Authoring & Playwriting

For all the authors and playwrights in our community, a place to discuss, share content and post tips and advice.

Jonathan Jordan
Ask Me Anything (AMA) Wednesday 12/18 to Thursday 12/19 - Writing Strategies: Plotters, Pantsers, & Everything In Between

Let's be real: there's never anything routine about writing. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't have a writing routine. Or would "ritual" be the more apt word here??? Let's go with "strategy."

As a full-time ghostwriter for CEOs and entrepreneurs, a writing strategy is essential because writing...

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Debbie Elicksen

Jonathan Jordan Gosh, I've always been intimidated by people with writing routines. Either I'm writing all day on deadlines when I was working in media, or write last minute to meet a deadline because...

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Karen Blaney

I'm in the beginning stages of writer a screenplay drama/suspense if anyone interested in joining me. I work full-time and write in the evenings mostly. The last time I collaborated it worked so well,...

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Debra Holland

I have no writing routine. Sometimes, I don't write for weeks. I still have managed 34 books and 3 pilots and 1 feature. Now, it's easier if I work at least a bit on a certain story every day, even if it's not actual writing.

Jon Shallit

I had moved from all screenplays to ghost writing books for clients. It's a matter of $. They LOVE what I produce, so much so that 2 of them have started with me on book two of a series. And people th...

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Maurice Vaughan

Thanks again for having this AMA, Jonathan Jordan! Happy Holidays!

Ashley Renee Smith
The Book That Made You Want To Write Books

Hey, Authors!

When you look back, is there a particular book or series, that sparked your love of reading or inspired you to pick up a pen? The book that you didnā€™t just enjoy as a reader, but made you want to write the kind of book that made you feel the way that one did.

Iā€™ve been a voracious reade...

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Erin Leigh

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi.

William Joseph Hill

Great question, Ashley Renee Smith ! I always enjoyed reading books. "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" was a childhood favorite - I saw the "Willy Wonka" movie on TV as a kid and then read the book in...

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Ashley Renee Smith

Thats a great one, William Joseph Hill! I also watched the original movie before reading the book and I was surprised by how different they were when I was a kid. I enjoyed both, but the movie is one...

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Dawn Prato

I don't know if it was any one book, but the Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon series were the first books I remember reading that A) I loved and had girls who loved books and story as much a...

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Michael Elliott

"Portrait of Dorian Gray". & "King Solomon's Mines".

Maurice Vaughan
5 Tips For Writing Your Life Story

Suzanne Corso shares tips for writing your life story in todayā€™s blog, like asking yourself, ā€œam I writing this from my truth?ā€ www.stage32.com/blog/5-tips-for-writing-your-life-story-3946...

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Ashley Renee Smith
Donā€™t Miss TODAY'S Stage 32 Community Wrap-Up LIVE on Instagram!

Donā€™t miss this Fridayā€™s Stage 32 Community Wrap-Up LIVE on Instagram with Head of Stage 32's Community, Ashley Smith, & Community Manager, Kay Ross! You can tune in on the @Stage32 or @Stage32Scripts Instagram accounts every Friday at 10:00 am PT/ 1:00 pm ET, to keep up to date on all of the wonder...

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Ashley Renee Smith

If you missed it live, you can watch the full video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDh7FPsyad9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&......

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Maurice Vaughan
FREE Get Ready For 2025 Virtual Global Film & TV Production Summit

Stage 32 is having an exclusive FREE virtual summit where top producers, film and television production executives, and film commissioners converge to discuss the state of film & TV production and how you can take advantage of the current landscape wherever you are in the world. There will even be a...

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Ashley Renee Smith
Tips For Writing Side Characters

Many writers find themselves overwhelmed when it comes to crafting a diverse cast of characters, often neglecting the importance of side characters. In this video, author Jenna Moreci provides tips on what side characters are, how many you should have, and how to make them unforgettable!

Do you have...

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Ashraf Nahlous

I have seen movies where I was interested in the side character more than the protagonist to be honest!

Ashley Renee Smith

I also like to make profiles/ character breakdowns for side characters, Maurice Vaughan. I find that it helps me discover and distinguish their voices from the main characters. Iā€™ve also discovered el...

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Ashley Renee Smith

I completely agree, Jonathan Jordan! Side characters can often change my perspective on main characters. They make me like or even dislike characters based on their reactions and experiences with them...

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Ashley Renee Smith

I do the same, Bobby G! I love to people watch in public places and when I pick up on a conversation or interaction, it can spark something for me. I carry a small notebook with me, itā€™s almost always...

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Ashley Renee Smith

Motivations are absolutely the key, Giovanna Silvestre!

Books coming to the screen!

Impressive list of adaptations coming to the screen. Which of these film adaptations are you interested in seeing? https://deadline.com/feature/book-to-movie-adaptations-1236035322/...

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Book-To-Movie Adaptations Coming Out In 2025
Book-To-Movie Adaptations Coming Out In 2025
2025's most anticipated book to movie adaptations include 'Bridget Jones 4,' 'Mickey17,' 'Regretting You,' 'The Running Man' and 'Wicked: For Good'
Ashley Renee Smith

There have been some great adaptations this year! The next one that I'm excited to see is Wicked pt 1. I'm waiting for my lil sis to finish her Finals so that we can go see it together, but the wait is KILLING me.

Giovanna Silvestre

Sam Sokolow definitely excited for NIghtbitch!

SL Dobbins

DeEvolvedā€¦.oh wait, someone needs to buy my screenplay firstā€¦.and publish my manuscriptā€¦.

SL Dobbins

DeEvolved:

LOGLINE

When a mysterious alien microorganism begins reversing evolution, turning birds back into

dinosaurs, two paleontologists must team up with a global secret organization to save humanity...

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Michael Elliott

Wondering how many will be released and vanish before they can find an audience.

Terrence Sellers
The Physical Print is Happening!

I've posted in the past about Xtreme Saga. This year, there has been a number of pitfalls in the project, mostly due to politics, both within and outside of the company that owns the IP. I was sad to learn that they decided to heavily focus on the web comic and hired a different writer to take over...

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Geoff Hall

Congratulations, Terrence Sellers that must be such a thrill.

Ashley Renee Smith

Thatā€™s incredible news, Terrence Sellers!! Iā€™m so happy for you!

Leonardo Ramirez

That's awesome Terrence Sellers! Congratulations!

Terrence Sellers

Maurice Vaughan No, the law is based on the same principles. But the execution of them is much better for the writer. For instance, there are no fees to apply for an ISBN number....

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Maurice Vaughan

Thanks, Terrence Sellers.

Geoff Hall
Joseph Campbell - The Sacred Space

I came across this clip from The Power of Myth series and wanted to share it with the community.

Do you have a sacred space to retire to, where you can stop invasive media thoughts, or you can shelter from the cares of your life? This seems to be a great method or practice for a writer to have.

https:...

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Geoff Hall

Leonardo Ramirez what it is to be popular in your own home, eh, Leonardo!! ;-)

Leonardo Ramirez

Wouldnā€™t have it any other way, Geoff Hall!

Michael David

Nope! But I still write. Go figure!

Barry Brock

Geoff Hall, I'm trying to stay productive during the holidays. I'm polishing up a script right now that's being looked at by a producer. Still trying to work out ideas from my "idea" pile. I actually enjoy the creative process.

Geoff Hall

Barry Brock writing is an essential element in my life, it's what grounds me. I couldn't imagine my world without it.

Ashley Renee Smith
November Write Club Week #3: Set Yourself Up For Success With Feedback On Your Project!

It's officially Week 3 of Stage 32's 10th Annual November Write Club in partnership with Scrivener and this week we're talking about Setting Yourself Up For Success With Feedback On Your Project! Learn more in today's blog and jump into this week's challenges so that you're eligible for Friday's FRE...

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Dave Borland

At my age in my very late 80's, it so exciting to have a play going to be produced here in Pittsburgh that I began to write 40 years ago. "Angel of Mercy" is my play about the courageous woman labor o...

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Geoff Hall

Dave Borland Hi Dave, thatā€™s amazing to hear of your success. Hereā€™s to a successful run at the theatre.

Ashley Renee Smith
Don't Miss Tomorrow's Instagram LIVE Prize Giveaway!

Join Us LIVE this Friday on Instagram (@Stage32 & @Stage32Scripts) at 10am PST for this week's November Write Club prize giveaway! We're giving out 2 great prizes! Not entered to win? You can still join in!

Start by reading & commenting on Week 3ā€™s BLOG- https://www.stage32.com/blog/november-write-cl...

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Ashley Renee Smith

If you missed the LIVE, you can watch the full video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCr1TjTyCkZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&......

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Geoff Hall

The best IG Live ever!!! ;-)

Dustin Lee
Lesser known sources of creative ingenuity...
Lists & Lizards
Lists & Lizards
In nature's vast classroom, one of our most unlikely writing teachers scurries across sun-baked rocks: the humble lizard. Its survival strategy-run fast, stand still-contains a profound truth that eveā€¦
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