This book changed the way I write

Рет қаралды 9,649

Күн бұрын

I recently read George Saunders' book "A Swim In a Pond In The Rain" which is a collection of Russian short stories which he uses to illustrate principles about writing. It's aimed at fiction writers, but after finishing the book I was blown away by the amazing knowledge that I feel could easily be applied to filmmaking.
The book is a condensed version of a class that he has taught at Syracuse for over 20 years.
In this video I go over the four main takeaways I had from the book which I think could be useful for filmmakers.
Buy "A Swim In a Pond in the Rain" here:
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0:00 What filmmakers can learn from this book
1:05 Directness and Economy
3:58 Escalation
5:35 Causality
6:42 Embrace your voice
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Пікірлер: 43

@jmalmsten 3 ай бұрын

"'Buts' and 'Therefores', NEVER 'and then'" - Stone and Parker That writing rule made so many expensive and longwinded writing schools and classes, basically obsolete.

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

Would've saved me a lot of money had I head it earlier!

@StefanMilo 3 ай бұрын

This was extremely helpful. I'm going to watch this again later when I'm writing a script. See what I can change

@ralphthefanboy 3 ай бұрын

👀👀👀

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@bbbartolo 3 ай бұрын

agree about Saunders. his economy is breathtaking - usually we are in media res by the second sentence. the narrator taking facts for granted enhances the verisimilude, which, in a satire or dystopian world, is a big plus

@vitod7425 2 ай бұрын

Watched this video about a month ago, and had never heard of this book. Decided that I wanted to go out and read it and then come back and comment. Thank you for recommending this book. Easily the most helpful and inspiring book on reading and writing fiction I’ve ever read.

@deanpeter2on 2 ай бұрын

Awesome! So glad you found it as helpful as I did.

@887frodo 3 ай бұрын

Personally, the hardest part of being a writer is the honesty I'm expected to pour into my work. It's specially tricky when you have low self-esteem. The problem isn't "putting this out there will open it up for criticism and therefore hurt my feelings", but "I've been so throughly beaten by life that I don't even know who's the real me". What aspects of myself are truly me and what aspects are part of the armor I've worn for decades to transit this world?

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

These sound like great questions to explore in your work.

@codylakin288 3 ай бұрын

Your comment stands out to me for its articulated vulnerability. Even just you asking those questions of yourself, paired with the insight required to ask the question without knowing the answer, isn’t something that should hold you back, it should be what you use to guide you. It’s compelling, it feels meaningful and important, even just in a KZfaq comment. For me, as a reader I seek out the writers who write from authentic places, from emotional truths and vulnerability. As a writer, that’s what inspires me: the urge to go inside and excavate, and learn, and lay bare. The questions are normally more worth exploring anyway, than the answers.

@Aramishhh 3 ай бұрын

Sounds fantastic. I really need this book. Thanks for the recommendation

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

Check it out!

@johnpaulsylvester3727 3 ай бұрын

As much as I hate getting my writing workshopped, it’s really the only way I can (pardon the expression) get my head out of my ass and figure out if what I’m doing is working or not.

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

It's often great to get feedback, you can always not use it.

@Drowningpic 3 ай бұрын

Great video. Many great tips. I definitely agree about finding your voice. That's where I'm at right now, being confident with it, it's scary because you don't know how people will react to your work as a storyteller. You get so much rejection. But I know who I am and what I'm trying to communicate and I believe in it, but it's difficult not being afraid to commit to what you are and cave into trends and what's safe.

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

I feel like if people have a big reaction, either good or bad, you're doing SOMETHING right.

@tylereaton7231 3 ай бұрын

Great summary of an amazing book! What was your favorite of the short stories? "Master and Man" where they keep getting lost on the sled was fantastic. I will say, I would sometimes find myself rushing through the short stories just to get to Saunders' thoughts on it, haha

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

I did that too haha

@-CasualGuy- 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this video. I've been struggling at making stories entertaining, and it's so difficult to find storytelling advice.

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

Give the book a shot!

@victormaranhaorocha8601 3 ай бұрын

That video was so great. Consise and full of insightful information. You got a sub. Looking forward to getting to know your other content

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@MichaelSavidgeStoryteller 3 ай бұрын

This is the best video on "A Swim in a Pond in the Rain" I've seen on KZfaq! It's short but visually engaging; you nailed what makes this book unique in a way that trims the fluff and gets right to the point! Even though I already own the book, your video makes me want to head to my local bookstore or library and pick up a copy. It's a fantastic video; keep it up!

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

You can never own enough copies.

@obscurity_films 3 ай бұрын

Dang, this was so good, I’ve gotta check out that book.

@decadentdash 3 ай бұрын

Nice video. I got this book after seeing it recommended by Hiro Murai as the greatest book on writing he’s ever read.

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

Hiro knows what he’s talking about

@malibrary7053 3 ай бұрын

You rock! Thank you for this video

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@ved.shankar 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for reminding me to read this book!

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

It's so good!

@benjaminlacey 3 ай бұрын

Amazing! Added to my reading list. I've been hearing lots about Causality lately, that Trey Parker video lives rent free in my head. Still not sure how to take the ideas I have and give them causality, but I know it'll come. Anyways, Thanks Dean!

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

I struggle with causality too!

@bearrnabas 3 ай бұрын

Sounds like a great book! This needs a link to it to buy it in your description. And I'm sure George would feel the love you give here.

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

I'll be curious what you think if you read it.

@timog7358 3 ай бұрын

great video

@deanpeter2on 3 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@Majesticon 3 ай бұрын

Im editing an anthology and i think im gonna send this vid to one of my potential writers😂..story is good but they need to make it more economical, sharper 🎉