THE OTHER NETWORK WRITER'S ROOM
INSIDE THE ART, CRAFT AND BUSINESS OF WRITING for Film, TV, Books, Stage, Print or Digital Media (with Particular Attention to Comedy)
Review: “Into the Woods” by John Yorke
This profound and practical book may be the penultimate work about story structure you’ll ever need (I’m working on a new reference book that could conceivably count as the last).
“Into the Woods” opens with a comprehensive, historically-sweeping and impressively concise overview of the evolution of story structure in Western civilization that ranges from classical and obscure authors to current film and TV. Yorke also presents a compelling argument that Freytag, Joseph Campbell and all the Hollywood screenwriting gurus* are all orbiting the same fundamental story template which Yorke boils down to:
1. Home
2. Woodland, Day
3. The Forest
4. The Road Back, Night
5. Home Again, Changed
Yorke has an Englishman’s erudition, breadth of knowledge and an articulate style of writing (and thinking) that Americans can only drool over. “Into the Woods” is also witty. I particularly enjoyed Yorke’s teasing Charlie Kaufman’s rejection of ‘traditional structure’ coupled with clear demonstrations of all the ways in which Kaufman’s ‘alternative’ structures follow the standard template exactly.
Yorke incorporates many excellent quotes too. I particularly enjoyed: “A neurosis is a secret you don’t know you’re keeping” (from critic Kenneth Tynan) and “Oh darling, [structure is] just two or three little surprises followed every now and again by a bigger surprise.” (from literary agent Peggy Ramsay).
The book deals with every major issue of story and character including the importance of the midpoint (in two-dimensional, three-dimensional and multi-protagonist modes!), the difference between three-act and five-act structure, psychological theories and the ‘change paradigm’ for characters from House to Hamlet, with many stops in between – plus Appendices that include a structural breakdown of “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “Hamlet” and “The Godfather” and an awesome comparative chart of screenwriting ‘gurus’ (which is even more comprehensive than mine – see Comparative Narrative Story Structures Charted!).
The knowledge contained and distilled here isn’t just theoretical either. Yorke is a producer and BBC executive who has been involved with at least two of the best TV shows in recent memory, the beautifully funny and extremely moving original UK version of “Shameless” and the absolutely gripping modern reboot of Jekyll & Hyde, “Jekyll”, plus many more BBC productions.
“Into the Woods” has already been published in England. The American edition drops May 29 http://www.amazon.com/Into-Woods-Five-Journey-Story/dp/1468308092/
More about Yorke: www.profwritingacademy.com/
* If you’re interested in other story structure formulations, you may also want to see my post, the Story Structure Countdown.
THE OTHER NETWORK WRITER'S ROOM 
First, I LOVE your newsletters and the info and coaching you make available to us writers. Next, I have a question: How do I get my new book reviewed by you? I went to your website and cannot find a request form. I have two recent, very wonderful reviews I’m attaching cos I’’d like to share them with you so that you know my book is important, viable and has a universal message that’s far too important not to be heard. Also attaching the press release, a PDF of my book and the cover – just in case . . . My very best on this Magnificent Memorial Day Weekend,
312-933-7325 Pro-Health Activist, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, Certified Wellness Coach,l TV & Radio Show Host, Motivational & Lifestyle Writer, Speaker and Author: Commit To Get Fit: Find the Secret to Your Own True and Everlasting Weight Loss – out NOW on Amazon, iTunes, B&N and wherever fine print and e-books are sold. http://www.commit-fit.com
Hey Laura – Thanks. You can reach me directly at gregorymilleris@gmail.com and I’d be happy to take a look at your book but only review material here that relates directly to writing.