In this unique online course, novelist and filmmaker John Gaspard shares his "Popcorn Principles" - practical storytelling techniques adapted from the world of filmmaking that can elevate your novel writing skills.
Through concise video modules, you'll learn how to recognize and apply cinematic storytelling principles from popular and acclaimed movies across all phases - pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution. Despite the different media, novels and films significantly overlap in how they engage audiences through compelling narratives.
The course covers 6 core principles that will help you create stronger stories with sharper dialogue and deeper emotional resonance:
1) Stop Getting Ready and Just Do It - Overcome procrastination by adopting a "just start writing" mindset, like iconic filmmakers.
2) Read, Write, Repeat - Understand the paramount importance of reading extensively in your genre while continually writing.
3) Exploit the Unique - Tap into your unique life experiences and perspectives as fertile creative material.
4) Stay in Your Lane - Adhere to the conventions of your chosen genre from beginning to end.
5) You Gotta Be Committed - Fully embrace your genre without apology for maximum audience engagement.
6) Come In Late, Leave Early - Improve scenes by finding the perfect time to enter, and the ideal time to exit.
Through examples from famous films and filmmakers, writing exercises, and Gaspard's own storytelling insights from his careers in both media, you'll gain a powerful "cinematic lens" for elevating your novel writing process. Unlock new methods for novel writing inspired by the movies you love in The Popcorn Principles.
This course is designed for writers at any stage on their journey.
No special hardware or software is needed for this course. You will incorporate the tips you learn into your existing writing process.
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John is author of the award-winning Eli Marks mystery series and the Como Lake Players mystery series. He also has several other stand-alone novels, including four greyhound inspired pastiches.
John is also an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker; he’s directed six low-budget features and has written multiple books on the subject of low-budget filmmaking. In addition, he wrote three craft books for novelists: “The Popcorn Principles,” “More Popcorn Principles: The Sequel,” and “The Popcorn Principles: A Workbook for Novelists.”
His most recent fiction book is the ninth book in his Eli Marks series (“The Professor’s Nightmare”) as well as a prequel to the Eli Marks series, “The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks.” The Middle Grade book introduces us to thirteen-year-old Eli and explores how he came to the world of magic and magicians.
He lives in Minneapolis and shares his home with his lovely wife, two greyhounds, a couple cats and a handful of pet allergies.
