How many times have we seen a great movie only to find out it was based on a book? Probably more times than we can count. Films based on books have won countless awards, including the prestigious Oscar award. Forrest Gump, Twelve Years a Slave, and To Kill a Mockingbird are just a few of the memorable ones.

When we watch an unforgettable film, we often wonder what inspired that captivating plot. A great film leaves us wondering what is the backstory and how can we learn more about it. The fact is, films based on books do better than those based on original screenplays. A 2018 Forbes article quotes that film adaptations of books gross 44% more at the U.K. box office and a full 53% more worldwide than films based on original screenplays. Not only that, the same article highlights that 43% of the top 20 highest-grossing films in the U.K from 2007 to 2016 were books made into movies. 

Not only do films based on books do better at the box office, but books made into movies tend to have higher sales too. A very good reason why authors are always interested in seeing their book hit the big screen. So, what turns a great book into a movie? Read on to learn five tips every author should keep in mind when writing a book that could become the next box office hit.

Extraordinary Settings

What could be more visually exciting than Lord of the Rings (1954) and the setting of Middle Earth? It is speculated that J.R.R. Tolkien was inspired by the Irish countryside when creating his setting for the series of books. Middle Earth became one of the most fascinating aspects of the books and was aptly translated on screen through Peter Jackson’s expert direction. But it was Tolkien's detailed description of the setting that helped to create Jackson's masterpiece on screen. Tolkien's experience with philosophy, studying medieval literature, mythology and architecture all combined to create this picturesque land. Indeed, Lord of the Rings will go down as one of the best books to film adaptations simply because of the beautiful imagery that Jackson brought to life in the film. So, one tip for writing books that could be made into movies, is to create a setting for your book that becomes an important part of your plot. The setting should not remain in the background but appear in the forefront of your book and capture your audience’s attention. The setting can be something that evolves as your book progresses and compliments your character triumphs and downfalls. Your setting will anchor your story in time and place and should deserve as much attention as one of your main characters.

Interesting Characters

Count Olaf in A Series of Unfortunate Events (1999) by Daniel Handler (pen name Lemony Snicket) is a perfect example of a multidimensional character that one cannot help but recall long after reading the series of books. In the book to film adaptation, the character provides audiences with a visceral, dark and shadowy figure that jumps off screens, mesmerising them. His selfish, scheming and untrustworthy nature are expertly played by John Carrey and in the Netflix series by Neil Patrick Harris. If you are looking to write a TV series based on books, then having riveting central characters is essential. What is more important is that your characters should evolve and grow as your plot progresses. Creating characters that audiences can grow to love are more likely to get your book noticed and possibly lead to book to movie adaptation. In the book The Blind Side (2006), based on the real-life story of NFL player Michael Oher, we are presented with an impoverished boy who overcomes all odds to play football professionally. The book and movie displayed characters that we can sympathise with and relate to. Audiences were won over by these genuine and honest real-life people that had heartfelt stories to tell. In short, sympathetic, multi-layered characters will relate more with your readers and audiences and increase the chances of your book being adapted to a movie.

Driving and Page Turning Plot

The best films based on books have captivating plots that keep the audience guessing. If you want a bestseller that will make it to the silver screen, you need a solid narrative with a plot that moves at a comfortable pace. Gone Girl (2012) by Gillian Flynn is the perfect example of a book to film adaptation that holds the audience at the edge of their seat while guessing what might happen next. The book moves at a fast pace that makes readers question what happened. The book proved to be the perfect screenplay,  directed by acclaimed director David Fincher best known for films like Seven, The Social Network and Zodiac. The film did so well that it set a record for Fincher, grossing $369.3 million to date. The book did not do too badly itself, selling more than 15 million copies. But having a solid narrative arc and basic beginning, middle, and end for each subplot can help drive the direction of your story. To see this in action; the Enola Holmes series of books written by Nancy Springer is an example of a driving plot that keeps the reader engaged. Put simply: want your next book to become the next box office hit? Make sure it has a page-turning plot.

Descriptive Language

Screenplays have a section before each scene that describes the scene before it starts. Using vivid imagery descriptions in your books will help screenplay writers describe scenes. Great writers create visual pictures in their readers’ minds when they write. Their readers can feel, hear, taste and smell what the writer is trying to describe. The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, effectively uses adjectives throughout the book and descriptive narrations to describe settings, characters, and events. Symbolism is used to a great extent throughout the book in the form of colours, objects, places and characters, and this translates well on screen while making a movie. The book has been adapted to films four times, with the most recent adaptation starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and directed by Baz Luhrmann. In each adaptation, there was one theme in common: Fitzgerald’s descriptive narrative played an important part in each film. Using descriptive language in your book will help screenplay writers translate your work so it can be effectively shown on the big screen.

Make it Personal

Movies based on books are great, but films based on books about real-life stories are even better. We've all seen those movies based on real-life events or inspired by real-life stories, and they make an impression on the audience. Knowing what you are watching happened to someone in real life results in a connection forming between you and the characters on screen. The same goes for books inspired by real-life events. In The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) by Chris Gardner, we follow the story of a homeless man who raised his son on the tough streets of San Francisco and went on to become a big player on Wall Street. The movie was released in 2006 and starred Will Smith, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in the film. This film was also based on a book and received accolades from audiences for its depiction of a father who struggles to raise his son while being homeless and living on the streets. Similarly, the book to movie adaptation of Take It from Me: Life's a Struggle but You Can Win by Erin Brokovich won audiences over. The film based on the book titled Erin Brokovich told the story of an unemployed single mother who is desperate to find a job. Her perseverance leads her to become involved in a lawsuit that may become one of the biggest class-action lawsuits in American history. Both of these films represent how powerful real-life events can be when depicted on the big screen. If you are aspiring for your book to be made into a movie, then writing something inspired by your life events can increase the chances. Relatable real-life circumstances touch audiences and create an association that is not easily forgotten.

What is important to remember is writing a book is very different from writing a screenplay. Both require storytelling, but the method of going about them is different. Books that require a large amount of narration and internal dialogue are less likely to see a book to film adaptation. When writing a book, we should ask ourselves whether we see our story being read or being watched. Essentially you should focus on your book and making it the best it can be. A great story, interesting characters and a plot that makes readers turn pages is what will hold your audience and potential directors. Put simply: if you keep the above tips in mind, not only will you have a great book, but the opportunity of turning that great book into a well-received film.

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