From Page to Screen: What Makes a Story Adaptable? Episode 56
- Donna Carbone
- Oct 1, 2025
- 4 min read
In this episode, Donna and Hope dive into the ever-evolving world of literary adaptations, exploring why so many novels are making their way to screens—both big and small. They break down the difference between loose and tight adaptations, share the essential qualities that make a novel ripe for adaptation, and examine the rising trend of limited series as the ideal format for complex storytelling. This episode is a must-listen for writers, book lovers and screen buffs alike.
Show Notes:
Number of films made from novels:
Roughly 30–50% of major films (especially in Hollywood) are adaptations, with novels being the most common source material
Novels come with built-in stories and sometimes built-in audiences.
Genres like crime thrillers, historical drama, romance, and YA fantasy are especially popular for adaptation.
Upward trend of series adaptations:
Publisher’s Marketplace data shows that, since 2000, several thousand literary adaptation deals have been made — and in recent years, TV (including limited series) deals have overtaken film deals for the first time
As of 2021, there were 125 literary adaptations in development across major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and HBO
Streaming platforms now favor limited‑series formats as they allow faithful storytelling of literary works too long or complex for feature films
Limited series give room for character depth and structural complexity—perfect for long novels or multi-threaded narratives
Loose vs. tight adaptation:
Tight Adaptation (aka faithful or direct adaptation):
Stays very close to the original text, maintains the main plot, characters, dialogue, and often setting, appeals to fans who want to see the story "as it was written."
Example: Harry Potters series
Loose Adaptation:
Takes major creative liberties with the source material, may change the time period, setting, characters, or even the genre, retains core themes, ideas, or inspiration but reinterprets them.
Example: Clueless (1995) – a loose adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, set in 1990s Beverly Hills.
Example: 10 Things I Hate About You – loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
What characteristics of a novel make for a good adaptation?
1. Strong Plot and Narrative Drive
A clear story arc with rising tension, stakes, and resolution.
Adaptations benefit from page-turning momentum that keeps audiences engaged.
Why it works: Screen time is limited; a tight plot helps maintain pacing.
Example: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn — suspenseful, twist-filled structure.
2. Compelling, Well-Drawn Characters
Complex, memorable protagonists and antagonists with emotional depth.
Characters who evolve or struggle in visible, dramatic ways.
Example: Normal People by Sally Rooney — emotional intimacy and character growth fuel the adaptation
3. A Vivid, Visual World
Strong sense of place or atmosphere that can translate well on screen.
Settings that are either cinematically striking or emotionally resonant.
Example: Game of Thrones, George R.R. Martin— epic world-building drives its appeal.
4. High Stakes or Intrigue
Conflict that’s personal, social, political, or moral.
Themes that naturally lend themselves to visual or dramatic tension.
Example: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood — dystopian setting with urgent sociopolitical stakes.
5. Adaptability
The story should have clear structure but room for interpretation.
Stories with episodic elements often work well for limited series.
Avoids heavy reliance on internal monologue (unless creatively adapted through voiceover or visual cues).
Example: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty — well-paced storylines divided across episodes.
6. Strong Themes with Universal Appeal
Themes that resonate across cultures: love, justice, power, loss, identity.
Adaptations benefit from stories that are both personal and widely relatable.
Example: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng — explores motherhood, race, and privilege.
7. Room for Interpretation or Expansion
Some novels hint at deeper layers or backstories that writers or directors can expand on.
Especially valuable in limited series formats where more time allows more depth.
Example: The Bridgerton novels by Julia Quinn- takes liberties with historical accuracy & modernizes values
OUR PICKS:
All Time Favorite:
Donna: Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood (Little Altars Everywhere)
Hope: The Age of Innocence or The Firm
Best Classic:
Donna: Mrs. Dalloway & The Hours OR Gone With the Wind
Hope: The Godfather or The Shawshank Redemption
Most Recent:
Donna: All The Light We Cannot See
Hope: The Hunger Games
Least Favorite:
Donna: Daisy Jones and the Six (DNF)
Hope: Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2
Best Streaming Series:
Donna: Game of Thrones
Hope: Game of Thrones (with exception of final season)
SOURCES & LINKS
How to Write a Book Like a Movie, Richard M. Craft
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need, Jessica Brody
Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies: The Screenwriter's Guide to Every Story Ever Told, Blake Snyder
DO NOW:
Choose a companion novel and film. Study HOW (using the characteristics mentioned above) the adaptation brings the written work to life.
Next Episode: Hooked From Page One, the importance of strong openings
Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com
Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/
Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com
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