Endorsed by major award-winners
Daniel Joshua Rubin’s 27 Essential Principles of Story: Master the Secrets of Great Storytelling, from Shakespeare to South Park is recommended by people who have won the Pulitzer Prize for playwriting, and the Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody awards.
“This is the straight dope – all the tools you need to craft a hell of a great story.”
“Read – and then re-read – this elegant exploration of storytelling.”
“Daniel Joshua Rubin is the Sensei of Story!”
“I usually hate books like this. But I keep this one on my desk and refer to it often. Strong rec!”
“Dan is a master of narrative craft and his book will help you become one too.”
“So often people ask me if there’s a book on story I can recommend. This is the one.”
“It’s my business to find and read books on story structure. This is one of the best I’ve ever read.”
Real people. Real passion.

“Get this book immediately!”J. Quinton JohnsonActor, Hamilton






Readers on Goodreads, Amazon and beyond rave…

Galesburg, IL
“Here in prison I dont have a computer or the internet which limits the resources i can access when developing and writing my stories. That is why the books i purchase must be well written and comprehensive for them to be effective and motivating to use… let alone take up space in my property box. From page one i was enthralled by ideas and help Daniel Joshua Rubin gives in his book, “27 Essential Principles of Story”. Danny’s active writing style was as if i had my own personal writing expert helping guide my story to completion.
I think I figured out Danny’s secret formula. Every principle is followed by a real ” How a Master Did It” example as well as a “Mini Final Exam”, which I would always cheat and check out first before reading the chapter. I had a grin on my face as I read the book and all of Danny’s principles rang true getting the furthest recesses of this old brain of mine firing on all cylinders. How could I in here get so lucky and find a writing guide written by a genius! It was like opening a window into my prison cell and allowed the sun to shine in.
Another great example of the 27 Principles is that I can jump around to the principle that can best help my current story’s road block, whatever stage i am in that story’s development. This allows me to diagnose the weakness in the story and make revisions on the fly in the end making my story great. Also i typed out the headings of all 3 parts of the book and listed all 27 Principles as a reference guide which I keep in the book and use as a bookmark. This make for a great tool as I read the story I am working on , I can quickly scan the list to reference that page.
Today knowing how much use my copy of the book will get, I taped its edges and binding to make sure it can handle all the wear and tear I’m going to put it through. That’s why I want to thank Danny for developing a great tool for writers of all types.”
Sam BaderWriter and producer
“Daniel’s book, 27 Essential Principles of Story is a must-read for anyone who wishes to write a screenplay, either for the first time or to get back to the fundamentals. It offers guidance that anyone can tap into and one can really feel his passion, sensitivity, and commitment to his readers throughout every page.”

“The 27 Essential Principles of Story has given me the freedom I was digging for. Showing me my thoughts on building character depth and allowing me to go deeper, much more simply, uncovering the beauty in less is more. Dan’s principles have opened me up to become more confident in my skill as a storyteller and has created pavement for my artistry to be palatable for all. The book is keeping me motivated to work!”

“The book, 27 Essential Principles of Story played a key role in helping me get into the dramatic writing MFA program at NYU. You can have a great idea for a play, but to realize it takes proper structure. The essential principles of plot helped me organize my story and the other principles led to consistently better and more authentic creative decisions. Everyone who wants to write narrative stories in any medium should read this book.”
“This book is a writer’s best friend”
“This book’s examples of each essential principle is so interesting that I think anyone would enjoy reading it… I’ve been recommending it to everyone.”
“This is a fantastic craft book. Even with my MFA I gained so much and I love the way Rubin explains and illustrates concepts!”
“Amazingly informative.”
“Five stars because I can’t give it six!”
“A masterclass in plotting and storytelling.”
“Daniel Joshua Rubin gives you everything you need to learn how to develop fantastic stories. My copy is dog-eared and sporting Post-Its. I don’t consider my plays complete unless I run them through the 27 Essential Principles of Story test. Thank you Daniel!”
“This is such a brilliant resource.”
“If you’re a writer in any genre or medium you must read this book.”
“This is hands down the best book on writing I have ever read”
“This is a terrific book.”
DJR’s workshops and consulting
“I really enjoyed every minute of it. DJR is an excellent teacher – funny, straightforward and most importantly, authentic. There is no BS, which is so refreshing. The material was a home run.”
“The principles my daughter learned, and the confidence she gained as a writer, are invaluable as she starts college.”
“Daniel was instrumental in harnessing all of the raw energy and passion of my writing and transforming it into art. His method of success can be traced directly to his ability to get his students to master the principles and structure of classic storytelling. It’s Daniel’s unique approach to the instruction that creates for such a fun and collaborative experience, but what’s most essential, is the way he challenges you to keep pushing your writing to a higher level. He’s the ultimate coach, and looking back, with several scripts now under my belt, I know I never could have gotten this far without him.”
“With fearless abandon, Daniel is a truly riveting speaker, every “lesson” wrapped in a funny, engaging anecdote. Like a super-sized burrito of delight. I would recommend this class not just to writers and wannabe writers, but to anybody that wants to be wiser and more enlightened about how to tell a story that someone else may actually want to hear.”
“Daniel Rubin’s story workshop isn’t just for writers. We as human beings all communicate largely through storytelling, and utilizing his unique process to form and shape the stories you tell will help make you better understood and appreciated no matter who your audience is.”
“Jam-packed with information, this workshop provides all the tools for writers at any stage of their career. Highly recommended.”
“DJR is a passionate writer who is fiercely devoted to his craft and obsessed with defining and sharing the principles of great storytelling. Writers of all levels will leave his stimulating course armed with the tools and motivation to complete the stories they’ve been longing to tell.”
“Daniel’s writing intensive was the most profitable workshop I’ve ever been a part of. Instead of trying to teach the ambiguous art of writing, he supplies and equips his students with a practical and thorough guide that allows anyone to recognize any piece of writing intelligently. Since the storytelling workshop, I have enjoyed reading and writing more than I ever have. I can’t recommend it enough!”
“Daniel has a refreshingly audacious approach to teaching that rewards his students with not only confidence and guidance, but a strong sense of awareness that mastering key elements of story structure allows you to break all of the rules and write the story that you were born to tell. Two feature length screenplays later, I still refer to my notes from Daniel’s seminars and use his methodical approach to clarity as a guideline to my writing.”
Critics RAVE…
“Perfect for any writer looking to ensure their stories operate and resonate at the top of their potential.”
“This is the new bible of lessons and practices for creators.”
“This is a no-brainer for both pro and would-be novelists.”
Inspiring storytellers around the world



Translated into Korean, Chinese and Russian
Hat tip to South Korea for their cover art: a pencil through the heart. Well done.
Start with the first principle

Ask the dramatic question. Answer it.
That’s story. This chapter shows you how to set it up. Yours free
Get the book Read a free chapter