What are some good books on screenwriting?

The Screenwriter's Bible is the text we used in class, it is an excellent refference.  Its only 20 dollars online, here, or you may shop around yourself if you are interested in buying it.  http://www.cheapesttextbooks.c.....&get_book_info=1

Ive also read Syd Fields, the guru of screenwriting books.  I feel the "Bible" is a better place to begin, then read other books that get into more specifics and hone your writing.

Don it seems you have double posted a thread.  I assume it was an accident, and will leave it up today just in case it isnt.  Otherwise ill exercide my mod powers and delete the extra one.

The Screenwriter's Bible is the only book I have.  It is the only book I need.  I flipped through Syd Fields' books and they seem to be pretty good too.  You could always buy Screenwriting for Dummies.

EsKay are you familiar with How Not To Write A Screenplay by.....not sure.

I have heard some good stuff about the book at some places and was wondering if you had any thoughts about it. I have never owned a book (I know, I know, don't kill me) and am looking to get one. Research so far shows that Screenwriters Bible is highly praised but so is that above mentioned one.

I have both How Not to Write a Screenplay and The Screenwriter's Bible.  I read the former in its entirety, but the Screenwriter's Bible seemed kind of monotous to me.  It's most valuable as a textbook, with the index for searching.  I have not read Screenwriting for Dummies, but I don't really plan to read any more screenwriting books.  I think they're only helpful for your first few scripts (in other words practice scripts), for shooting scripts, and for formatting for people who don't have Final Draft or similar software.

Can you elaborate on the bible being monotous?  It mixes both story building, formatting and  promo pretty evenly i thought.  Anyhow, most people here would benifit from the bible.  I have not read "How Not to Write a Screenplay."  Any text you read on the subject can only better yourself.

You can't hurt yourself by continuously reading book after book on screenwriting.  The Screenwriter's Bible is the best all-in-one resource I've seen.  Every screenwriter should have at least that one book.

Quoted from bodegage, posted March 24th, 2004, 9:08pm at here EsKay are you familiar with How Not To Write A Screenplay by.....not sure. I have heard some good stuff about the book at some places and was wondering if you had any thoughts about it. I have never owned a book (I know, I know, don't kill me) and am looking to get one. Research so far shows that Screenwriters Bible is highly praised but so is that above mentioned one.

Author:  Denny Martin Flinn.  My boyfriend bought it for me a couple Christmases ago.  I think it's a really great reference.  I recommend it.

The one recommended in my directing class just this afternoon was McKee's "Story".

Crafty Screenwriting by Alex Epstein.

Explains the less is more theory. Definite worthy purchase.

Elements of Style for Screenwriters by Paul Argentini

Also:
Funk and Wagnall's Elements of Style -- Every writer should live by it!

How good is the ELEMENTS OF STYLE FOR SCREENWRITERS.  I almost bought it, but didn't.  Should I get it?

ELEMENTS OF STYLE FOR SCREENWRITERS:
It's cheap...it's quick...it's easy...it's useful.

A couple of my favorites....

For beginners....The Everything Screenwriting Book...Robert Pollock
covers all the basic topics in an easy to read and understand format.

For career minded screenwriters..."The Whole Picture- Stratagies for Screenwriting Success in the New Hollywood" - Richard Walter
As the title sugest this book should only be read by those who are serious about a career in screenwriting as it focuses on writing 'marketable' scripts.  IMO a must read, it's a clear, no BS look into writing a script that has a chance to sell.  Lots of extra info...finding an agent, etc.

Need a creative boost?...try...."Creative Screenwriting, A Practical Guide"
More of a workbook than anything else.  Focuses directly on elements of screenwriting such as dialogue, timing, endings.  A short, simple read that is clear and consise. An easy way to learn some of the nuances  of  the craft. 

Thanks.  I will check them out, when I have some free time and some cash in my wallet.

I can recommend to you all, three books at least that might offer you step by step guidance to writing scripts. David Trottier's Screenwriting Bible, Laura Schellhardt's Screenwriting for Dummies[not insulting your intelligence but can be likened to a large down to earth Ladybird book. I found those delightful when I was a child. Finally Rob Davis, Developing Characters for ScriptWriting - all of which you can get from your library