I hope this book is a valuable resource and first step for the beginning or aspiring screenwriter.

Just a brief note from the author...Due to an error in the printing stage of this first edition, the chapter on screenplay formatting underwent some misallignment. Please refer to other style guides or actual production scripts (available at many on-line stores) for optimum screenplay formatting.

Otherwise, break a leg!

John Scott Lewinski

John has been a friend of mine for many years now, and I've always been amazed at some of the absurd and hilarioius situations that he finds himself in. I'm glad that he finally got a few of them in print.
The reader of these stories may find some of them hard to believe, but if they ever got a chance to meet John in person, they'd soon realize just how true they all are. I know of a great many more that didn't make it into the book for various reasons -subject still alive; litigation; self-incrimination; etc.- that seem much more far fetched that some of the vignettes presented in "Shiva's......"
John is perhaps the warmest, and friendliest person I know, as well as one of the most intellegent, which makes the book even more interesting.
For her part, Ann MacDonald did a fabulous job of collecting and editing John's stories and presenting them in a clear and concise manner. I KNOW that without Ann, John could never have completed this book.

It's the best book I've read on the subject. It's clear and wide. It could be understad as a theorical context for Faust and Wasserman book: Social Network Analisys.

I did a web search on Barbour Publishing and this was the first result page.

The Editorial Reviewers seem to have missed the point. "What I Have Written" is a chilling, elaborate and meticulously worked out presentation of what we see, in the end, is a shocking and simple story. But Scott gives his tale a complex, three-part presentation so that for us, like his characters, the search for verification - for meaning - is constantly frustrated. And that becomes a kind of meaning in itself. What faith can we put in words? In letters? Postcards? Autobiography? Fiction? Scott's subject here is writing, and the meaning we make of it. That, and the notion that art can do violence to the lives it touches by way of appropriation. Though it is easily one of the most thoughtful, original and fascinating Australian novels of the last thirty years, and deserving winner of 1994 Victorian Premier's Prize for Fiction, "What I Have Written" is not a happy book. Emotionally bleak and at times sexually explicit (though never unnecessarily), it explores a grim terrain that not all readers will find appealing. But those who do enjoy the dark intelligence which lurks here will certainly appreciate Scott's latest novel, "The Architect" (2001). There, it is utterly relentless. Those who admire Scott's observations on relationships and the nature of memory will be better served by the equally engrossing "Before I Wake" (1996).

This is the ultimate reference tool for the IT Professional required to work with NT Server. It covers the trickiest issues, and gives you simple solution options. A must have!

I am so impressed at how detailed and well researched W.Scott Haine's book is on the cafe. You will find all the information you are looking for on this subject, whether its historical details or the social aspect of this French institution. Great for research projects or just for an increased knowledge on Parisian life and culture. Definitely recommended for anyone interested in the social life of the people of France.

With Books Of Magic, Neil Gaiman pulls together various loose threads in the DC universe, and creates a consistent realm of magic through the familiar theme of a young boy exploring a strange world. The plot isn't the freshest thing Gaiman's ever written - it's the way he writes it that makes the story spectacular. Gaiman intertwines stories of ancient sorcerers, modern-day magicians whose sleight-of-hand is only a convenient front, and the evolution of humans - and magic - in the future. Various DC characters make appearances, notably Gaiman's Dream, Destiny, and Death of the Endless. The choice of artists for each chapter is perfect, so we have a John Bolton Merlin and a wonderful Charles Vess Fairyland. The book gives us glimpses of many characters and stories that could use further development, but it stands alone as a powerful parable of the roles of faith, power, and, of course, magic, in our lives.

Herein we follow a young man, Tim Hunter, destined to be one of the greatest mages in history, as he introducted to magicks past, magic in present day world, the lands just beyond commonplace reality and magicks future by four DC Comics magicians: the Phantom Stranger (condemned to walk for eternity); Dr. Occult (who switches gender and personae as the occasion demands); John Constantine, Hellblazer (a con man and rogue, few powers but he has taken on the Devil himself and survived); and Mister E (a dangerous fanatic on the side of order). Gaimen's story makes for an excellent read, and three of the four illustrators involved: John Bolton, Scott Hampton and Charles Vess create beautiful illustrations throughout. (Sadly I didnt really like the artist's interpretation in the fourth chapter, it's the only reason I rate this book 4 out 5 stars instead of 5 out of 5.) These books were the basis of the ongoing DC/Vertigo comic book series by the same name (of which graphic novel collections are available). One drawback, common to many graphic novel collections (like Warren Ellis' "Planetary" books or Mark Waid and Alex Ross' "Kingdom Come" (both series also collected): to get the most of the story, it helps to have some familiarity with DC Comic book characters and history.

The Books Of Magic, Like Any Other Gaiman Story,is Breathtakingly Amaazing in its Telling,and the art compliments the story wonderfully. This is arare and unique instance where an established artist such as Charles Vess works on a Comic book.There are cameo sequences in this book that include scenes with Dream,Death,Destiny,Etrigan the Demon,Deadman,Zatanna,and the Spectre, just to name a few characters. Timothy Hunter is one of Gaiman's finest creations,and he is an actually believable and interesting one,as well. The Premise of the story is: Timothy Hunter, a very Young man,Pre-teen in fact,has the potential to become the greatest sorcerer of this age. The Trenchcoat Brigade,whose Ranks include The Mysterious Phantom Stranger,The incorrigble Hellblazer,John Constantine,The Enigmatic Dr. Occult, and Mr.E. His name says it all. The four decide to show Tim the magical history of Earth,and the universe,and some of the major magical players that exist in the DC universe.The Stranger shows Tim the past,Hinting at his origins all the while,and making the reader rather curious about him.The Second Tour guide on the Magical Mystery Tour is John Constantine, and this is a very True-to-form Constantine story,in that most of the people whom they visit have some sort of grudge against everyone's favourite Constantine,and Tim is introduced to many of the prominent contemporary characters Like the Spectre,Jason Blood,and Zatanna.The Third story is about Dr.Occult taking Tim on a guided tour of the lands of Faerie,The Dreaming(Neil Gaiman's writing, did you honestly think that Morpheus WOULDN'T show up?)Charles Vess did the artwork for issue 3, and that contributes to the magnitude of superb story this story inside of a story has.Also, if you read SANDMAN, you see Titania,and find out what Happened to Shakespeare's son, Hamnet.It also hints at the shadowy background of Doctor Occult.Issue Nimber Four is also very amazing,in that Gaiman tells us what's going to happen in the future.Or it might.Tim sees just what he might be,witnesses the final battle of the age, and into the mind of Mr.E.and makes his decision about Magic. I would Recommend this book to anyone wanting an introduction to the Vertigo Universe,anyone who wants a fantastic story,and if you have any sort of literary appreciation, you should go and buy this book as soon as you get a chance to. The ongoing BOOKS OF MAGIC books dont have the wonderful feel that this book gives off, and you wont feel nearly as satisfied about them. I recommend any Neil Gaiman,Garth Ennis,and Alan Moore stories(especially their DC work).

It does not take much skill to catalog the various ills of our modern society, particularly the unhealthy influences of Madison Ave. and Hollywood. This book does a fine job summarizing today's cultural pressures to spend and consume, to make more money and spend more time making it, all at the expnse of our families and personal sanity. Indeed, many books do the same thing; pointing out what is wrong with our spend-spend-spend culture these days is like shooting fish in a barrel. The authors provide several good examples of folks who got caught up in the world of consumption, credit card debt and keeping up with the Jones's. If you are looking for practical solutions for simplifying your life on an everyday, prectical level, however, this is not the book to read. As I feared they would, the authors rely almost exclusively on radical, unrealistic eco-solutions based upon environmental activism to recommend ways of living more simply. That might be OK for states, nations and communities to use, but for the individual looking for ways to cut back, relax, spend more time at home with loved ones, Affluenza is decidedly lacking. For folks trying to find realistic ways of not working so many hours and spending too much on possessions, the authors' recommendations of not eating red meat and eliminating your annual vacation to the beach border on absurd. Even more absurd is the conclusion: this book recommends heavy-handed, intrusive governtment solutions (including legistlation to cut back the work week) as "the answer" along with radical environmentalism. Nowhere do the authors recommend religous or spiritual ideas to help people reduce their work hours and conspicuous consumption, a serious flaw to this study. Big government is not the answer to this issue.

It's hard sometimes to live a simple life surrounded by "affluenza" and its effects. So for me, the book "Affluenza" has been really helpful in reminding me what's important in my life - it's not the "stuff." It's my life that I value. It's not all that's advertised to make me hungry for what I don't want. It's remembering what I do want in my life, and prioritizing that above those tantalizing baubles that are offered over and over again to deplete my bank account - to put me in debt - to put me in slavery to my possessions.

So, thank the authors for writing this important book that reminds me again and again who I am and why I have chosen to step back from all the glitter and acquisition. It reminds me why I work a 30 hour week, instead of a 40 hour week, and why I even hope to pare that down to a 25 hour week - so that the rest of my time can be spent on my life!

I like it that "Affluenza" isn't preachy or grim. It's light and humorous. It's fast-paced, like a television program - only without commercials. It's stock full of information about how we got to this place where money and things outweigh time with our families and time volunteering to make our communities stronger. And it gives examples and ideas about how to move forward into a place where each of us can get out of debt, and shift our priorities to what we truly value in this life that we only get to live one time.

David Horsey's cartoons are right on the money. They're witty and apt. The writing is visual and well-paced. Can you tell - I like this book! And it couldn't have come at a better time. A lot of us need to see its message. As for me, it's one of those books that I'll keep around to refer to when I feel particularly plagued by the lure of keeping up with any Joneses.

I enjoyed reading this book quite a bit, but I was saddened to see just how materialistic American society has become. The average American household carries over $7000 in credit card debt. My question is "What the HECK are they buying and WHY do they need itso badly that they would go into debt for it?" I was brought up to only buy things you need and can afford - what was everyone else teaching their children? Money doesn't buy happiness, but the average person doesn't seem to know that. Or, if they do, they don't know quite how to stop the rampant consumerism from ruling their lives. I didn't realize exactly how much of a burden our consumer society is on the planet until I read this book. The authors did a fabulous job of exposing the facts about our economic conditions while making the book entertaining at the same time. There's even a quiz to help you see how badly you are infected with the Affluenza bug. A great read, especially if you borrow it from the library!

The Firm is a book built up with suspense; you never know what will happen next to the story. It starts with Mitch McDeere (main character) surprises everyone by joining in a small, private, very rich tax firm. McDeere and his wife Abby quickly settle in Memphis and start a new life, where they are young and happy. This is just like a normal lawyer where they hit big, and have a prosperous life. But as the story goes on things did not go as smoothly as McDeere thought. Two of the partners in the firm died in a suspicious diving accident in Grand Cayman, the firm are also overly proud about how no one has ever resigned. Afterwards, a FBI agent by the name of Tarrance suddenly appears in front of McDeere's life, and tells him that a mafia family in Chicago controls the firm. Everything properties that McDeere owned are all being bugged and are listened by the security in the firm twenty-four hours. Now McDeere has to make a decision, ignore the FBI agent, and get busted in to jail later on in his life, or cooperate with the FBI and taking the risk of getting killed by the mafia. I would often question myself, "If I was McDeere, what would I do?" The situation that McDeere's having is a life-death situation.
Personally, I would give two thumbs up for this book. It isn't like other books where the settings are based in somewhere familiar to the reader, and plot is about top lawyers competing with each other. Instead, the setting is in Memphis, Tennessee, a city down south of America, where people pay no attention. Imagine yourself as McDeere, and you will feel the tense dangers around him

This inticing thriller will have you on the edge of your seats, while your eyes are glued to this book. Ladies and Gentlemen John Grism has done it again. This book is a story about Mitch McDeere, a Harvard law student who has just graduated at the top of his class. All he has now is his degree, his sharp mind and his loving wife. With no money in the bank, he takes an offer from an affluent law firm. After this firm buys him a new house and car, and goes out of thier way to make everything look picturesque, he realizes that something is not right. He understands that his clients rather pay the a lawyer instead of the FBI, its the American way. What this young bright attourney does not yet realize is whats going on behind the scenes at this firm. After uncovering the wrong information, Mitch has the FBI and the MOB watching every move he makes, making this unstopable reading so unpredictable and exciting. Grism keeps the wandering weather each move will be his last. This was one of the most exciting books Ive ever read! I literally couldn't put it down until I finished it!

The Firm is a book built up with suspense; you never know what happens to the main character. The story starts with the main character, McDeere surprises everyone by joining in a small, private, very rich tax firm in Memphis, Tennessee. McDeere and his wife Abby quickly settle in Memphis and start a new life, where they are young and happy. But things did not go as smoothly as they thought. Two of the partners in the firm died in a suspicious diving accident in Grand Cayman, the firm are also overly proud about how no one has ever resigned. Afterwards, a FBI agent by the name of Tarrance suddenly comes into McDeere¡¦s life, and tells him that the firm he is working in is actually controlled by a mafia family in Chicago. Everything that McDeere owned: cars, house, etc, are all being bugged and are being listened by the security of the firm twenty-four hours. Now McDeere has to make a decision, ignore the FBI agent, and might get busted in to jail, or cooperate with the FBI and taking the risk of getting killed by the mafia.

Personally, I would give two thumbs up for this book, this book is full of suspense, it would just make the reader keep on reading until a part of excitement is over. It isn¡¦t like other books where the setting is based in Wall Street, and top lawyers compete with each other; instead the setting is in a city down south of America, where no one really pays attention. To say the truth, I don¡¦t really like the ending of the book where McDeere ends up escaping on a boat. I would rather see McDeere fighting in action, fighting against either the FBI or the mafia family. There is a movie based on the story, starring Tom Cruise and some other actors. I would recommend that people who are interested in this book should read the book first then watch the movie, because once you¡¦ve seen the movie, you wouldn¡¦t want to read the book, since the movie was so good.