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Into the Woods

How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them

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Into the Woods

By: John Yorke
Narrated by: John Yorke
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

We all love stories. But why do we tell them? And why do all stories function in an eerily similar way? John Yorke, creator of the BBC Writers' Academy, has brought a vast array of drama to British screens. Here he takes us on a journey to the heart of storytelling, revealing that there truly is a unifying shape to narrative forms - one that echoes the fairytale journey into the woods and, like any great art, comes from deep within. From ancient myths to big-budget blockbusters, he gets to the root of the stories that are all around us, every day.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 John Yorke (P)2023 Penguin Audio Art of Storytelling Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Screenwriting Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing Entertainment

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Critic reviews

'This is a marvellous analysis of screenwriting and, with any luck, should help a great many people achieve their dreams.' (Julian Fellowes, writer/creator of Downton Abbey)

'In an industry full of so called script gurus and snake oil salesmen, at last there's a book about story that treats writers like grown ups. This isn't about providing us with an ABC of story or telling us how to write a script by numbers. It's an intelligent evaluation into the very nature of storytelling... Quite brilliant.' (Tony Jordan, screenwriter, Life on Mars and Hustle)

'Part 'How-to' manual, part 'why-to' celebration, Into The Woods is a wide-reaching and infectiously passionate exploration of storytelling in all its guises...exciting and thought-provoking.' (Emma Frost, screenwriter, The White Queen and Shameless)
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Most relevant
Lots of great writing advice on how to structure stories and why we need to structure our stories. I found it really helpful. Even if the constant Eastenders references were a bit eye rolling.

Helpful

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A deep, thoughtful analysis not just about story structure and character, but about WHY we, as humans, are drawn to stories in the first place. A very important thing to understand for any aspiring or established writer.

The best book on story I’ve ever read

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I have read my fair share of books on storytelling and screen writing (Save the Cat, The Writer's Journey, ect) but none have been as simple and yet as detailed as this book by John Yorke.

In short, this book teaches you everything. why change in your character is important, how to use dialogue, what's so important about theme, why we tell stories.

I was recommended this book by three of my university lecturers and I am ashamed that I hadn't read it sooner. I have been making films since I was 10 years old. Some better than others, but all of them bad. and since reading this books (and actually reading a script) I have seen a significant change in my approach to storytelling. Unlike books such as 'Save the Cat', John Yorke doesn't force his beliefs onto you, he doesn't say "this is how it must be done", he simply lays out the facts.

Once upon a time, something happened.

If you want to tell a story in any medium, then this is a must read. Believe me when I say, it will change your life as a writer.

The Best Book For Storytellers

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I've read this great book before, but I'm pleasantly surprised by John's fantastic narration. Fantastic resource.

Insightful and wonderfully narrated

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A highly intellectual observation of writing, structure and everything in between.

Well read - it’s engaging from start to finish. Would highly recommend

A must for all screenwriters

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