Episode · How I Write · 2026-06-24
David Perell & Andrew Stanton: books mentioned on How I Write
'Toy Story 5' Director Reveals His Writing Secrets (Andrew Stanton Interview)
Andrew Stanton recommended How Not to Write a Screenplay by Denny Martin Flinn, and discussed The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri and The Godfather by Mario Puzo.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The Art of Dramatic Writing
Lajos Egri's classic work provides foundational guidance on the core principles of character-driven storytelling and dramatic conflict.
Discussed“I was very inspired by reading a book about playwriting in the '40s called The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri. I've read every book that there is about screenwriting and about stories, and that one spoke to me, and he has a a belief about”
Where to get it
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The Godfather
The Godfather by Mario Puzo is a classic crime novel that chronicles the fictional Corleone mafia family and explores themes of power, loyalty, and corruption.
Discussed“Judith Weston, who is a acting coach, taught me this term. And she gave a good example that like Michael Corleone in The Godfather, his spine is to please his father, and that never goes away even after his father dies all the way through the second Godfather movie.”
Where to get it
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How Not to Write a Screenplay
How Not to Write a Screenplay by Denny Martin Flinn is a practical and instructional guide that breaks down the essential rules, formats, and structural mechanics of professional screenwriting.
Recommended“Which sounds like the kind of book that that you would avoid in a bookstore. But it is so smart and clear about the basics of formatting and a screenplay and how not just in formatting, but how to make somebody want to turn the page and keep reading.”
Where to get it
