talkmagic.co.uk

Scripting and Storytelling for Paranormal Entertainers by Stephen Ward
Available from Stephen himself, http://www.stephengaryward.com/products.html , PDF £15.00, paperback £20.00.

And also from
http://www.dudethatscoolmagic.co.uk/aca ... lling.html - £15.00
http://unleashyourdreams.co.uk/Unleash_ ... Ebook.html - £15.00
http://www.lybrary.com/stephen-ward-m-77816.html - $21.00
and in hardback from:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Stephen_Ward - £30.00

Stephen has produced a most useful volume on the aspect of scripting in Paranormal shows and routines, given that the paranormal/bizarre entertainer will be using the bare minimum of active props, the presentation and background research are even more essential than in other aspects of entertainment. A very pleasant surprise was to find that, eat the end of each section, Stephen rather cheekily sets several exercise to be done by the reader to reinforce the thinking and start the reader’s own through processes off. A nice touch!

Books are always difficult to review, the main problems is how to do justice to the information contained in them without giving too much away. To avoid this problem I’ll use my usual dodge – the contents listing and some brief comments about what’s in them! After the introduction from Nik Taylor we get:

PART I RESEARCH & FINDING YOUR MUSE
Very thorough details on why to script, some ideas on themes and timescales to use along with plenty of advice about where to look.

PART II SCRIPT PLANNING & WRITING
Reasons why, how to do the initial work, moving on to the final version using properly structured methods of start, middle and end.

PART III CREATING A FULL SHOW
Stephen discusses the different types of show, Strolling (yes, bizarre can be done on the move!) Static, Séance, After Dinner and Psychic as well as how to choose the effects, the common factors affecting shows and the basics of linking effects properly.

PART IV THE BASICS OF STORYTELLING
Whilst we all think we can tell a good story, this section is essential reading and gives thoughts on the type of character/persona to use, a selection of popular character types, and, most important, the need to practice until perfect.

Appendix I USEFUL SOURCES
Detailing other books and works to read and a selection of very useful websites specialising in the kind of information most useful to the paranormal and bizarre routine.

APPENDIX II THE STRANGE CASE OF MR GREEN
Stephen uses his classic routine featuring Mr Green at various stages in the book and this section gives the full routine as used by Stephen very successfully in his commercial bookings.

APPENDIX III THE HAMMER EFFECT BY LORD FREDDIE VALENTINE
and
APPENDIX IV MYSTERY BY LORD FREDDIE VALENTINE Superb bonus chapters by Freddie detailing a couple of classic routines as well as an essay on how to avoid some common mistakes in performances.

Make no mistake, this is a work which will be of immense value to any performer who is inclined towards the darker side of things but the contents apply equally to the family entertainer wishing to put on a spooky show, perhaps for Halloween, where scaring people witless isn't the main requirement but entertaining them is! Well worth the price and highly commended.

Thank you so much Mandrake! Everything within that book is how i plan, research and create my shows. There is no pitch book material here, just words from my rather strange mind. This is how i create scripts and shows for real paying audiences in the real world. May i also thank Nik Taylor for his hard work in proof reading and supplying the lovely introduction. Also a huge thanks to my good friend Lord Freddie for being as weird as me and supplying some great bonus material. Also a big shout out to Paul Voodini (themagicwand) whose lovely books inspired me to write my own.

The dealers offer instant download (Unleash your dreams for UK) and i send files out quickly (but allow for time difference if you live outside the UK). Just a point about 'Mr Green', it is a complete story that you can tell. You will easily find effects to add to the story (and if you get stuck i will be happy to help!) or adapt to suit you.

This is a really valuable book which I am proud to be involved with.
Stephen has provided a masterclass in elevating your performances beyond mere trickery until they become something with meaning which your audience can emotionally connect with.
This book deserves to be a huge success and the wise will digest this information and turn their performances into something extraordinary.

I will just add my voice to the general chorus of approval. This is a very good book that is well worth owning by anybody remotely interested in mentalism and the bizarre. Stephen has put his heart and soul (quite literally ) into this work, and his dedication to his art form shines through.

Thank you all very much! I hope to begin work on a second project soon.

Well I'm only just past half way, but already feel I've had my moneys worth. Lots of good food for thought.

Thanks! If you have an questions please let me know either by PM or here. I hope you liked the Chicken joke! i was worried some people would find it silly but i think it makes the point well.

I now have instant downloads on my site, so lots of buying options now!

I'm really loving this book, full of some great ideas and tips that so many people out there performing really should read. As Mandrake said, it is aimed more at the bizare or paranormal entertainer but the information is just as vaild to them as it is to any area of magic.

I like to pride myself on taking the time to be original and different with my routines but this book has given me quite a bit to think about and plenty of ways in which I can improve the way I do things.

I likes it!

Now i feel pink & fluffy! Thank you for the kind words. These are things that work for me and will work for others. I do have another project planned for the regular magicians.

Facebook special offer! You can purchase the PDF for £10 when you buy direct from me. You need to use the 'add to cart' button and when asked to input the discount code enter FB01. This will give you £5 off!

http://www.stephengaryward.com/scripting-book.html

You can also get my new magic performance notes for only £3! Using the code FB02

http://www.stephengaryward.com/the-notes-series.html

Limited offer.

It is Now also available via Mind Shocks.

http://mindshocks.com/products/scriptin ... tertainers