What Writers & Storytellers Say
On the Book
“Stop Writing! encourages the writer to dissect multiple facets of story, character, and world-building before writing “Fade In.” Don’t write a word until you go through this must-read book. David’s concepts will change how you write.”
Erica Messer
From her foreword · showrunner & executive producer, Criminal Minds
“STOP WRITING! is an extraordinary act of generosity. David has engineered how to translate ideas to the page — and he’s sharing that knowledge. I’ve never come across a better guide for writers.”
Adam R. Perlman
Writer & producer, Billions, The Good Wife, The Newsroom
“As a Broadway, television, and film producer, I’ve worked with writers at every stage of development—and for nearly two decades, David Cornue has been one of my most trusted collaborators. I’ve come to rely on his rare combination of creative brilliance, deep empathy, and razor-sharp storytelling instincts. What makes Stop Writing! so exceptional is that David understands that great writing isn’t only about mastering the tools of storytelling; it’s about understanding the writer’s mindset at every stage of the creative journey. He guides writers through the questions, uncertainty, discovery, and inevitable challenges of developing a story, while providing a clear methodology that helps them move forward without ever compromising their individual voice. As a producer, I find that equally invaluable: David gives writers and their collaborators a shared language for the delicate process of bringing a story to life. Whether for stage or screen, these fundamentals are rock solid. Stop Writing! belongs on the shelf alongside Save the Cat! and Robert McKee’s Story—but David moves the conversation forward. This isn’t a formula for how to write; it’s a transformative way to think about writing. Every writer I know should have this book within arm’s reach.”
Jennifer Maloney-Prezioso
Tony & Emmy Award-winning producer
“I’ve always maintained that the most important thing to solve in writing a successful musical is the structure. One can always improve music, lyrics and dialogue, but none of that matters if the structure isn’t sound. David Cornue’s book provides excellent advice and techniques as to how to achieve a strong workable structure, along with valuable tips about when and how to receive feedback, how to consider often-overlooked things like tone, voice, subtext, etc. For a beginner, this is a great way to start to think about writing, and for the more experienced of us, it always helps to be reminded.”
Stephen Schwartz
Composer & lyricist, Wicked, Pippin, The Prince of Egypt
“A ridiculously intelligent and insightful book. When I started teaching, sports was the only model I had, and John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success has been my consistent companion ever since. David’s pyramid is extraordinary. More interdependent, built for combining the creative mind with practical practice. You can look at it and see how it all works together. A stroke of genius.”
Bob Krakower
Acting teacher & on-camera coach
“An amazing accomplishment. STOP WRITING! is a must-read not just for screenwriters, novelists, and playwrights, but for producers, executives, and agents as well. Anyone who wants to tell great stories should read this book. What sets it apart from every other craft book is David’s authentic, disciplined, and relatable voice. He is the trusted guide every storyteller needs.”
Lloyd Segan
Executive producer, Wild Cards, The Dead Zone, Greek
“I wrote and produced television series for twenty-five years, and penned three novels. Then I read David’s groundbreaking book, and it opened my eyes to a new and better creative approach. You can teach old dogs new tricks.”
Grant Rosenberg
Showrunner & author of the Gideon novels
“I created software for your stories. Cornue’s book is software for your mind. Read it first, then come to the blank page. I promise it won’t be blank for long.”
Marc Madnick
Co-Founder & CEO, Final Draft
“Stop Writing is the ultimate road map to sort out all the crazy roads your brain goes down when sitting down to write. Damn, I wish I’d had it for all the bumpy back roads I traveled to finish my own projects. David Cornue is not just a prolific and gifted writer, he’s created a brilliant ‘how to’ guide, so you can be too.”
Iris Rainer Dart
Author of Beaches
“In the brilliantly imagined book, ‘Stop Writing!’ David Cornue has attended to every detail a writer needs to break through in episodic and feature film. From the format of the essential one-sheet, to the beats of a tremendous story, to the art of capturing dynamic dialogue, this book is both practical and inviting. Thank you, David, for your commitment and guidance.”
Susan Youssef
Film Advisor, Yale University
“Every film begins with a script. David Cornue has given us a creative map to follow. We filmmakers applaud his detailed approach to a Green Light.”
Karen Arthur
Emmy-winning television director
“STOP WRITING! belongs on every writer’s desk. David’s advice is precise without being prescriptive. He gives tools, not doctrine. If you’ve ever written yourself into gridlock, David shows a way out.”
Johnathan McClain
Novelist; co-writer & EP of The Outfit
“David has a way of explaining complicated concepts in a way that makes them understandable and actionable. He is one of the few early readers I trust to give me feedback. His advice is always supportive, on point, and elevates every script I send to him.”
Trevor Munson
Screenwriting teacher, USC
“A complete framework. The way David tracks the writer’s mindset throughout the process isn’t just helpful. It’s groundbreaking. I plan to recommend it to every student.”
Steve Morris
NYFA teacher & host of The Cine-Files
“As a teacher, I use STOP WRITING! to help students develop their stories. As a writer, I use the book and software for inspiration and clarity. David makes writers feel seen, and the process feel possible.”
Greg Johnson
NYFA teacher & writer of The Last Son, Old Guy
“Should be required reading for anyone trying to write—or trying to write better. David Cornue has created a brilliant toolbox that changed my entire process. I’ll return to this gold mine for years.”
Xander Bernstein
Save the Cat! competition winner
“STOP WRITING! is a graduate level education in writing — only cheaper and more useful. Smart, practical, personal — like having a trusted mentor within arm’s reach.”
Lauren Otero
Writer, The Umbrella Academy, Undone
“Stop Writing! transformed how I develop a story. I went from endless drafts to selling my pilot in one draft. This isn’t just a tool — it’s a complete paradigm shift.”
Cindy Fang
Staff writer, Fresh Off the Boat, Young Rock
“My writing career falls into two eras: before and after reading STOP WRITING! Once you try this approach, there’s no turning back.”
Alex Goldberg
Award-winning playwright; film writer & director
From the Coaching Room
Before the book existed, the method did. Writers from my Chapter workshops and private coaching, in their own words.
“Chapter is like a writing group on steroids. Not only do you get insightful and executable feedback, but David’s story breaking system takes what is normally a daunting process and distills it into easily understandable pieces. It’s completely changed the way I write.”
Cindy Fang
Writer, Young Rock, Fresh Off the Boat, Rush Hour
“Chapter is by far the best TV writing course we’ve ever taken as a team. David has created an experience for writers that reminds us why we love the craft. We were pushed and encouraged to dig deep, search, and discover the stories we were most passionate about and genuinely wanted to tell. We also broke new ground in breaking story. David’s incredible tools and methods had us looking at story, themes, and character from an all-new perspective. Thanks to Chapter, breaking story has become less of a daunting challenge and more of an exciting step in the process of writing a television pilot.”
Janeika & Jasheika James
Creators of Philly Reign; writers on Empire, Gossip Girl, Bel-Air
“The crème de la crème of writing courses, I consider Chapter my grad school. David’s well-structured ten-week course has completely transformed the way I break and write scripts. No matter what level of experience, you’ll leave Chapter a better creative thinker and writer.”
Lauren Otero
Writer, Wednesday, Umbrella Academy, Undone, Girl Meets World
“Even after being in TV and on staff for years, I find David and his methods to be revelatory and revolutionary. I’m learning a new approach to the pilot that works and challenges me each week. Chapter is, bar none, the best writing group I’ve ever been in. The peers, the notes and the support are fantastic! I hope to go through it again.”
Vincent Brown
WGA Award-winning television writer
“Chapter is the best writing class in town. David’s understanding of story and structure are impeccable, and the syllabus is smartly designed. A perfect intensive course for those who want to buckle down and get a script done.”
Elisa Lomnitz Climent
Writer, Hawkeye, Mrs. Davis, Sorry For Your Loss, Queen of the South
“Chapter really changed the way I write. By the end of the ten weeks, I came out with not only the best version of my initial idea possible but a whole new way of working. Nothing feels forced; there’s no ‘paradigm’ that we have to put our writing into. Rather, Chapter’s philosophy is quite simple: What’s true? David spends time with each writer and tailors his comments and his approach for that specific individual. In fact, to call it a class is a disservice. Chapter is really a masters-level graduate education. Going forward, I wouldn’t think to approach a project without applying what I learned.”
Ezra Nachman
Writer, Manifest, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Lethal Weapon
“You can be a working TV writer, and the process of developing and breaking sound stories can still feel illusory and scary. Luckily, there’s David. Through working with him in his Versed coaching, my eyes are opened to a new way of approaching storytelling: from a holistic place, and from the inside out. David is a gem to work with: generous with his time and creativity, and relentless in his quest to give you the tools you need to help you tell your authentic story. Creative healer, artistic visionary, spiritual guru – call it what you want, but David is more than a writing coach. I will definitely work with him again.”
Juliet Seniff
Writer, Angie Tribeca, Alex, Inc.
“When a talented fellow writer recommended this course unreservedly, I flew from London for the next available place, and I now wish I’d been able to do that twenty years ago! It combines thorough, reasoned and insightful analysis of every element of a successful screenplay combined with invaluable practical tips and, not least, David’s enviable ability to generate multiple pitches that overcome the most intractable of script problems.”
Gerald Cole
Screenwriter, author, freelance journalist (London)
“Working with David flat out changed me. I came to his class with a spark of an idea—one sentence—and in ten short weeks, with his genius-level guidance, I completed a pilot that is now being pitched to the town. I never thought it was possible to complete a full pilot in that amount of time—and I believe it’s my best work to date. He is completely committed to every student, and even after the class finished, he gave my work one final pass of notes. He truly wants you to succeed, and he makes it possible.”
Jill Bartlett
Writer, The Inspectors, Play Nice
“Taking David’s class is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I have completely changed the way I break story and I know that going forward, I will approach every new project with the tips and tricks I learned from him. The support he offers throughout made staring at a blank page less daunting. From his smart notes to his advice to his upbeat personality, David’s class was a joy from start to finish.”
Aubrey Villalobos Karr
Writer, Dynasty, Royal Pains
“Working with David privately on a comedy script transformed my writing 1000%. He invests in each writer so much that not only is the work stronger, but also your understanding of your world, your characters, and your story is far richer. There’s no doubt his tools and method made me a much better storyteller. And what’s funny is that I thought I hired a drama guy who would help me master structure, but as it turns out, he’s hilarious. His sense of comedy — and brilliant punch-ups — helped me create a story I love.”
Stacy Baker Masand
New York Times bestselling author
“Chapter is not for novice writers. David’s class is for professionals who can use a shot in the arm. In Chapter, you get personalized feedback, pitches to improve your work, and an approach to structure and breaking story that makes a whole hell of a lot of sense. I’m kicking myself for not doing the class earlier.”
Greg Johnson
Blacklist screenwriter & NYFA instructor, The Last Son, Old Guy
“Don’t wallow in screenwriting purgatory, work with David and get it done! I’ve never been in a writers’ group as efficient and effective as this one. David’s teachings organized and reignited my passion for writing, and you can’t beat his expertise and thoughtful feedback. He’s not just some dude teaching a class; it’s clear he actually cares about making you a better writer. Truly changed my method of working and how I will approach my writing on all future projects.”
Jason Klein
Award-winning filmmaker
“Hiring David as our script consultant was the best decision we could’ve made. He helped us completely transform it into the property we wanted to create in the first place, without ever compromising our vision. And the best part was how he took the time and effort to painstakingly go through each note, and work with us to make us better writers. We now feel even more confident and excited about our screenplay, and we have interest from a few different top production companies!”
Adam Huss & Adam Bucci
Writers, Power, Eastsiders
“Chapter is one of the best script clubs I have ever participated in. It is well-structured by David to have a smart and diverse group of writers, each sharing interesting and thoughtful opinions. This group is as much about honing your craft as it is about completing a new script. I highly recommend Chapter for anyone serious about a writing career.”
Chris Bythewood
Writer, Shots Fired
“Chapter is absolutely transforming for a writer. It’s a revolutionary story-breaking system that will change how you write and tap into creative power you may not know you had. Having attended Chapter sessions as solo writers, we were astonished by how the program works just as well, if not better, for writing teams. Not only did we go from concept to a complete first draft in 10 weeks, David encouraged us to develop the language and communication skills to work efficiently and maximize our creative output. David served as structure coach, creative mentor, and (writing team) marriage counselor.”
Alex Goldberg & Catia Ojeda
The team behind the feature film Closure
“I want to take it again! David’s Chapter class stands alone. I’m so grateful to have been led to this challenging and eye-opening experience. David’s approach to breaking story is enlightening and pushed my writing to the next level. He creates an intimate, supportive environment filled with smart voices who care about the writing process and each other’s success. I know of no other writing class where the creative and analytical processes so seamlessly meld together. Best writing class out there.”
Liz Iacuzzi
Television writer and creator
“I hate screenwriting books and structure, but I love Chapter. I watched my pilot get better and better and better, week after week after week. Left every session thinking how lucky I was to have found this group. Smart writers coupled with the best approach to structure I’ve experienced. Fueled not only my Chapter writing project but outside projects as well. Can’t recommend highly enough. I’ll be back.”
Andy Viner
Television & feature writer and director
“Taking David’s class was the best thing I could have done for my pilot and for my writing in general. He has a very specific and unique way of breaking down structure that helps you to create multi-dimensional stories, characters and worlds. The professional environment fostered in the group and the weekly feedback from all members helped me find my way through the creative fog one can get lost in. I am 100% a better writer because of it.”
Rowan Wheeler
Writer, Obliterated; Emmy-winning producer, Born This Way
“The first Sunday night after Chapter ended, I found myself missing it. The work throughout the ten-week session was challenging, of course, but the supportiveness of the group and the level at which everyone engaged in each other’s projects made doing that work so much more enjoyable and productive. His detailed, thoughtful notes and pitches on each writer’s project go unparalleled. In years of taking other courses and joining other groups around town, I’ve never gotten so much feedback and so many ideas on a project out of any class before compared to Chapter.”
Jess Lund
Television writer & lawyer