Authoring & Playwriting

I’ve found that writing for a super engaged group or community that already exists - is the key to faster sales. Souhd obvious but i cannot tell ya how many authors i’ve spoken to who wrote books bc “people need this book”. When it’s much easier to find a community that’s posting or commenting at least 100 comments in the group — DAILY — and promote your book to that tribe. they obviously care about the topic! And hey, don’t be afraid to poll the community about what they’d like to see from you - you might find that a super twist like a coloring book or comic book would turn them on vs a straight formative of your subject.

*narrarive (not formative)

the editor won’t let me edit my post rt now

Totally agree with the video, I just released my first self published Novel (Protected by Mari D.) on Amazon. I expected it to be hard. but when you cannot even find your own book online in a search, it's darn right depressing. So I learned the secret is putting better metadata. I am 51 year old this was like trying to understand another language. A kind fellow author advised that I must try putting the name of my book with my author name as metadata. So I am holding thumbs (and toes) that works.

Congratulations on releasing your first self published novel on Amazon, Marilyn Du Toit! Hope you get a lotta sales!

It's not easy to learn something new, but it's impressive that you're going for it, Marilyn Du Toit!!

So true, it's something I see a lot in novice writing. Presenting archetypical characters and voices in qualified ways. You have to just present the characters and let the audience draw their own conclusions about a characters' behavior

E.J. and Tom Lapke: I agree. I was not suggesting that the writer must come from "right" versus the antagonist coming from "wrong". Rather that the contrast be clear.

It's true that what you remember most from a movie are definitely the characters. Hans Landa? Best thing from Inglourious Bastards! However, I must say that let's have no qualm about judging: we all do it, all the time. Let's just leave the audience condemn them.

This is so true E.J. Wade ! Only by not judging your characters will they be allowed to become multi-dimensional. As soon as you judge them, it paints your writing only one color. I find my characters often surprise me when I let them reign free.

Sounds good. In the same case you described, I rely on their motivations, weaknesses, to feel them more human and be able to actualize them coherently.

I've read some YA, and the first person approach is common. But remember when writing it, there's no way for the protagonist to know what someone else is doing. Once you go first person, you go all the way! First idea is solid, and the second idea is the Seven Samurai (minus six), you don't have to go off world for this one, you can keep it grounded (no pun intended).

I found this post ISO going from Screenwriter to attempt Novel. First thing I noticed is Logline is called "short description'. Also the term Chapter(s) Outline. I have found after writing 3 Screenplays with One of them getting 7 rewrites and a few studios dangle a carrot with some flim flam Producer that Studios prefer a track record if One would like investment money. Hence me switching to writing a Novel, mostly to just get it out of my head! I'm headed down the rabbit hole to find help on Ch, Outline(s), nomenclature and other guidelines. It's going to be a change to use Shoe Leather (as termed in Screen) which I stumbled across A.I for that.

I digress. Your logline(s) could use super adjectives pitting the Antag against the Protag to get my attention to read.It seems the short description allowed on a book cover affords for a lengthier hook than a Movie. The Best story is the One you want to do. For marketing purposes. . . What are your sphere of influences? (rhetorical) Eg., I am into Politics and the Truth, my sphere is too. When Kash Patel wrote Government Gangsters we shared it with one another on our Social Media accounts, which drove interest to the movie now being made. So writing within that sphere (fiction for down time) ~ If I write a Jack Ryan type movie with my Clive Cussler influence and of course write a good hook I could see good traction for a self publish Amazon. <h1> IF </h1> <--- Supposed to be big IF I sell enough THEN and only THEN would I get any help, to be sure. Oh and writing an FBlie movie and hopping into a law enforcement group, will come off like a 3.00 bill.

Best,

Old man

I am all about number 1. There is a lot of opportunity there to make it a really strong character piece. The concept of an immortal magician conjures up (pun intended) the idea of someone who has seen and done it all and needs to be inspired to care.

Also, adapting a book into a screenplay is a different muscle, even if it is your own book. If you have any eye on possibly adapting it, you might want to watch a webinar like this one now. It might help current you to write it in such a way that saves future you a lot of headache. Just a thought.

https://www.stage32.com/education/search?term=novel&h=how-to-adapt-a-boo...

It's very interesting that most people who commented here chose number 2 and most people on Twitter who voted chose number 1. Ultimately, I decided to start with number 1, because that idea has been kicking around in my head longer. But seeing this positive feedback for number 2 makes me more motivated to write it down the road.

This looks awesome! I'll have to check out the documentary!

It's always heartbreaking to lose a cultural touchstone like this.

Definitely plug in to the local theatre community in your area. Go to a show at a theatre you think is capable of doing what you have in mind, and try to meet the folks involved -- obviously not right after they've stepped off stage, but if there's a reception, hang around for it and greet the team behind the work. Also stop by the bulletin board to peruse fliers for upcoming get togethers and networking opportunities. There's always something going on whether it's a mixer, writing group, etc.. From there, just get to know other playwrights and folks in your area, once you build real relationships, maybe bring up your works and ask for recommendations on where you might can get it staged. It takes a campaign and there's not really a magic bullet out there for most, but with some fun nights out and a little elbow rubbing, you can get yourself into great positions to set your work up!

Thank you. Amazing suggestions.

Stage plays are incredibly difficult to pitch because of how tight-knit the Broadway community tends to be. But I agree with the suggestions for both entering contests (which is how I got my start), and also connecting with local theatre community who may be looking for new material. You can also put together room reads with aspiring actors and film the read to create content everyone can use as part of their "reel" or promoting online.

Great advice Jonathan Jordan -- all actors want more "content" right now. So it helps if you can help them put together something they can post online to show they are "in the mix" and working out their craft. With actors, activity can really boost their brands/appeal. Getting some aspiring actors together and filming a read is a fantastic way that can be beneficial for everyone.

so much value...thank you to all. Will take on all the suggestions. :))

Playwrights tend to turn into Actors' Directors as they have a very detailed outlook on story and character. I find once they break into film, they learn to reduce dialogue as they see firsthand how it's so difficult to get a clean take for sound on location. And then their film experience makes their playwrighting better, and they can also direct for the stage too. I think it's great!

Totally agreed, Richard "RB" Botto - Tracy Letts is an American treasure!

That he is, Sam Sokolow.

We already know and love him as a filmmaker. But I saw David Mamet's new play Henry Johnson end of last year at The Electric Lodge in Venice, which starred Shia LaBeouf in his stage debut! And that play would make one heck of a movie!

Wanted to see that, Pat Alexander. Heard nothing but good things.

I've been watching "House of the Dragon" and really enjoying it too! It's a very well done prequel that is setting up the world of "Game of Thrones".

I was so skeptical of House of the Dragon, but damn if they didn't nail it. I usually watch it midweek, and I heard about a huge plot point that happens in this most recent episode, so I am excited to see it.

Can't wait to check out this new season, but I'm a binger so I've gotta wait til it all comes out before I dive in!

Hi Andy! I always recommend reaching out to theatre companies in your area and seeing if they are interested in giving you a world premiere. Depending on where you are in the development process, of course. Just make sure to go see a show from the company so you can see the quality of their productions.

I love that advice, William Joseph Hill!

Definitely plug in to the local theatre community in your area. Go to a show, and stop by the bulletin board to peruse fliers for upcoming get togethers and networking opportunities. There's always something going on. From there, just get to know other playwrights and folks in your area, once you build real relationships, maybe bring up your works and ask for recommendations on where you might can get it staged. It takes a campaign and there's not really a magic bullet out there for most, but with some fun nights out and a little elbow rubbing, you can get yourself into great positions to set your work up!