Story: Style, Structure, Substance, and the Principles of Screenwriting

An excellent book on story and screenplay. While McKee mainly discusses and gives examples from screenplays (as the title suggests), his principles and advice are universal to any storyteller; screenwriter, novelist, or otherwise. McKee gives practical advice; not vague musings on the subject of writing and story, but solid principles and workable, step-by-step solutions and tactics. Even if you don't agree with every point he makes, it is guaranteed to get you looking at your work with new eyes and give you the tools and ideas to craft a better story.