Writing Cinematically: 12 Movie Techniques to Bring Your Novel to Life

by Deborah Raney

Based on a workshop Raney has been teaching at writers conferences for the past decade, this workshop-intensive-in-a-book takes only an hour and a half to read, but will teach you to describe more visually and dynamically, revolutionizing the way you write. The book includes twelve lessons (plus a bonus) with numerous examples from well-published novelists, and prompts to help you apply each lesson to your own work in progress.

Genres: Writing

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2023

About the author

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.

Reviews

[Aimee Nicole Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good writing craft book. It’s short, to the points, and offers excellent examples of cinematic writing. This is handy for al writers, regardless of experience.

[B.R. Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't often give five-star reviews, but this little gem hit the spot today. Subject is exactly what I was looking for. And it’s a quick read. While, I’m sure it’s not perfect, (cause nothing is), there wasn’t anything that stood out. So, it gets the A+ from me.

I'm already using several of the cinematic tips mentioned, (even if I didn’t know they had a name), all the rest are going in my writerly toolbox for sure. Highly recommended!

[Terrance Niedziela Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing Cinematically

I enjoyed this book and how it helps authors create strong visuals for their readers. Deborah Rainey gives practical advice with examples from a variety of writers including her own books. There are also next step practice exercises for writers to apply whatever concept she talked about in each chapter. I look forward to using these techniques to better my own writing. This is definitely a must read for authors!

[Rebecca Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy to follow

This grouping of various techniques is easy to understand and well illustrated by examples. It is also a quick read with the ability to immediately utilize the various advice given.

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read based on a workshop Raney presents. Some useful tips to help you remember to show, don't tell.

[Susan Chapek]

Well-organized and includes examples. Would make a decent technical primer for commercial genre writers.

[Ben Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I was hoping for!

Great techniques to use to polish a book and bring another layer of life to it! The examples were excellent as well!

[Dalyn Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

juicy morsels

Loved this concise and helpful book of writing tools. I on,y wish I could buy a print version because it’s one I’d like to review and keep on my “favorites” shelf.