Which Lie Did I Tell?

Which Lie Did I Tell? is William Goldman's candid exploration of Hollywood screenwriting, following his acclaimed first memoir Adventures in the Screen Trade. The book chronicles Goldman's experiences writing major films from the 1980s and 1990s, including The Princess Bride, Misery, and Maverick. Goldman examines the complex dynamics between writers, directors, and studio executives through detailed accounts of his projects, both successful and failed. He breaks down the practical realities of screenwriting, analyzing script development, production challenges, and the often painful process of seeing stories transformed from page to screen. The book includes Goldman's analysis of classic screenplay scenes, technical instruction for aspiring writers, and unproduced script excerpts with feedback from industry professionals. His behind-the-scenes stories reveal the politics, personalities, and competing interests that shape modern filmmaking. This memoir captures both the craft of screenwriting and the volatile nature of Hollywood, illustrating how artistic vision must constantly navigate commercial demands and industry relationships.

Readers describe this as a worthy follow-up to Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade, with honest insights into Hollywood screenwriting. The conversational tone and behind-the-scenes stories about films like Princess Bride and Butch Cassidy engage readers who want to learn about the craft. Readers appreciated: - Detailed breakdowns of screenplay mechanics - Personal anecdotes from film productions - Practice scenarios and writing exercises - Frank discussion of industry realities Common criticisms: - Less focused than Adventures in the Screen Trade - Some repetition from his previous book - Dated references and examples - Writing exercises feel basic to experienced writers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (180+ ratings) As one Amazon reviewer noted: "Goldman gives you the nuts and bolts of screenwriting while keeping you entertained with his war stories." A Goodreads user countered: "The advice is solid but the Hollywood stories overshadow the actual writing instruction."

Adventures in the Screen Trade by William Goldman A screenwriter shares experiences from Hollywood's inner workings during the 1970s and 1980s.

On Writing by Stephen King A master storyteller reveals his path from novice to professional while explaining the mechanics of writing for different mediums.

Making Movies by Sidney Lumet A director breaks down the filmmaking process from script selection through post-production with examples from classic films.

Notes on Directing by Frank Hauser and Russell Reich Two theater veterans present practical instruction for stage direction based on decades of experience.

The Kid Stays in the Picture by Robert Evans A Hollywood producer chronicles his rise from actor to studio head with stories about the creation of The Godfather, Chinatown, and other films.

🎬 Goldman famously coined the phrase "Nobody knows anything" about Hollywood, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the film industry's success. 📝 The book's title comes from the author's belief that screenwriters must constantly choose which "lies" (creative liberties) to tell to make a story work on screen. 🏆 William Goldman won Academy Awards for his screenplays of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969) and "All the President's Men" (1976). 🎭 Before focusing on screenwriting, Goldman wrote several novels, including "Marathon Man" and "The Princess Bride," which he later adapted into successful films. 📚 The book includes Goldman's detailed analysis of the famous "I'll have what she's having" scene from "When Harry Met Sally," despite not having written it himself, demonstrating his ability to appreciate and analyze others' work.