through story ideas and problems. If you need some help with your writing, click here to check out my services guide. I've worked with writers who've sold scripts to major production companies, and others simply happy for the help to find their "voice." If you're here just to read the essays, I'm pleased, and I hope they help you in every possible way to achieve your goals as a writer.

Bill Johnson's A Story Is a Promise (Blue Heron Publishing) is available for $18.95. To order, send a check or money order to: Bill Johnson Script Consulting, 318 SW Palatine Hill Rd, Portland, OR 97219

A Story Is a Promise is also available from Amazon.com.