So you want to be a screenwriter! Well you're not alone. Frankly, I've never met a writer who hasn't harbored that dream. Today's blog is designed to help you achieve your goal (or at least get a shot at it).

The handsome rascal in the accompanying photo is a writer and Hollywood insider by the name of Skip Press. I've corresponded with him off and on for several years but have never actually met him. I do, however, know a lot about him— and it's all good. Skip knows how the film business works, and buying one or more of his books is the smartest thing you'll ever do if you're serious about becoming a professional screenwriter.

Skip's latest book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting, is worth the cover price and then some. This book is packed with useful information, so do yourself a favor and buy it. You'll find it at Amazon.com and most bookstores.

I also recommend that you take a close look at Skip's Web site. You'll find a lot of useful information there, including details on his professional services. His prices are reasonable and his advice is worth the money. Fair warning: This Hollywood pro is not going to puff you up just because you're paying him, so be prepared.

Screenwriting software: By all means, invest in a good screenwriting software program. They're all easy to master (if you can hit "tab" and "return" you're almost home free), and they automatically format your story to strict Hollywood standards as you type. Here are links to some of the best programs available (and most offer a free trial download): Final Draft, Scriptware, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Sophocles, and Montage (my personal favorite for the Mac). These are the programs used by most Hollywood writers. —Ray Hoy, Producer