---
product_id: 4232007
title: "How Not to Write a Screenplay: 101 Common Mistakes Most Screenwriters Make"
brand: "denny martin flinn"
price: "$45.10"
currency: USD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 10
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/4232007-how-not-to-write-a-screenplay-101-common-mistakes-most
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# How Not to Write a Screenplay: 101 Common Mistakes Most Screenwriters Make

**Brand:** denny martin flinn
**Price:** $45.10
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** How Not to Write a Screenplay: 101 Common Mistakes Most Screenwriters Make by denny martin flinn
- **How much does it cost?** $45.10 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/4232007-how-not-to-write-a-screenplay-101-common-mistakes-most)

## Best For

- denny martin flinn enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted denny martin flinn brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Description

How Not to Write a Screenplay: 101 Common Mistakes Most Screenwriters Make

## Images

![How Not to Write a Screenplay: 101 Common Mistakes Most Screenwriters Make - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51-SdiadpQL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Best Book I've Ever Read on Screenwriting...
  

*by J***I on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 24, 2001*

... and I've read almost all of them.  Flinn starts his book with the admission that he has never written any great movies... and then states blatently that he didn't write this book because he can write screenplays, but rather because he has had to read a ton of them.Well thank god he did, because he distills horribly written screenplays into crystal clear examples of why they are poorly written.  This information is wonderful, and I found myself delighting in his revealing why I too am unsatisfied with the screenplays I have written.The book is broken into two primary sections with a third "final thought section."  The first is devoted to form, and he cuts to the chase providing examples of "good writing" and, even more importantly, examples of "bad writing".  He examples are very accessible, and will illustrate to any writer, producer, or director why it is that they want to cut their wrists when reading some screenplays, and can't put others down.The second half of the book is devoted to content.  This is not as strong as the first half, but is certainly on par or slightly better than most books on how to write your story.  He even quotes from all of the guru's of screenwriting, and shows that they are all ultimately trying to say the same thing.I am absolutely serious when I say it is the best book on screenwriting I have ever read.  I think it should be manditory reading for anyone that ever thinks of giving their screenplay to another individual to read.  Happy writing!!!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Very informative, but somewhat snobbily written
  

*by F***Y on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 7, 2006*

This book does, indeed, tell you a great many things you'll want to avoid when writing a screenplay, but the author comes across as a bit of a snob.  I'm not sure what he's so snobby about considering that his one and only production credit is on Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and he's written a bunch of fiction that no one seems to have read.  Why isn't he writing great screenplays by now?Don't get me wrong, though.  The man definitely seems to know what he's talking about, having been employed as a script reader.  His advice is great; his encouragement is not.  If, like me, you are working on your first script, you will find the author condescending on occasion and find yourself disheartened by his "this is how Hollywood works" attitude.He indicates that we're supposed to get everything down properly, yet he thinks Alec Baldwin was in "Sliver" when it was really Alec's brother, William Baldwin, who starred in the movie.Flinn also refers to two characters in M*A*S*H (which he thinks is a good movie) as Hawkeye and Pierce.  How about Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John?  Come on, Flinn.  You're supposed to know this stuff, man!The one thing that really irritated me was when he suggested that the screenwriter NOT pick a song that a character is listening to, implying that the producer or director would pick their own music.  Does the guy want details or doesn't he?Despite all this, it's still a very informative read.Love ya, Denny; mean it.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Easy, Fun, and Practical
  

*by M***M on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 29, 2016*

This is an easy read with many good examples on how to write and format a professional screenplay. It is probably not a substitute for a college education, but for story tellers who want to write their story in the form of a script for a movie, this is a must read. There are other books on the topic, but this one seems to cover all the basic elements needed to make your screenplay look professional. I enjoyed reading it because it is not written as a dry text book. Rather it tells a story about how to write a great screenplay from the perspective of the author who has read hundreds of them. This author uses many examples from movie screenplays to keep his story interesting and make the points he wants to impress upon the reader. Those points create the outline for writing a successful professional looking screenplay. My only criticism is some of the examples he uses are longer than needed to make the points. Notwithstanding, as I stated, it was a quick and easy read packed with useful information. I will use it as a reference as I write my screenplay. I am sure I will wear it out.

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.us/products/4232007-how-not-to-write-a-screenplay-101-common-mistakes-most](https://www.desertcart.us/products/4232007-how-not-to-write-a-screenplay-101-common-mistakes-most)

---

*Product available on Desertcart United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-02-20*