Riding the Alligator: Strategies for a Career in Screenplay Writing...and Not Getting Eaten

Pen Densham has taken a unique tack in writing about screenplay - he has simply laid out his own life story with honesty and transparency - then juxtaposed it against the stories of other Hollywood writers he knows and is friends with by allowing them to tell some of what they have gone through on their journeys, and for that we have to applaud him. So much that is written and spoken today about how to make it in Hollywood includes smokescreen and mirrors. Pen would have none of that. Pen tells his story in a way that encourages and educates the reader; a story that includes both hard work and luck - and most importantly a willingness to never say die, to keep at it and keep trying no matter what. Pen's personal delight at weaving tales and coming up with ideas all the time comes through in his writing. The truth is that you won't go on to become a major Hollywood success story just from reading this book - but there is no book out there that will do that for you. What you will do is walk into meetings a little bit smarter, start each script with a little bit more knowledge, begin each new project a step ahead of the game. You will benenfit from Pen's wealth of knowledge and that is a very, very good thing. (At the end of the book - he gives you book reports on many of the screenwriting books out there today - a very useful tool for deciding which books you should read and use.) I thank him for writing this book and I think that after you read it, you will thank him too. You cannot argue with success (unless you prefer failure) and Pen Densham has had more success than most of us will ever dream of. This book is a very honest look at how he did it, and at how many of his friends in Hollywood did it. It's a breezy, easy read--well written and well worth your time--whether you have Hollywood dreams of your own, or you just enjoy learning about it. In the end it's a tool, but it's a tool created honestly from Pen's heart and it just may be the one that fits the the screw, nut, or bolt you need to loosen for your own personal break. Charles Freericks (former executive - CBS, Wilshire Court, NBC, and New Line)

Met the author at a film industry event, he was insightful and kind. His book was equally excellent, and in particular the chapter on evolutionary psychology (how primal human needs, desires and fears connect to how storytelling works...50,000 years ago or today) was really the most helpful of the whole book

Be prepared for a trip! Riding the Alligator is one of the most awe-inspiring books I have ever read. While it was made to teach various methods of screenplay writing, it did much more than that. Pen's words are truly inspirational, and full of wisdom. After each chapter I finished, I felt compelled to get to my computer immediatly and begin typing. I would even go further to say that this book is not on the study of screenplay writing, but the art of it. This book should be the first stop for anyone going into the field. Pen provides information on how to write up to how to deal with stress. Pen provides life skills for anyone, even if you're not going into the area of film. Pen also provides useful tools in his book, such as input from other screenplay writers (in case his methods don't work for you), an outline for planning a script, glossary of terms used in the field, and also a library of summaries of other books (to pull other methods as well). I assure you that if you buy Pen's book you will be in for a ride, with inspiration flowing in every chapter.

RIDING THE ALLIGATOR is a joy to read. It's fun, intelligent and honest, and it covers the full spectrum of a writer's life. Many of the ideas in the book are unique. I found the concept of the character "nugget" particularly interesting, as an alternative way of looking at character arcs. Pen's use of metaphor and his casual style makes his concepts easy to understand and remember. The book is also remarkably honest. Pen's personal voice comes across, with all its certainties and doubts, triumphs and setbacks. One chapter reproduces a negative review of one of his own films, MOLL FLANDERS, to make the point that an artist should ultimately ignore both good and bad criticism. There are whole chapters of quotes and aphorisms, and many more to be harvested in the rest of the book. Here's one that puts a memorable twist on a common struggle: "Decide to be a good host; free up a few hours of your time for your inspirations to visit." (226) I highly recommend Pen Densham's RIDING THE ALLIGATOR. If you only ever buy one screenwriting book, this should be it.

I came across this book in the process of doing research for a university-level, screenwriting master's program. My original plan was to extract citations for an assignment...but the school library didn't stock it, so I bought it with "1 click," and was blown away by not only Pen Densham's credentials, but by the rich, real-world knowledge he so caringly imparts. If you've been wounded by the slings & arrows of this profession, or if you're just dipping your toe in the water for the first time, Densham's alligator ride acts like a salve, as much as a gift of "practical magic," for surviving the profession and succeeding in the craft. Don't be afraid to jump on board!

I have read 15 books on screenwriting, this book is in a class by itself. Pen's homage to imagination, out of the box thinking, and an acute awareness of the many subliminal voices that Jung, Campbell, Vogel, and others have called by various names inspire the reader to seek creativity in unusual places and by inventive means. Those classical Muses, the nine goddesses, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne are no doubt found within this tome. The best takeaway is that persistence and thought yield creativity. And, an excellent bibliography is offered for further study. How good? I inhaled it in three hours.

This book doesn't cover in detail the typical things you'd find in a screenwriting book - structure, character development, dialog, etc., and that's a good thing. It does go into this areas a bit, but it really concentrates more on what's required to make a career out of screenwriting. It's a quick read too. It's got plenty of information, but it's written in a way that makes it a pleasure. I read it in less than a half day of jury service (i.e.. sitting around doing nothing constructive). So, if you're already writing screenplays but haven't taken any steps to make it a career, I'd suggest reading this one.

I'm a produced screenwriter, so I was not looking for one of the many "structure" books, and have not read many writing books for years due to the focus on structure. I was so pleased that this book is what I thought it would be, a fresh insider conversation of opinions of simple but vital tried and tested ways to better approach the industry as a filmmaker, and unique tools for structure (even though I wasn't looking for that) which I never thought of and which I am now implementing into my writing techniques. All capped by opinions of many successful screenwriters to round out the playing field, and you have a must read for any writer at any level.

Pen Densham's book is not your typical tips-on-writing-good-screenplays text. This book aims to inspire a budding writer to find his/her own method of writing by providing advice and anecdotes on a wide range of writing topics from creating characters, to recognizing when you're able to write, to getting yourself to make the calls that will get your work read. Take a look in particular at the sections about mediating stress while writing or trying to sell one's work. Excellent stuff. I would recommend this book to all film students and aspiring filmmakers whether you write or not - it'll help you get in the right headspace for working in film.

Pen Densham has taken a unique tack in writing about screenplay - he has simply laid out his own life story with honesty and transparency - then juxtaposed it against the stories of other Hollywood writers he knows and is friends with by allowing them to tell some of what they have gone through on their journeys, and for that we have to applaud him. So much that is written and spoken today about how to make it in Hollywood includes smokescreen and mirrors. Pen would have none of that. Pen tells his story in a way that encourages and educates the reader; a story that includes both hard work and luck - and most importantly a willingness to never say die, to keep at it and keep trying no matter what. Pen's personal delight at weaving tales and coming up with ideas all the time comes through in his writing. The truth is that you won't go on to become a major Hollywood success story just from reading this book - but there is no book out there that will do that for you. What you will do is walk into meetings a little bit smarter, start each script with a little bit more knowledge, begin each new project a step ahead of the game. You will benenfit from Pen's wealth of knowledge and that is a very, very good thing. (At the end of the book - he gives you book reports on many of the screenwriting books out there today - a very useful tool for deciding which books you should read and use.) I thank him for writing this book and I think that after you read it, you will thank him too. You cannot argue with success (unless you prefer failure) and Pen Densham has had more success than most of us will ever dream of. This book is a very honest look at how he did it, and at how many of his friends in Hollywood did it. It's a breezy, easy read--well written and well worth your time--whether you have Hollywood dreams of your own, or you just enjoy learning about it. In the end it's a tool, but it's a tool created honestly from Pen's heart and it just may be the one that fits the the screw, nut, or bolt you need to loosen for your own personal break. Charles Freericks (former executive - CBS, Wilshire Court, NBC, and New Line)

Met the author at a film industry event, he was insightful and kind. His book was equally excellent, and in particular the chapter on evolutionary psychology (how primal human needs, desires and fears connect to how storytelling works...50,000 years ago or today) was really the most helpful of the whole book

Be prepared for a trip! Riding the Alligator is one of the most awe-inspiring books I have ever read. While it was made to teach various methods of screenplay writing, it did much more than that. Pen's words are truly inspirational, and full of wisdom. After each chapter I finished, I felt compelled to get to my computer immediatly and begin typing. I would even go further to say that this book is not on the study of screenplay writing, but the art of it. This book should be the first stop for anyone going into the field. Pen provides information on how to write up to how to deal with stress. Pen provides life skills for anyone, even if you're not going into the area of film. Pen also provides useful tools in his book, such as input from other screenplay writers (in case his methods don't work for you), an outline for planning a script, glossary of terms used in the field, and also a library of summaries of other books (to pull other methods as well). I assure you that if you buy Pen's book you will be in for a ride, with inspiration flowing in every chapter.

RIDING THE ALLIGATOR is a joy to read. It's fun, intelligent and honest, and it covers the full spectrum of a writer's life. Many of the ideas in the book are unique. I found the concept of the character "nugget" particularly interesting, as an alternative way of looking at character arcs. Pen's use of metaphor and his casual style makes his concepts easy to understand and remember. The book is also remarkably honest. Pen's personal voice comes across, with all its certainties and doubts, triumphs and setbacks. One chapter reproduces a negative review of one of his own films, MOLL FLANDERS, to make the point that an artist should ultimately ignore both good and bad criticism. There are whole chapters of quotes and aphorisms, and many more to be harvested in the rest of the book. Here's one that puts a memorable twist on a common struggle: "Decide to be a good host; free up a few hours of your time for your inspirations to visit." (226) I highly recommend Pen Densham's RIDING THE ALLIGATOR. If you only ever buy one screenwriting book, this should be it.

I came across this book in the process of doing research for a university-level, screenwriting master's program. My original plan was to extract citations for an assignment...but the school library didn't stock it, so I bought it with "1 click," and was blown away by not only Pen Densham's credentials, but by the rich, real-world knowledge he so caringly imparts. If you've been wounded by the slings & arrows of this profession, or if you're just dipping your toe in the water for the first time, Densham's alligator ride acts like a salve, as much as a gift of "practical magic," for surviving the profession and succeeding in the craft. Don't be afraid to jump on board!

I have read 15 books on screenwriting, this book is in a class by itself. Pen's homage to imagination, out of the box thinking, and an acute awareness of the many subliminal voices that Jung, Campbell, Vogel, and others have called by various names inspire the reader to seek creativity in unusual places and by inventive means. Those classical Muses, the nine goddesses, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne are no doubt found within this tome. The best takeaway is that persistence and thought yield creativity. And, an excellent bibliography is offered for further study. How good? I inhaled it in three hours.

This book doesn't cover in detail the typical things you'd find in a screenwriting book - structure, character development, dialog, etc., and that's a good thing. It does go into this areas a bit, but it really concentrates more on what's required to make a career out of screenwriting. It's a quick read too. It's got plenty of information, but it's written in a way that makes it a pleasure. I read it in less than a half day of jury service (i.e.. sitting around doing nothing constructive). So, if you're already writing screenplays but haven't taken any steps to make it a career, I'd suggest reading this one.

I'm a produced screenwriter, so I was not looking for one of the many "structure" books, and have not read many writing books for years due to the focus on structure. I was so pleased that this book is what I thought it would be, a fresh insider conversation of opinions of simple but vital tried and tested ways to better approach the industry as a filmmaker, and unique tools for structure (even though I wasn't looking for that) which I never thought of and which I am now implementing into my writing techniques. All capped by opinions of many successful screenwriters to round out the playing field, and you have a must read for any writer at any level.

Pen Densham's book is not your typical tips-on-writing-good-screenplays text. This book aims to inspire a budding writer to find his/her own method of writing by providing advice and anecdotes on a wide range of writing topics from creating characters, to recognizing when you're able to write, to getting yourself to make the calls that will get your work read. Take a look in particular at the sections about mediating stress while writing or trying to sell one's work. Excellent stuff. I would recommend this book to all film students and aspiring filmmakers whether you write or not - it'll help you get in the right headspace for working in film.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to begin to understand the screenwriting process. Pen shares valuable personal stories and insights but never acts as if his way is the best (or only) way. There is an amazing chapter that includes many different screenwriters who reveal their personal methods as well as a chapter that summarizes many other books on screenwriting so you can easily see the trending themes but also discover more books on screenwriting to further expand your studies. Also a fabulous chapter on stress-management, an important topic for anyone looking to work in the entertainment industry!

Pen Densham's "Riding the Alligator" is an indispensable book for new and advanced screenwriters. It should have the effect of (re)building a writer's confidence by blowing away most of the bulls*** rules forced on writers by backseat wannabes who need the rules to say something halfway intelligent. Theory is extremely important, but that needs to be absorbed so it can become the soul of the process. Densham helps clear away the briar patch to (re)focus on the essence of story. Personal favorite and recommendation: re-read Chapter 5 (How to Structure a Story) before starting each new project. Enjoy!

Wouldn't it be ideal, as a screenwriter making his way through the Hollywood maze, to have a successful writer, director, producer coaching you around each corner? BUY THIS BOOK! Each chapter is like having a lunch meeting with Pen Densham. Insightful, honest, and even chatty, Pen delivers a strategy guide for screenwriters like no other book I've read. His passion for show business is contagious and refreshing. His perspective is invaluable. It's nice to know that there's someone in Hollywood cheering for your success.

I've been to McKee seminars and read a great many books on the subject but THIS one is a rare jewel from someone actually in the trenches. No theory here only good sound and solid information for making your work better and saleable. If you want to make it into the industry, you need this book.

Refreshingly free of the cynicism and faux-insider posturing that crops up in virtually every book on this topic, Riding the Alligator is written with a humanity and enthusiasm that cannot be faked and reminds you that the best reason to do any kind of writing is for its own sake. A pleasure to read and re-read, this is one of those books that you want everyone else to read, too, but are reluctant to loan our for fear of never seeing it again.

I read a lot of books on writing (screenwriting), and this one is definately one of the best. It's inspiring, and very honest. It's also practical - and interesting not only for the new authors, but also for advanced writers (I mysef have few screenplays made into movies/tv series - in Poland - and reading "Riding the Alligator" was pure pleasure, and helped me a lot with working on my projects). So, buy it, read it, and... write your best!

i can't say enough good things about this book. goes far beyond the mere mechanics of connecting screenwriting dots. having read many of the screenwriting books out there, i would recommend this one to young or first time screenwriters as much for its philosophy as for its practical suggestions. the chapter on "Editing" alone i've already put to great use. i'll be reading it again...

This book covers everything you need to know about screenwriting, from finding inspiration to write, to making personal connections that help you sell your story. Pen Densham writes generously from the heart about his own experiences and creates a realistic, tangible path to success for any writer interested in undertaking the journey to get there.

Very informative. Doesn't teach you how to write a screenplay. It gives you advice as to how to play the game.

Must read if interested in craft of screenwriting. Not only the process, but the process behind the process.

Wonderful advice, well written, and humor to boot. Learning from someone as experienced as Pen is liberating. This will be a reference book for the life of my career.

"Riding the Alligator" is an insightful, informative book that I refer back to for every screenplay project I work on. Well worth the sell price. This book sits at the top of my book pile any day.

Great book for someone who wishes to write a screenplay,

If you have been writing, or hoping to write for any length of time, you probably have read any number of books written to offer practical advice, how-to instructions and lists of resources to get you from "wannabe" to "professional." Just as likely is the fact that while some actually are helpful, most don't tell you much more than you already knew or, at worst, intimidate you so much that you turn the last page convinced you never will make it as a writer. Here's why "Riding the Alligator: Strategies for a Career in Screenplay Writing (and not getting eaten)" by Pen Densham is different and should be on your shelf: because it won't stay on your shelf and every time you refer to it, you're likely to come away thinking, "I can do this!" Densham, author of the scripts for movies such as "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," Moll Flanders," TNT's "Houdini" and the revivals of television's "The Outer Limits" and "The Twilight Zone" offers tips from his own experience, help from fellow screenwriters and practical advice. A high school drop out whose first job in show business was riding the back of a live alligator for a short film made by his parents (hence the book's title), Densham has gone on to a successful writing career and founded Trilogy Entertainment Group, which has produced 14 feature films. He also is an adjunct professor at USC's School of Cinematic Arts. That teaching experience comes out in this book, which is neither preachy nor intimidating. Instead, we feel as though we are being cultivated as storytellers and writers by a supportive mentor who manages to deliver some basics while inspiring us to make them functional. "I create my characters so that, in the first act, this negative element (which he calls a nugget of the story) is in their backstory: one simple, powerful, defining, and sometimes, horrible thing. They live with that thing, but haven't absorbed or dealt with it. In a sense it haunts them - a failed life script or emotional program." That succinct paragraph did more to help me develop my screenplay than whole books on plot and characters have accomplished. Denham's book delivers advice in the same tightly packaged, page-turning , memorable manner in which you hope your final screenplay will be categorized. The author also provides advice beyond the "how to" of writing the screenplay. There are chapters on selling the script ("Entering the Jungle"), pitching it to agents and studios, suggestions for other jobs you can do, that might even speed up the process, while you are waiting to make it as a writer and how to deal with the stress involved with the process. Readers also benefit from thoughts included from a dozen other industry professionals like Shane Black ("Lethal Weapon"), Nia Vardalos ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding"), Eric Roth ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Good Shepherd," "Munich," "The Horse Whisperer"), Tony Peckham ("Sherlock Holmes," "Invictus," "Don't Say a Word," "The Assassin"), Ron Shelton ("White Men Can't Jump," "Bull Durham") and Laeta Kalogridis ("Avatar," " Shutter Island"). There even are the usual list of online resources and a glossary of terms and all this comes in a very readable less-than-250 pages that make good on the promise of producer director Jay Roach's foreword: "If you have ever had a great idea for a movie, but lacked the wherewithal to turn it into a screenplay, you have picked up the right book."

I think what stands out about RTA compared to the other screenwriting tutorials is you are addressed as a friend rather than student. Yep, even with Snyder's more colloquial verbiage in "Save the Cat" you always got the sense that you were in a classroom, albeit with the coolest professor on campus instructing, but a classroom nonetheless. In RTA, Densham is making you feel part of the tribe even before you hit Chapter 1. Tribes are more fun than lecterns. Favorite moments of RTA: Chapter 3) We All Have Doubts comes before Pen has even set down any screenwriting guidelines. He's basically telling the reader to break the rules before presenting any...now I really like this guy: "...if you are a violin, no matter how much those who influence you try to force you to sound like a bass drum, it isn't going to sound right or bring you satisfaction." In other words, just start off writing from you, naturally and instinctively, before applying all the screenwriting principles. Interestingly enough, Pen says this isn't just beneficial creatively but business-wise too: "They [scripts written from his inner voice] seem to get produced more frequently than the scripts that are less personally inspired." His says you unconsciously get more passionate about stuff you let flow out of you the beginning because it's your more authentic "mission" script before any structure takes over, so you're more likely to go the extra mile in getting it sold. Browsing the quotes on page 46 of RTA was dynamo. Not just cause they're "rejections of the famous and respectable" but also cause the person doing the berating was an "expert" in their industry whose comments many would have taken to heart: "Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?" (Harry Warner, Warner Brothers, 1927) "Television won't be able to hold...People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night." (Darryl Zanuck, 20th Century Fox, 1946) "We don't like their sound and guitar music is on the way out." (Decca Recording Company on The Beatles, 1962) And my personal favorite from Hewlett-Packard, to Steve Jobs: "Hey, we don't need you. You haven't got through college yet." Wonder if they said that to Bill Gates too? So good news, people, if the Weinsteins and Steven Spielberg hate your script, it's gonna be next summer's blockbuster hit!! Aside from the creative aspect I also loved, loved, loved Pen's advice on maneuvering the biz side of showbiz in "Entering The Jungle" (p.91f): "You have to use the same imagination and passion that you applied to writing your work to the task of finding a route to getting it read." Most books deal with the art and business as two separate entities with a huge trench between them but Pen encourages art in business. And just when the dude's been your creative and industry mentor, he also puts on his Freudian spectacles and becomes your therapist (check out p.129f on stress management....boy, I need this). But nothing, absolutely nothing, beats reading the wise words from those actually making a living off screenwriting. For the most entertaining, take-no-prisoners advice please consult Shane Black (wait, didn't I slip'n'slide into his pool on July 4th?). His Lethal Weapon story (p.145-7) is priceless. Also, thank you Robin Swicord (p.159-161) for compelling me to double underline your words: "Anyone who has overcome a seemingly impossible obstacle knows the simple answer that silences these questions: Do it anyway. Write your script anyway. Direct your movie. Is there a barrier? Go around it. Ignore conventional wisdom if it doesn't serve your goal. Use your own judgement. Break the rules, if the rules don't make sense for you. When you succeed, no one will mind that you didn't do things 'their way.'" And my personal favorite from her: "I like to know what I am up against, so I can ignore it." Now there's a lady I wanna dirty martini with.

Having taken my fair share of screenwriting classes, I've had to read a few books on the subject. Pen Densham's "Riding the Alligator" is by far the most relatable and optimistic that I've seen. The book is less a technical "how to" guide and more a helping hand in the chaotic world of the creative process. Where most books focus solely on structure, Alligator spends a great deal of time on how to tackle a story before your fingers hit the keyboard. The emphasis on passion for storytelling gives the book an intimate feel. As Pen describes his experience selling scripts and breaking into the business, it feels less like a class and more like an informal conversation with someone who's been in the trenches. Eventually, he does get into structure, character, editing, and selling your scripts, but he stresses that different writers work in different ways. As a result, you don't feel like you're reading Robert McKee, who lays down a law and decrees you follow it to the letter. My only critique is that it would have been nice to get more input on when to hit certain beats by certain page numbers, as there is a certain amount of page juggling that goes on while writing a screenplay. His view on where to be in the story at particular pages would have been nice to see. Overall, his advice is worth the read. I was working on a story for two years and finally managed to get my outline into a place where I could start writing thanks to his section on character progression. He also tends to wax philosophical at bit too much at times, but it serves to justify how stories influence people based on their history. In addition to Pen's voice, you get a welcome compilation of advice from other writers such as Shane Black, Eric Roth, and Tony Peckham. Their short segments of wisdom and encouragement are inspiring and intriguing. "Riding the Alligator" is defiantly worth a pick up if you've been working on a story that just doesn't want to come together. The optimism and inspiration the book wants to give you might just help you out in ways you didn't expect.

“Riding the Alligator” by Hollywood veteran filmmaker, Pen Densham, is a very interesting book to say the least. It is a book about writing screenplays to a certain degree, but it covers so much more. Pen Densham covers many of the usual subjects such as creating characters and story structure but he also discusses topics like selling your script, pitching your script and how to pay the bills until Hollywood comes-a-calling. Many aspiring screenwriters do not think of such things. I have met many screenwriters who believe they have written the next big blockbuster that people will beg to see when it becomes a film. There is nothing wrong with confidence in what you do but sometimes being a bit grounded helps. Densham tells it like it is. He knows. He is there. He gives golden advice to anyone willing to listen and be open enough to realize that there is much hard work involved in the business. Sure it would be great to mail off your script and some big studio executive drools to buy it and turn it into a film, but don't count on that. Rely on the wonderful advice and invaluable lessons given in Densham's book “Riding the Alligator”. He speaks to the reader about everything from having passion, creating roles that big stars will want to play, to why you should be nice to everyone including the person sitting at the front desk of the office. You will learn how quickly a bad attitude can crush your dreams. Good advice in general, even if you aren't a screenwriter. You will also learn from a dozen other screenwriters as they chime in with their thoughts on how to become a professional screenwriter in a world where there is a great amount of competition. Again, this is knowledge that is gold because you are getting it right from the source. This is stuff that would take you years to learn. Now all you have to do is read and understand what is being taught and discussed. Densham has done the work for us by sitting down with these top scriptwriters and picking their brains for your benefit and mine. As the book reaches the end he has filled the final pages with resources such as books to read and websites to help you get your career in top gear. If you are serious about a career in screenplay writing then you absolutely MUST read Pen Densham's “Riding the Alligator” or you will just spin your wheels until you learn these strategies on your own. I loved reading it and I sincerely feel you will too. Review copy supplied

This is my first time reviewing any book on amazon, even though I have bought countless (ok about 12) books from here. A friend of mine gave this book to read after seeing Pen speak to us. I had never written a screenplay before, a major reason being that I can be on the ball with all sorts of things, but when it comes to screenwriting I have a vicious, unrelenting procrastination hanging over me. I serf reddit, stare at facebook, watch netflix, end up doing something else. You name it. I always knew I had the ideas and the passion but when it came to writing I kept spinning my wheels, going nowhere. It was really depressing, I felt like a part of my life was passing me by, a part I really wanted to explore. So when my buddy Josh and I went to see Pen speak I was extremely impressed by the amount of big industry names really pumping him and the book up. But Pen didn't come across as one of those freak of nature writers, who were born with writing in their core DNA. But instead he felt like one of us, a guy who has had way more success then 99% of wannabe filmmakers out there, yet he got there through learning and growing and figuring stuff out. So when I sat down to read the book, I enjoyed it. I wasn't blown away and was especially surprised at how fast it got through the actual writing part (1st 2/5th of the book) and then got into selling and then the global world or writing and then into self-introspection. However the real power came from when he talked about all the other writing books out there and that their concepts were. I am not someone who swears allegiance to any one voice, so I was surprised that Pen had included reviews and concepts from other books into this one. Once I finished the book I actually took one of those concepts and two weeks later I wrote my first feature. That was yesterday. Now all of a sudden, I am looking forward to going back and looking at the selling and global parts of the book. I am a really tough critic and believe in a multitude of perspectives when it comes to doing anything. We're all different and no one thing works for everyone. And that is what I got out of the book, because Pen is a successful everyman who could have easily played the role of holy prophet yet instead told how he did it, and then how others do it. And then what other books say. Thats all I need. And the proof is in the pudding, I finished the book and I wrote my first feature two weeks later. One of the concepts says I still need to spend two weeks rewriting and after today's day off, I'll jump right back onto it. I recommend this book. It feels weird to say but it worked. I am sure 3 months from now, I'll come to realize just how much of a major influence it's been. Thanks a lot Pen! -SG

Riding the Alligator is interesting because it's a motivational book filled with reality checks. It's one part writing techniques, four parts what to do once you're finished writing. This book is no substitute for a fictional writing class, but it is invaluable as a real world preview into professional screenplay writing. Riding the Alligator starts off exploring why humans enjoy stories. I've done my share of wondering on the subject, and I agree with most of his observations. He's not afraid of sharing his personal views on the Science of Dreaming, which is amusing but also instills trust as a reader because he's following his own advice--write about your passions! If you want to write from dozens, or hundreds, of distinct characters' perspectives it would help to understand their living equivalents' motivations. That hints at the core of the book: If you're ever going to become a successful writer, you can learn all the tricks you want, but your imagination and passion that makes you unique are your greatest assets. The basic guides for creating your screenplay are, well, basic, until the last few pages when in Chapter 16 Pen provides an excellent "Character Provoker" that every writer should be exposed to. Too often writers forget to flesh out their characters, forgetting that readers do not see the characters in the writers' minds. Pen's three page list of questions regarding character traits both physical and mental could help anyone write anything from a haiku to a novel. The other guidelines for screenplay development are industry-focused. If you want to sell, however, he gives very exact information as to when certain events typically happen in a story, down to page numbers. Is any of it revolutionary? No, but it's not supposed to be. He provides a list, with summaries, of books that can aid in the specifics of that. Pen knows you probably won't write like him, so he gives some very useful general industry advice instead. Where should you work to pay the bills when starting out? How do you get your screenplay read? How should you prepare and execute the myriad ways of pitching your screenplay? I got the feeling he's known many young writers over the years and knows what either gets them down or slows them down, and has done his best to remedy their common problems. The way I read this book is that a caring uncle is encouraging me to passionately write about whatever I want. He says that's necessary because the rejection any writer will encounter dictates you must love what you're trying to sell in order to not give up. The emotional warnings in the book are its strong point. It's almost like he's telling you to raise the perfect child you love, but you have to be prepared to give it up for adoption at any time because few screenplays follow what is originally written. That's invaluable advice. Could I form a semester around this book? Probably not. Could I make my students buy two relatively inexpensive books, and this be the one that tells them how to execute their dreams? I dare you to find a better one.

One thing that has always amazed me about screenwriting books is how few are by screenwriters that have actually ended up reaching the real goal - a finished feature film. Also surprising is how frequently the forewords or reviews tend to consist of a list of film academics. Pen Densham shows that he has lived a life in the real world of moviemaking with kudos from such well-known filmmakers as Ron Howard, Jay Roach, Paul Haggis, Norman Jewison and many others. Riding the Alligator lives up to the promise that Jay Roach sets forth in his foreword to the book - it is inspirational. The book leaves you feeling like you have just had a long in depth conversation with a caring mentor. No other book I have read has been so nurturing by giving the reader such an "all access" look inside the life of an individual who has spent his entire life in the entertainment industry. It even gave me renewed hope that I am not going to starve... This is not a "how-to" book per-se - Densham avoids this by stating flatly that he believes you should take what works for you from his book and discard everything else. There are many other sources where you can read about the "nuts and bolts" of screenplay structure (Screenplay, Save the Cat, Writing a Great Movie - just to name a few) this book is more meant as a motivating tome. I would particularly recommend it to people that already have a little experience in the industry and are looking for the encouragement to keep pushing forward in what can be an extremely frustrating and challenging but also rewarding profession.

What It's About: Riding the Alligator is a book about the process of screenwriting as well as developing a screenwriting career. What I Liked About It: Densham makes you feel like you can be a screenwriter if you have the passion for it. He gives you all the tips for finding a story and developing it into a script. There's some helpful information about story structure and how to find the best idea in your core idea. You'll learn about characterization as a way to get actors interested in playing the roles you create. The chapter on developing your logline is probably the most helpful, but I also enjoyed the addition of advice from other screenwriters toward the back. This is a good guidebook for developing a screenwriting career. Review copy provided by Michael Wiese Productions

Pen Densham's Riding the Alligator isn't just a book on screenwriting - it's a life guide loaded with great quotes and techniques to help get anybody trying to accomplish a big goal get where they want to be, whether inside the movie business or just somewhat fascinated by it. The chapters are thematic and to-the-point, and Pen never takes the stance of "this is how it's done" that many screenwriting books will try to do - he acknowledges that every writer is different. There is a section in which various USC students summarized the key lessons of an assortment of other screenwriting books, so this is a good read to get you started in screenwriting because then this section can help you determine what other books you might want to read next. This section, combined with a chapter of advice from other screenwriters, gives the warm impression that this is a book about sharing ideas and adopting only those that resonate with you. It's a pleasant break from the overly-formulaic books that mandate certain events have to happen by certain pages in order to have a good screenplay. Pen introduces 23 screenwriting/movie business terms, many that he coined himself, that are so easy to absorb that I was able to start using them conversationally right away after having read the book. These catchy terms like "accumulated humiliations" and "the nugget" are also defined in a glossary at the end of the book for easy reference. It's amazing how he can summarize in a couple words what normally takes several sentences of explanation to say. At the same time, the concepts are very easy to understand so you will have no trouble explaining a term to a writing partner or colleague who has not read the book. What I loved the most about this book as a busy person was that I could pick it up for a couple minutes at a time throughout the course of the day and never lose track of the concepts or lose interest in discovering the next tidbit. I mean literally a couple minutes at a time - while microwaving leftovers, waiting for the elevator, etc. This is very important because the book is full of suggestions such as to open your screenplay file on the computer every day and plot devices that are important to story structure. If an idea sparks at you at any time while reading, you can put the book down and start writing, then go back exactly where you left off whenever you're ready. When I did have time to sit down with it for an hour or so, it was just as captivating a read.

Pen's book on screenwriting is unlike any other I've read in that's it's a highly personal account of his experiences as a successful writer/director/producer. His approach is genuine and anecdotal, full of first-hand stories that any writer, director or producer (bonafide or aspiring) can learn from. What's refreshing about Riding the Alligator is that it's in no way prescriptive and takes instead a down-to-earth approach that proves to be both inspiring and encouraging. Reading Riding the Alligator you get the sense that you're learning from an accomplished friend who's been there, done that and is willing to share the triumphs, pit-falls, tips and tricks he's learned along the way. This book is as refreshing as it is a wonderful way to learn. Definitely recommended reading.

One of my screenwriting clients recently expressed the concern that although he's wildly enthusiastic about creating movies, he's worried that his work will never be taken seriously because he wasn't able to go to college and get a formal degree. As can be said of almost any field of endeavor, having a piece of parchment is no more a guarantee of overnight success than lacking one is automatically a fast-track to failure. What gets anyone from Point A to Point B - regardless of the real or perceived obstacles - is the passion, the discipline and the confidence to know that your dream is something you want to do more than anything in the world. To that end, I instructed him to run, not walk, to his nearest bookstore and buy a copy of Pen Densham's new book, "Riding the Alligator: Strategies for a Career in Screenplay Writing (and not getting eaten)". If there's anything this iconic writer, director, producer, USC adjunct professor, and genuinely nice guy hasn't done to bring his visions of cinema magic to the rest of us, we'd be hard-pressed to know what it is. A school dropout at age 15, Densham was sent by his father to an interview at an electric blanket factory that he might learn a useful trade to support himself. "Luckily, the owner saw through my feigned interest in thermal bedding," he writes in the book's introduction, "and told me he was doing me a favor by passing on me (and probably saving a few people from electrocution)." It's this crackling wit that not only prevails throughout the chapters but also comes through in an insightful interview he recently gave me for an upcoming issue of "Writers Journal". There are plenty of books about the craft of screenwriting that you could add to your bookshelf but this is one of the few that genuinely feels as if the writer is sitting across from you over a cup of coffee and sharing his passion with candor, warmth and optimism. That he so generously gives back in helping new screenwriters find their way through treacherous waters puts him head and shoulders above those who have crossed the drawbridge and immediately pulled it closed behind them. Bravo for a book well done! Christina Hamlett

I read this book on the heels of my first produced screenplay; entitled CAM-GIRL. This book stands out on any bookshelf. It explored the psychological and even the Anthropological side of creative screenwriting. An informative book that was a joy to read. The content grabs you, as does the title. It also inspired me to write a novel adaptation of my script which will be published under the title BOX CUTTER KILLER.

Pen Densham is an accomplished and award-winning writer-director-producer and a principal of Trilogy Entertainment Group. He's spent his lifetime in the business of entertainment, selling films and television series, as well as hiring, mentoring, and collaborating with A-list writers along the way. Pen created the story for the revisionist Robin Hood; Prince of Thieves and co-wrote and produced the screenplay with his Trilogy partner John Watson. He wrote and directed Moll Flanders for MGM, as well as writing and directing Houdini for TNT. Pen and Trilogy have produced fourteen feature films like Back Draft and Blown Away and worked with talent like Jodie Foster, Morgan Freeman, Jeff Bridges, Robin Wright, Bill Murray, Ron Howard, Kevin Costner, & Sylvester Stallone. Pen is proud to have personally revived both The Outer Limits and The Twilight Zone franchises for their return to television. Pen is also an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California's prestigious School of Cinematic Arts. In his newest book, Riding The Alligator Strategies For A Career In Screenplay Writing (and not getting eaten) (Michael Wiese Productions 2011), he welcomes you into the Pen Playground to show you the ropes, teach you to harness your imagination, and encourage you to ride into your adventures. Pen's natural enthusiasm and genuine desire to support others is a refreshing break and blessing for screenwriters. He has a special gift for inspiring and educating writers through his humor, insightfulness, playful creativity, use of analogies, and candor about his various experiences. He shares his unique techniques for and philosophies on creating complex characters, story structure, editing, selling, pitching, and embracing your Imaginary Bears. Because Pen knows that "no two writers think about our process identically", he invited other successful screenwriter friends and colleagues like Shane Black Lethal Weapon, Nia Vardalos My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Eric Roth Forrest Gump, Robin Swicord Little Women, Ron Shelton Bull Durham, and Laeta Kalogridis Shutter Island to share their wisdom. He also includes an Instant Screenwriting Library of suggested reading with a review of each book, written by his USC students. Riding The Alligator is highly recommended for all writers who want to put the PLAY back into their screenplay writing and color it with PASSION.

As a screenwriter, looking for that book on screenwriting, you have a lot of choices. Some books focus on dialogue, some on the structure, some books focus on villains or characters in general. Some books approach screenwriting from an artistic point of view, some books approach screenwriting from a business point of view. And, more often than not, MOST of the books you find on screenwriting are written by people who haven't actually sold much of anything. As someone much smarter than me once said: "Those who can't do, teach." Maybe that's why I'm a teacher...and haven't sold a screenplay...yet. It's amazingly refreshing to find a book like Pen Densham's "Riding the Alligator" - it's one of those rare books that touches on ALL aspects of screenwriting. From getting the idea, suffering through writer's block, finding time to write, writing, structure, dialogue, pitching, selling, and living happily ever after (okay, I added the happily ever after part - he actually touches on the stress of the business). But, the point is - he covers everything. Easily, smoothly, calmly. This isn't 272 pages of why your characters suck. This isn't 272 pages of why your dialogue should be thrown out and re-written in iambic pentameter. It's 272 pages of basic, know-how, pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps, get your butt in the chair and start writing, support. As for the knowledge, Pen Densham has made a career not only as a screenwriter but also as a director. He has co-written, he has produced, he has worked on feature films, he has worked in television, and he has succeeded. He has got the stats to back up what he says. Besides the vast amount of knowledge, another positive aspect of his book are comments by other, produced, writers and a great section touching on ten other books on screenwriting - some dealing especially with Hollywood. Not since Blake Snyder's `Save the Cat' has a book come along that gives you all the basics you need to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. It's "Cats v. Alligators" where the winner is the reader. Simple and brilliant!

Many books about writing, whether screenwriting or novels, read as if you are being handed a technique that works like a cure-all. These books are little more than advertisements for the technique and you can feel as if you are being sold the newest car cleaner or laundry detergent. "We know best" is the mantra. What is so remarkable about Pen Densham's book, Riding the Alligator, is that you get screenwriting advice from an amazingly accomplished screenwriter/producer/director who goes out of his way to say that a writer needs to find what works best for him. Mr. Densham guides you in a direction, while acknowledging that other directions might work as well and then he shows you ways to access that information by including comments on writing from other great screenwriters and providing brief reviews of many of the best other books in the field. The other thing that is fascinating about this book is that it seems to have application well outside the field of just screenwriting. The chapter on stress management is some of the best advice I have ever read on the subject and applies to all situations, not just screenwriting. The chapter on why people need to tell stories is a fantastic look at the evolution of man and the importance of myths. Both of these chapters go far beyond anything that generally appears in screenwriting books, making Riding the Alligator a book that is interesting for readers beyond those looking for just screenwriting advice. Overall, the book is a remarkable achievement from a person who has every right to say "I know what is the best way to write a screenplay" but instead says "trust and know yourself and I'll try to help you find what can work best for you". It is Mr. Densham's ideas, coupled with his generosity to all ideas on writing, that makes the book a true accomplishment.

Every now and then, as in the great stories of the world, a sage appears to become a mentor for a hero on a quest. A secret wish among us, writers and seekers alike, is for that mentor to come and guide; to prepare us for the journey ahead. Like a Bilbo Baggins made of words and thoughts, Pen's book is the closest thing to the physical embodiment of a mentor. Touching on all subjects pertinent to an apprentice and veteran writer alike, it addresses questions that no book in the same genre does. Eloquent, never taking itself as Bible (the very own author disclaims any hubris by attaching the absolute disclaimer: listen to your own instinct!), it aims to resolve the questions that most writers have not begun to ask, and provides interesting, industry tested advice, tried and true. I heartily recommend it and wish strength and courage to Pen to continue guiding us all in this mad yet enlightening quest called career screenwriting.

I had meant to write a review for this book a long while back, having received my copy early on. Pen Densham was my professor for a course on pitching during my graduate MFA years at USC, and I wanted to write him as fair and genuine a review as any I had written. And so I waited until I had given the book at least two solid reads, the one most recently following my efforts to revisit an older script of mine. The book in many respects summarizes the core philosophies and lessons expressed by Pen in the classroom--the importance of passion, a writer's own personal struggles (especially with self-doubt) and the conception of "the nugget" of a character. Within these pages, there is so much experience, drive and honesty. There is insight into the psychology of character, "those unconscious drives that are no longer appropriate" yet govern behavior, timeless methodologies for coping with stress from Victor Frankl and Winston Churchill and much, much more. To date, I do not believe there is a screenwriting tome quite like it--quite as eclectic yet harmonious in subject matter and details. Frankly, it may just be the fact that the book dares to discuss the more seemingly humdrum aspects of the screenwriting process--the anxiety, the uncertainty, the self-disparagement, the disillusionment--that it succeeds in clarifying and demystifying the creative process. It is more of a philosophical digest than a how-to book, sooner a personal narrative than a platitudinal pamphlet. And the brilliance of it is, it manages STILL to achieve the same sort of roadmap quality of any accomplished screenwriting 101 publication. Best of all, for someone who has been privy to Pen's unparalleled lectures, it is like having those same insights right at your fingertips, to put your mind at ease and guide you to the starting line on any project. For any serious screenwriter or aspiring career professional, THIS is a must read.

Pen Densham's strategies are motivational and at times captivating as he maneuvers through the film industry from story-conception and execution all the way to development and back again. Densham's useful guide on how to start-out, survive, and thrive in the industry reassures the reader that with the right attitude and perseverance it is more than possible to become a success. With testimonials and words of advice by major industry players, the reader gets a wide range of insight that delves into the dark and light aspects of being a screenwriter and of the industry as a whole. Densham lays out a genuine and compassionate strategy for beginning screenwriters that pulls from his own personal experiences and spares no sense of humility. The reader is taught how to deal with fear, stress, and insecurity within such a competitive industry by finding a way to embrace it and use it to ones own advantage. Densham's inspirational words could re-ignite a dwindling fire of passion in any self-doubting writer.

I just finished reading Pen Densham's book "Riding the Alligator". This book is clearly written from the heart and lights the way for a career in screenwriting! His honesty about his personal experiences adds incredible depth and understanding for readers to easily be able to grasp so many of the previously untold golden nuggets about the elusive craft of screenwriting. His strategies for a career in screenplay writing (and not getting eaten) makes for a compelling page-turner and a MUST HAVE for any screenwriter in need of a wisdom guide and/or inspiration!

There are four books to start with and return to if you want to know how to write movies: Syd Field's Screenplay, William Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade (which is more of a memoir than a manual, but still very enlightening and entertaining), Sidney Lumet's Making Movies (which probably is the best book ever to describe the whole process of film making in a very straightforward, no-nonsense way), and now Pen Densham's Riding the Alligator. Pen Densham is an accomplished Hollywood writer/producer/director (Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves and Backdraft, among others) and it is good to read a book by someone who actually knows what it is like to be in the trenches of the writer and knows what advice a writer really wants and needs. Like so many other books on writing, Mr. Densham talks about the structure of story and how to create characters, but what makes this book so valuable is that Mr. Densham - unlike most books on the subject - does not tell you how you "have to" write. Instead his lead word is Passion, strongly emphasizing the idea that you should follow your ideas and what you believe in. And that is very unique and very welcome. What also makes Mr. Densham's book valuable are the hands-on hints and tips you seldom see in other books, addressing the everyday situations - how to overcome one's doubts, how to deal with writer's block, and bits just to make you become and feel better about what you do. Few books sit by your side and pat you on the shoulder, as this does. Will this book help you be a better writer? Undoubtedly. That a person in the "business" still believes in Passion and in writing what you want, and encourages others to do that too is very inspiring.

This book is rich and brimming with insight on the craft of screenwriting. But the thing is, it's a lot more than that. The perspective includes everything from evolutionary psychology and the human NEED to tell stories as a form of emotional catharsis. I have to admit that I was stuck and holding myself back on my own writing and the insight in this book helped me break through some of my own creative walls and I am so grateful that I read it. Plus it includes brief summaries of many other screenwriting books from some of his past USC School of Cinematic Arts students. So you get the knowledge from more than 10 books all in one! and it really is a swift read! My copy is highlighted and dog-earred and I know I will be coming back to it time and time again. You will be glad you bought it.

The best thing about the advice that spills from the pages of Pen Densham's book? An overall feeling of support for YOUR ideas. From first thoughts to final revisions, Densham does what many screenplay authors fail to do: he maintains a sense of daring with caring. In other words, Densham helps you work past your own concerns, fears and deamons to break through to a place where your own creativity, and your unique voice, can truly shine. This is the book you need to help you break through your own inhibitions and to let your script truly start to sing.

As a young-ish TV writer in Hollywood (8 years in), I found Pen's spiritual and emotional advice for writers just as helpful as his practical advice for writing (the highlight of his practical writing advice for me was the section on rewriting, which I found especially helpful). Anyone who's in the business knows that your perseverance is as important as your writing talent, and this book will help you improve in both areas. I also had the privilege to hear Pen speak in person and would recommend this to anyone who has a chance to do so. He's incredibly smart about the craft, generous with the lessons he's learned throughout his long career, and really inspirational as well. Thank you, Pen!

Riding the Alligator is a fantastic read, beyond my expectations. Pen Densham's generosity in sharing his craft, his philosophy, his trials and triumphs, his "inside secrets", are incredibly insightful. He exploits his most accomplished attributes in such an effective way that you want to channel all your energy in new perspectives - by trying something different or going beyond your range. What's great is how he shares his keys to success in such an intimate manner, (I got the impression he was talking directly to me) Riding the Alligator is empowering. Thanks to Pen Densham's mentoring in black and white, I have grown immensely from creative thought and structure, to making my words jump off the page, and, finally, to pitching and selling, well not finally, because there is so much more. Riding the Alligator is a must read for anyone who is truly passionate about this business. RENEE WOOD - dull employee by day/ SuperWriter by night..

I would have to say that I am a novice screenwriter and found that from page one of Mr Densham's book that I was drawn in. He has opened my eyes to my own talent with his kind but honest words. He puts everything in a context in such a simple manner that it makes it very easy to relate to his stories and lessons even though he is a veteran screenwriter. The tools that he so graciously shared with us gives us practical and simple ideas to take our screenplays from good to great. I will always keep this book close by to reference whenever I am having a block of some sort. I am forever grateful to Pen for this gift that he has shared with us and I know that you will be forever grateful as well.

Pen Densham starts off his book reminding readers that there is no official, hard rule to the craft of screenwriting, but that this is what he has found worked for him! He emphasizes that by adding that a writer would be doing a disservice to him or herself if they went AGAINST their creative nature and that, 'Riding the Alligator', is, quite simply, a list of things he would have like to have known before getting into the industry: information that would have helped him along the way. This kicks off a level of honesty in screenwriting guides that I have yet to come across in any other book. Take it from me folks, Ive read McKee, I've read Egri, I've read Field, and yes, all are crucial, but here is a level of truth and sincere sweetness that I have not yet come across yet. Densham will pave the way to all writers, beginning and intermediate, and help them, by giving them the advice needed to avoid all the pitfalls, traps, scams, crooks, - ultimately arriving at an honest look at yourself as a writer and your place in the industry...all without being eaten.... Fantastic Book!

This book is a how to guide on managing your writing life from the beginning sparks of an idea, through the various stages of the writing process, to selling your idea, to managing the aftermath and maintaining spirits once an idea/script is sold and is stuck in development. It really covers the full spectrum of the screenwriting experience, and as such, reads like a novel more so than a typical screenwriting book. It always brings back, at every step of the process, the importance of maintaining the core of one's creative life, and of reconnecting yourself with the necessity of telling the stories you feel impassioned to tell. It is both inspiring and instructive, which is a rare blend to find in screenwriting books. There are entire sections dedicated to acknowledging and managing the stressful components of living a writer's life- the periods of limbo, etc. As such, it's a great book for those moments in which you are feeling in between things. My favorite part of this book is when Pen breaks down how to start the creative process, once an idea is conceived. For me, this is always the hardest phase, once you have a great idea with a great hook, how to begin writing and fleshing out where to take the story from there, and how to translate it into script form. He has really excellent tips for this particular phase of the writing process, and for that portion alone, I would highly recommend buying this book. Plus the essays at the end by professional screenwriters relating their experiences with writing are the icing on the cake. They are awesome.

For a long time as a professional and successful actor for over thirty five years I had two misconceptions about screenwriting. The first was that I did not need to read any books about the subject since I arrogantly believed I was well prepared to write something better than many of the scripts I had been working with. The second misconception was that I felt most authors of books on how to write screenplays were writing because they had sold something and therefore "their way" to success should be mine. I was wrong on both counts and can thank Pen Densham for setting me staight. Riding the Alligator is the most inspiring of the now six or seven books on the subject that I have read, most of which were suggested by Pen himself. He, and his publisher, are incredibly generous with thoughtful with essential advice in an arena where everyone has a method and let's face it a "financial motive" to get the reader on board with their ideas. If you only read one book on the subject, this is the one, if only for his honesty about the individual creative spirit that lies within all of us. Thanks Pen.

I opened the book expecting to learn the basics of writing a screenplay: ie. formatting, what page certain events should happen, the way a main character should be written, etc. Although "Riding the Alligator" certainly has passages that incorporate tips on how to write screenplays, the book mostly shines in the lengthy sections that encompass finding inspiration, motivating oneself to write, and even nurturing passion in an incredibly competitive industry. The Good: -Pen Densham is an extremely talented writer. He writes in a manner that is very easy to understand and process. -The book is a quick read, but has many sections that are worth returning to from time to time. -He shares his own life experiences with brutal honesty, including the successes and not-so-successes of his career. There is an clear desire on his part to really HELP the reader on a path to screenwriting. -A great chapter of the book details letters of advice from the top screenwriters in Hollywood today, this alone may be worth the price of admission. -Another section has in-depth reviews and summaries of best-selling books in writing screenplays, which I loved. The Bad: -It would have been nice if he had expanded more on the sections detailing writing screenplays that were produced into feature films, as well as the tv series that were produced. SUMMARY: Definitely worth every cent. I would urge anyone even remotely interested in being a filmmaker (whether as a producer or screenwriter) to purchase the book. You would be doing yourself a disservice otherwise. I will definitely be looking out for more books by Densham.

It's a rare skill to not only be able to craft interesting creative work, but also clearly explicate the creative process in a way that is useful to others who may work with different methods. Pen Densham's book shows that he not only has passion for the scripts he writes, but also for helping others develop their passions as well. While I found the chapter on the evolutionary psychology of moviegoing to be a little out of sync with the rest of the narrative, the single defining voice of the book was one of hope, the sharing of one successful writer to other aspiring ones. I found the chapters on the writing process gave me a new sense of immediacy in writing, that the high and lofty character developments I had read about in other books could be worked with and used in a way that is tangible and practical. The sections in which other screenwriters submitted sections and students reviewed other books on writing gave me the sense that Pen wanted the book to be helpfully comprehensive for the reader rather than a work of gloating over past personal accomplishments. Worth the read, if for nothing else than to be encouraged at a glimpse of humanity in an often soulless business.

The most remarkable thing about Pen Densham's book is that it inspires even as it instructs. Having this book on the shelf is like having a trusted mentor in the room. The book provides experienced clear-headed advice on screenwriting technique and Hollywood salesmanship. It offers nurturing pep talks on how to overcome creative insecurity, how to deal with rejection, and how to channel stress. I found Densham's approach to character development particularly helpful. Through the simple exercise of mixing and matching unassociated and distinctive character traits, Densham illustrates how to build engaging multi-faceted characters. Densham's leading questions guide the writer through the discovery process rather than dictate a particular outcome. Other favorite sections of the book include: 1) An analysis of storytelling as an evolutionary process-- one that engages us so that it can teach us 2) A section of essays by other screenwriters, each offering a different perspective on the writing process 3) From-the-trenches anecdotes and advice about getting projects from script to screen In short, this is a book that holds your hand even as it whips you into shape. Writers need both passion and practicality to succeed in the film industry. Riding the Alligator supports the writer in her quest for both.

There's one important disclaimer at the beginning of Pen's book that no other screenwriting book that I can think of presents; he makes sure he articulates that his methods are by no means the only ones or the right ones. Most other books on screenwriting have language that emphasize the author's authority and pressure the reader into believing that the author's way is the only way. It's a refreshing perspective--one that says "here is what worked for me. If it doesn't work for you, don't use it." There is something about that that takes the pressure off. There's also a whole chapter on dealing with stress as a screenwriter, which is another helpful topic I haven't really seen covered before. And the book's tone, as a whole, maintains this emphasis--that you should take what you want from Pen's experience, but also trust your own instincts. It's a truly supportive guide, which is something that can't be said for a lot of the screenwriting books floating around.

What's most interesting about this book, apart from the wonderfully conversational style, and the candid expose of the life and profession of a supremely talented screenwriter, is the fact that this book really extends way beyond those who fall into the profession of TV/Film writers. I myself am an author/writer and writing coach and I found that much of the advice in this book resonated with the writers journey, irrespective of whether you are writing plays, screenplays or books, we all struggle with the pitfalls of balancing our passion with profit, making a living and how we get the concepts from our head onto the paper (or screen). I found myself feeling strangely comforted while reading this book. At times the life of a writer is a lonely one, Pen's wonderfully honest insight into his high's and low's really helped me see the reality of this world, we are not alone, there are others who share the crazy creative roller coaster ride. What this book does, however, is shows you how to stay up, even during the lowest of lows, and how to preserve the high, when and if you get one! Its practical, powerful, real and professional advice - a rare combination in a book that is focused on career development. I recommend this book to all students of and professional screenwriters, but I'm also recommending it to my writing clients, and they are creating everything from history, self-help, poetry, memoir and fictional books. This book will help anyone interested in riding the alligator that is the beast of creativity. Get it now!

He wrote in the front cover of a signed copy of his book: WRITE FROM THE HEART It meant a lot. This is a reflection of his entire book. It isn't your typical screenwriting book that simply goes over structure, but tells you what you already feel and know as a writer but think you are alone in. What is EMPOWERING in this book is it teaches you to be INSPIRED by...first and foremost.....YOURSELF and YOUR STORIES from the heart. A comprehensive look from a true writer's perspective that returns the screenwriter to the true story as human first, and screenwriter craftsman second. This book demystifies what it takes to not only write the story but stick with it through thick and thin, believe in it and persevere to be lucky enough to SHARE it with the rest of the world. The INSIGHT this book presents is beyond facts. It is ENCOURAGING to be reminded that writing is a noble art that we should be proud of, and makes us all want to get to know the writer in all of us. I keep it with me like a companion whenever I write, re-write, and want to give copies to all my writer friends. One of my favorite chapters is THE GOLDEN RULE: PASSION. This book is the most personal Screenwriting book I've read. A necessity for any serious screenwriter. A fun ride from cover to cover. Go on this journey, and you will not be disappointed.

The only books I have read in the past 10 years have been business related. I decided to read parts of this book because a student mentioned it had a great piece on Managing Stress. I have stress, I am always building or growing a business but would I tell anyone that I have stress, heck no. I set out to read selected chapters 1, 11, 13, 17 and 18 but after reading 3 chapters and listening to the man himself, sharing insights with young students, motivating and inspiring them to chase after their passion with a vengeance I will read the book in full. I will send my mother a copy of this book as she is well educated, and always looking for answers. I am truly inspired by Pen's book, it is written in easily understandable language, the message is clear, helpful, down to earth, honest and I can relate to some of the issues addressed. It is now on our mandatory reading list and included in the tuition at NFI ( Nashville Film Institute ). This should be required reading at all Film Schools. Read and experience the book. Prema Thiagarajah Visioneer Nashville Film Institute

THE GREAT PEN DENSHAM’S BOOK ON SCREEN WRITING, “RIDING THE ALLIGATOR,” IS EXTRAORDINARY AND CREATIVE, WRITEN WITH SUCH CLARITY OF FORM THAT IT’S GUARANTEED TO AMAZE AND BEGUILE YOU. I ADMIRE HIS PASSION FOR WRITING AND HIS ASTOUNDING ABILITY TO TAKE A MOST DIFFICULT SUBJECT AND TURN IT INTO SOMETHING NEW AND FRESH AND ALIVE AND INVIGORATING AND VALUABLE. FROM NOW ON I’M TAKING MY ALLIGATOR WITH ME WHEREVER I GO. I SUGGEST YOU DO THE SAME – BEFORE ALL THE ALLIGATORS ARE SWALLOWED UP BY OTHER HUNGRY PREDATORS SEARCHING FOR ENLIGHTENMENT. JOSEPH W. MYER

As someone working to establish a career in this industry Pen's kind and thoughtful words have been very instrumental to my work right now and I rely on them to motivate my creative juices. Thank you Pen for a wonderful book

Pen Densham's book is a wealth of information delivered in a candid, honest way that will greatly serve someone from any creative field. As an actress, it became an invaluable source for me; for screenplay writers at all levels, its value would surely be even greater! It has a way of inspiring and empowering the reader to move forward in his or her career in a more passionate, daring way. This book offers great tools to succeed as an artist and is written by someone with authority who shares the wisdom he has gained through a vulnerable openness--a tone uncommon in strategy books and an aspect that gives beauty to this one. I do encourage you to read it. I, for one, am grateful I did.

This Book contains not only an essential and important screenwriting guide for writers just entering the scriptwriting trade, but it also includes inspiring words that can keep any writer, whether novice or professional, from being stifled by writers block and the detours of a career as a scribe. For those just starting out, reading this book will put you ahead of the curve in terms of the knowledge that only someone who has treaded through it and come out the other side successfully would know. Its not just the nuts and bolts of "how to write a screenplay", but a mentoring document that can guide you past "getting it done" to what to do next. For those who are already professional writers, Riding The Alligator is a handy reminder of the main ingredient of a great script - Story is King! Pen's book is like a muse over your shoulder that uncorks the fountain of idea's in your head and allows them to flow freely, then travel down your arm, through your pen (or computer keys) and onto the page (screen). And last but not least, most screenwriting books pronounce the hard and fast rules of the screenplay form in a "Lecture" fashion, whereas reading this book feels as though you are sitting right across from Pen at a coffee shop, one on one, personally asking him the questions you want to know and then wanting to run home and write!

Pen Densham's Riding the Alligator is a truly inspiring book that uplifts and supports the creative person in any field but geared for screenwriters. If you are a working screenwriter or someone who wants to be, Pen's book will beautifully remind you, or articulate for you, why you are on that journey. He praises and nurtures the creative while telling you, from experience, how to fit that drive into the realities of Hollywood. In other words, how to dine with the Devil without losing your soul. I am a recent winner of the 2013 Final Draft Screenwriting Contest and had the great pleasure to meet Pen - this was after I had read his book - and I am happy to say that he is as poetic, passionate, compassionate and inspiring in person as on the page. I love this book and highly, highly recommend it.

As a rule of thumb, I generally avoid reading screenwriting books because they either make me feel anxious or feel like I'm somehow not a "true writer" because I don't follow the specific rules of screenwriting that the author has prescribed. So it was with great pleasure that when I read Pen Densham's RIDING THE ALLIGATOR, I felt quite the opposite. This book is best described as "Screenwriting Spirituality" giving you the building blocks to create a career as a screenwriter and survive all the highs and lows that will inevitably come over that career. It is written in a very relaxed manner that was both informative and encouraging. Even as a seasoned writer, I felt it an incredibly worthwhile read, because it reaffirmed many of my own feelings and attitudes on the business as well as offered insightful takes on aspects I hadn't even considered. If you are serious about the craft of screenwriting and/or just want to hear some uplifting and supportive advice from someone like Pen Densham who has lived it day to day, do yourself a favor and add this to your cart and go directly to "express check out".

In a word, "Incredible". This book goes up there on my list of top 5 creativity and screenwriting books. One of the things I loved about this book is that it allows you to be a true creative. There are no rules, there are only guidelines and Pen Densham teaches you every one that he knows. It's backed up by leagues of other notable people in the film industry who have foster a relationship with or benefited from Densham's know-how also. This book helped free my from the thought of "Am I doing it right?" That's something that many creative people wonder as they're doing any type of writing. I now feel like I can do a whole idea dump and organize later. It's a process that works well and has for this amazing writer/director/producer.

This screenwriting book looks and feels different from the other screenwriting books that flood the market. Pen Densham doesn't come from the same cloth as those other writers. He focuses on feeling, on connection, on passion. And for those reasons, this book is one of the best and one of the most flawed screenwriting books (yet I still gladly give it a five star rating). Riding the Alligator is for those that have written a screenplay before, whether professionally or otherwise, and find themselves unfocused or lost. It reminds you why we write and why every emotion we're feeling is okay. It's a ZEN writing book, more so than an instruction manual. While it does provide tips and tricks, the key is that Pen never forces any rules on you except for one: follow the passion. A worthy read and a breezy one. A definite must for anyone interested in the more psychological aspects of being a writer, instead of the specific (and often troublesome) how-to's of other books.

I have heard Pen Densham speak a few times, and now, after reading his book, I am even more aware of what a soulful, inspiring peson he is. This is a fabulous book, and very different from any other screenwriting manual out there. In fact, it's not a manual at all. More of a heart-to-heart between Pen and the reader, encouraging them to listen careful to the true story whispering in their heart. Pen is about connecting to your material, and writing it in a meaningful way. Hollywood is a tough place and it's easy to hide your writing soul in such a vulnerable place. Pen's book is a burst of hope for a hungry writer's heart. Signe Olynyk Founder, The Great American PitchFest [...]

I was working on my latest screenplay and was feeling stuck on the emotional journey of the main character. I picked up this book hoping to get some help and it really paid off for me. This book spoke to me on a very gut level and helped me brainstorm the emotional journey of my characters and pack a bigger punch than I thought possible. The techniques are simple, thought provoking and easy to apply. I'm so happy I got this book, and feel very grateful to the author for sharing his secrets! I know feel like I have cracked the code and can continue writing.

This book helps writers on so many different levels. It goes through the elements of writing, selling, improving, and accepting your own work with everything else mixed in. It's written in a natural tone that's gentle but compelling. It's inspiring while still being informative. It's able to outline specific obstacles in your way and at the same time provide realistic advice for getting through them. If you want to be a screenwriter, it's what you need. Personally, it's helped me on a level that reaches far beyond writing. It delves into dealing with your personal problems and even trying to use them to your advantage. Give it a shot. You won't be disappointed.

There's no shortage of books on screenwriting -- and I've spent good money on several of them -- but if I had it to do over again, I'd just buy Densham's book and chuck the rest. It's the most complete guide to the discipline and the career that I've ever seen, and it's all in one place. Think about it: a book may brilliantly explain how to write a screenplay, but if you can't navigate the treacherous waters of Hollywood (in general) and pitch meetings (in particular), you're not even half-way home. And the books that show you how to navigate these waters but don't help you prepare a product worthy of pitching are equally unhelpful. Densham has thought about the process from initial inspiration to final print and he's lived through what others only talk about. And best of all, he doesn't talk down to you in the process. The book is conversational, inspirational, and most of all, useful. Essential reading if you're going to be serious about selling your screenplay.

This is a great book ideal for those who have finished the first draft of a screenplay and are saying "what now?". A great read! The Theme through out the book is one of commonality in the idea of the phenomenon that one person can write a screenplay that reaches the hearts of millions of people. The book also has a section that shares the views, opinions, and fears of other famous screenwriters. The commonality in this section comes from the realization that a lot of the fears and concerns of any writer are the same of the professionals. The difference here is they give anecdotes of how they have learned to overcome or work with the writing challenges that can plague us all. This book is highly recommended for key advice on bringing your screenplay from good to great by overcoming fears and finding the story organically within yourself.

In the torrent of new screenwriting titles, here's an authentic standout. Riding the Alligator is like Pen Densham's own films: wise, witty, insightful, engaging, often funny, sometimes sad, but above all else always human. It's devoid of the mumbo-jumbo that burdens too, too many such tomes. There's no fancy transformational arc or highfalutin turning points versus plot points, no eight pillars for guaranteed success, no eleven building blocks for each of nine or nine and a half genres. The most wonderful aspect of this book is its deeply personal nature. Readers reap the benefit of the author's personal experience plying his trade. More than that, however, he reveals also, as worthy writers must, a great deal about himself, his style, his methodology, his sensibility. His approach is healing and nourishing. This book is certainly appropriate for new and experienced screenwriters, but also for all souls who engage in creative expression, and all people who love good movies.

Upon reading this book, I felt compelled to share it with a friend who does not consider himself a screenwriter, but has always toyed with the idea. It is a warm welcome into the world of screenwriting. It is encouraging, clear, and useful. It addresses both the pleasures and anxieties of pursuing the craft. It's also SO entertaining. It is, itself, a story with many unexpected and wonderful turns. In an early chapter it addressed the question of why we, as humans, are compelled to tell stories and go to the movies. Throughout, it humanizes the process. All of the technical strategies of screenwriting are placed in highly entertaining, unexpected contexts. It has tips for navigating the story and the world/ "INDUSTRY" once you're done writing it. If you're looking for a screenwriting book, look no further- this is it!

From the beginning to the end, it was a great read! It's full of advice that everyone in the industry wishes the newcomers already knew!

A book that contains a number of good writing tips but more importantly gives an overall view of the writing and artistic process that gets you excited to sit down and start writing your own screenplay.

The sympathetic perspective, down-to-earth lyricism, and sheer savviness of this book distinguishes it from most things you will read about the industry, life, how to navigate being a creative soul in a sea of commerce. "Riding the Alligator" is a good stand-in for the sort of mentor you always wish you had: wise about the world, to-the-point, generous with trade secrets, and kind. I would not hesitate to compare its richness and spirit to Rainer Maria-Rilke's "Letters to a Young Poet".

Having read several books on the subject of screenwritng, this is one of the few that I've thoroughly enjoyed. While "Save the Cat" is a good read for structure and "Writing Fun and Profit" is full of hilarious and insightful career advice, this is one that delivers the whole package. Rather than being a written as dry instruction manual as many "screenwriting" books are, Pen writes from the vantage point of a writer & producer for decades and makes his "lessons" feel more like interesting stories from an incredibly generous storyteller. Not to mention the short essays from an astonishingly wide breadth of writers. Highly recommended!

Inspiring beyond belief! I have always been very intimidated by the writing process because I lack confidence in my writing skills. This book has changed that. Pen has encouraged me to just go for it. One of my favorite quotes from the book is "Effort brings opportunity." Pen has gotten me to just write and not worry about my insecurities. He doesn't only give you helpful logistical writing tips like "to overcome my mind's familiarity is to change the font of my script," but also motivates you like a mentor would. This is by far a must read for anyone who has or wants to write. You owe it to Pen because he is rooting for you!

Anyone who has ever set out to write something meaningful and difficult will "get" the title immediately. You are riding the alligator when: - you are suddenly struggling to find your direction in the middle of a script. - you've pitched and rewritten your script three times and someone you respect has rejected it every time. - despite all the problems, frustration and turmoil you know--absolutely--that you have a story that must be told. Drawing upon his own experience, Pen shows you how to find your story, create a powerful, salable script, and survive your passion. He shows you how to "avoid getting eaten" by your project and bring it to successful completion. This is no small thing.

Having read several books on the craft of screenwriting, I found Pen Densham's approach extremely refreshing. It covers a wide range of topics from why we go to the movies to begin with to dealing with uncertainty as a writer. Beyond Pen's personal story (which is itself inspiring), he offers nuts and bolts solutions to creating a cohesive screenplay, and shows how to overcome speed bumps with easy-to-understand terminology. He provides excerpts from several successful writers, and Shane Black even explains his use of breaking the fourth wall in his screenplays! Would recommend to anyone interested in navigating the waters of a career in screenwriting.

Riding the Alligator stands apart from other screenwriting books because of the unique expression of the voice and spirit of the author, Pen Densham. Pen teaches the reader about the craft of writing through sharing his own story giving us a sense of what drove him to write, what he learned about writing along the way and what it is to be a working professional writer. As you listen and learn through his voice, you will discover how to find your own. This is a must read for writers of all levels. Jen Grisanti, Story/Career Consultant and author of the book, "Story Line: Finding Gold In Your Life Story."

"Riding the Alligator" does what no other book on screenwriting has been able to accomplish successfully: teach screenwriting-from the inside out. The techniques and personal stories from author/writer/director Pen Densham allows for the writer within the reader to find, develop, and write stories that will connect and resonate, and ultimately, become scripts that will attract an eye. It is worth more than the money spent on a screenwriting degree and a few years in any film school program. No writer, or filmmaker, should feel confident moving forward without having at least read some of the reasons behind Pen's secrets to a successful career in screenwriting.

I was lucky enough to read this book as a graduate student in Pen's screenwriting class at USC. A completely unique look at how to approach scripts, this book is both inspiring and intuitive, encouraging and practical. Every writer approaches the process differently, but Pen gives simple, useful tips that will help guide any writer through the complicated, emotional process of writing a screenplay. If you are stuck with writer's block, if you hate reading the usual kind of "textbook," or if you simply want an encouraging and insightful look at what makes a screenplay work, this book is a fast, easy, extremely positive read that will stimulate and inspire-- and stick in your mind.

I had the good fortune to listen to Pen Densham speak to writers in person, and I was absolutely thrilled to read this book and find that it reads as clearly and enthusiastically as he speaks. Pen has a true gift for inspiring people, and it's very evident in Riding the Alligator. This book is helpful for any creative artist, with theoretical and practical advice. The fact he includes the thoughts of other many other screenwriters and delivers highlights of some other screenplay writing books makes it not only a great book, but a damn great value!

What makes Densham's book stand out from other screenwriting guides is its focus on fostering and assisting creativity, not controlling it. By talking about writing in terms of a few simple key concepts, many perspectives of advice from successful writers, and plenty of inspiration, reading this book makes you excited about your work. An excellent resource not just for writers but for anyone in the entertainment industry. The personable and honest prose puts you back in touch with the important core of filmmaking: passion.

Riding the Alligator has a lot of good advice for writing a screenplay - practical techniques that I haven't seen elsewhere. But the real gift of this book is the warm advice Pen gives on creating the mindset and the environment that makes writing a career and even an enjoyable career. Pen describes the frame of mind required to be a good writer in a very inclusive way. He is a Mentor who has set his mind on your success in the field of screenwriting. I pick this up when I need a lift to get me back on track with my career.