Advance to Adaptation
By Kristina Rienzi

Do you want your book turned into a movie? Does it seem like a dream that will never come true? 

If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Most authors dream about their stories on screen. But Hollywood isn’t breaking down doors. There are more writers than ever, and plenty of material for them to be super picky. Besides, unlike self-publishing, self-movie making doesn’t exist. 

Or does it…

Maybe not, yet. But let’s explore what we CAN do as writers. 

Let’s make a movie

You’re an author, which means you’re a writer at heart and craft. You may have only written books in your career, but you can write more. I promise. 

A writer is a writer is a writer. 

Say that ten times fast! If you know STORY, which you do, then the only thing to learn is the format. You’ve created characters, plot, dialogue, subplots, twists, turns, climaxes, surprises…you’ve done it all. Don’t say you can’t write a screenplay. Because you can! 

Maybe you don’t know how. Maybe you let fear take over. Maybe, just maybe, you’re afraid of success. Shocking? Truthfully, most of us are afraid of success. Why? Because we have imposter syndrome and we don’t feel worthy. I mean, who am I to write a screenplay? Who are you? And, to that, I say…

WHO ARE WE NOT TO DO IT! 

Now that you’re validated with permission you didn’t need, let’s discuss HOW to do it. 

Casting

Your first step is to pick one of your books, cast your story and characters. Whether you have one book or 200, you must start somewhere. 

I chose WINTER ROAD, my domestic holiday thriller. The reason was simple: it fit the mold. It’s a fast paced, mainly action and dialogue, mainstream story of obsession and revenge. A romantic relationship gone awry, who can’t relate to that? Add in the holidays, the element of surprise, and mortal fear and it’s a mainstream hit. Or so I hope. It also takes place in one location (mainly) so it would be easy and inexpensive to film. 

These are the decisions you’ll need to make when choosing the book you’re going to adapt. Consider genre, location, and mass audience appeal or the buzz worthy term: high concept, which always works.

Now, the choice is yours since you’re the scriptwriter. Choose wisely, but most importantly, trust yourself.

Fade In

Next, pick an online screenwriting program. Final Draft is the industry fave. Fade In is a close second. If you’re not ready to invest in either, try an online program like Celtx. The best part? It’s FREE. I started with Celtx and transitioned to Fade In once I got into a (screen)writing groove. Writing programs like Scrivener have screenplay templates. However, if you want a professional tool, get a screenwriting program. 

Then, upload your manuscript and go!

CUT!

No seriously, cut and cut some more. 

Adaptation is not for the faint of heart. Most of your beautiful prose belongs on the cutting room floor. Screenplays are not flowery. They don’t have purple prose like the stories we love. They’re sharp-witted, clever and straight to the POINT. Use the LEAST words possible. An action scene is three to four sentences TOPS. That means you’re deleting five paragraphs for that content. It hurts, but it’s for the greater good of your characters on screen. You’re writing a movie. Tough love.

Bring your book to life, again. Resurrect your story in a new way. Rebirth your babies. Reincarnate your ideas. You’re in charge, do it boldly and leave no extra words behind. When you see your name in the credits, you’ll thank me. 

 

ACTION!

Finally, edit away. Make sure your screenplay is literally ONLY action and dialogue. That’s it. Start there. Once you translate it from novel to screenplay, mess with the formatting. There are a ton of resources online, like Writer’s Digest, where you can take classes (like I did) on adaptation, formatting, and connecting with filmmakers looking for your story. 

They’re out there, I promise that, too. 

I also promise they can’t make a movie from your book until you write it. Sure, you can rely on someone else to do it, but WHY? You’re a writer!  Stretch those writing muscles, learn something new, take a chance, and put your luck and success in your hands. 

Remember, you have what it takes to make your book the best movie ever. Make your characters come alive on film. Do the work.  You’ve got this! 

~Kristina

Get the book Kristina is adapting into a screenplay, WINTER ROAD. This bestselling domestic thriller is available in digital, print and audio on all platforms.

 

HOLIDAY ROAD
On the heels of a bad breakup, Amelia Montgomery heads home for the holidays. Her hometown is a far cry from the metropolis where she lives now, but not nearly far enough away from Jake Grayson.

TERROR ROAD
Amelia’s family festivities turn terrifying when a distraught Jake shows up uninvited on the Montgomery’s doorstep. Jake will not stop until he possesses Amelia; one way or another, she will be his.

DEADLY ROAD
In a chilling nightmare, one man’s obsession is so evil, it’s deadly. Amelia must fight for her life, and the lives of those she loves most, in the only place she’s ever called home…WINTER ROAD.

 

About Kristina:

Kristina Rienzi is a critically acclaimed multi-genre author of twisty thrillers and applied psychology diving headfirst into the world of screenwriting. When she’s not writing or mom-ing hard, Kristina is watching Lifetime or Hallmark, singing to Yacht Rock Radio or rooting for the WVU Mountaineers. She lives at the Jersey Shore with her husband and daughter. Connect with Kristina at www.KristinaRienzi.com.