Authoring & Playwriting

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

Maurice Vaughan
Avoiding the Rabbit Hole: Story Research Tips

Shannon K. Valenzuela shares great tips in today’s blog that'll help you avoid research pitfalls on your current project or next WIP.

www.stage32.com/blog/avoiding-the-rabbit-hole-story-research-tips-3871...

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Novel writing software

Any suggestions for a novel writing software? thx

Nancy Golden

Marcel Nault Jr., Mike is correct. Vellum is amazingly versatile for writing novels but is not intended for screenwriting. I use Final Draft for screenwriting. Also, think of it this way: I would rath...

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Giovanna Silvestre

Hey, have you heard of Ulysses? It's very chill and easy to use, perfect for getting creative vibes going.

Mike Childress

Giovanna Silvestre Only things about Ulysses are it's for iOS systems only, and not a permanent license program like Scrivener, et al... The user interface seems cool though....

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John Roane

I use the outline function in Word. I also write in Word. I have up on Scrivener. All of this is backed up by P&P (good old pen and paper). Why complicate life. Computer programs eat money.

John Roane

My point in a previous post is that background noise and activity stimulates my creativity. Whether it's in a pub setting or a coffee shop, people coming and going as well as talking stimulates my cre...

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David P Perlmutter
Book Covers!

Authors, show me a book cover?

Ashley Renee Smith

These all look awesome! Thanks for sharing, everyone!

Jesse Kalfel

This is the cover of my novel: "Paper Ghosts: A Fenn Cooper Novel"

Brian Smith

OK, I'm late to the party, but here is my latest.

Terrence Sellers

Dave Wickenden This reminds me of the cover of the game 'Heavy Rain'.

Dave Wickenden

Hadn't heard of the game, but after looking it up, I have to agree. Wish the game was available on PC. My story is totally different though. The origami in my story gives warning of future targets of a rouge government assault team.

Terrence Sellers
Sticking with the Plan vs Telling the Best Story

So, my current WIP is an urban fantasy with 3 POV narrators that rotate between chapters in a consistent, unchanging order. Each chapter continues the story directly from the last chapter, but the POV rotates each time. This idea works. I think it allows the reader to understand each of the main cha...

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Ashley Renee Smith

I agree with Lindbergh E Hollingsworth. I think it's great to attempt to keep the structure and boundaries that have worked well for you as a writer in the past. But when it comes to those specific ch...

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Jonathan Jordan

If it were me, I'd focus on getting the story out first, then during revision, read aloud to see how the pacing feels. I did this with a current WIP and it showed me so many beats that could be improved and holes that needed to be filled I had missed during my initial revisioin.

David E. Gates

Brett Easton-Ellis wrote a story like this - which was made into a movie. It's called The Rules of Attraction.

Giovanna Silvestre

Lindbergh E Hollingsworth I agree with Lindbergh. Get it out of your head and on the page. Sending you positive writing vibes!

Terrence Sellers

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I'm still going strong with this project. Just reached the halfway point of the first draft.

Richard Kelly
Literary Agent Help-Please Reply

Hello to all, I am Looking for a Literary Agent- For Graphic Novels- I do not Know in Browse who to look for or how For Literary Agent-Under which Name-Profession or Location in Stage32. Please Reccomend Names too. Check out http://www.graphicnovellitagent.com Please reply thanks....

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Graphic Novel Lit Agent - Graphic novel tales
Graphic Novel Lit Agent - Graphic novel tales
© 2022 Graphic Novel Lit Agent, All Rights Reserved
Jonathan Jordan

Hey Richard Kelly there's a couple places you can look for literary agents and filter based on what kind of material they represent. Publishers Marketplace has a really robust database. Their paid ver...

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William Joseph Hill

Good Luck, Richard Kelly ! Jonathan is pointing you in the right direction and the Poets & Writers database is a good place to start.

Nancy Golden

Here you go :) https://querytracker.net/

John Roane

I just watched The Magpie Murders on PBS. Anthony Horowitz wrote it. He jumps back and forth between timelines and has the main character talking with a character in a book. Well done and quite comple...

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Dustin Lee
For those that need a little writing motivation about now...
From Obscurity to Bestseller: The Mick Herron Journey - Story Charmed Life
From Obscurity to Bestseller: The Mick Herron Journey - Story Charmed Life
What if I told you that the world's most buzzed-about spy novelist today was once completely overlooked? Join us for an inspirational deep dive into the life of Mick Herron-the British author who turn…
William Joseph Hill

Thanks for sharing this, Dustin! Definitely motivating -- this career is a marathon that can take a long time before you see results. Sticking to it is the only way to win!

Leonardo Ramirez
Check out Stage 32’s October Education Schedule!

This October, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning writers, producers, consultants, authors, podcast hosts, and representatives.

Check it out here: https://www.stage32.com/blog/3868...

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Ashley Renee Smith
Don't Miss This Wednesday's Ask Me Anything Event in the Screenwriting Lounge!

Hey, Writers!

This Wednesday (9/25) Stage 32 is hosting a FREE virtual Ask Me Anything with Brian Herskowitz in the Stage 32 Screenwriting Lounge! Brian is a Film & Television Writer, Producer, Director, & Stage 32 Educator (BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT, BUCKY AND THE SQUIRRELS)! He's sharing his wisdom...

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Ashley Renee Smith
Magic Systems Done Right

Hey, Writers!!

In my opinion, as a long-time fantasy reader, one of the most important elements of an interesting and unique fantasy world is the magic system. When done right, I think the magic system enhances the plot and interconnects all elements of the world and society.

With that in mind, I'd l...

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How to Create a Magic System in Six Simple Steps - Well-Storied.
How to Create a Magic System in Six Simple Steps - Well-Storied.
Abracadabra, alakazam! Let's talk about crafting magic systems today, writers. Though not every speculative fiction story needs be threaded with magic, adding a few fantastical powers to your story wo…
Mike Childress

Ashley Renee Smith My first novel is leaning towards sci-fi AND fantasy ("You dipped your chocolate in my peanut butter!") so magicks likely to be involved... In my traditional/hard fantasy script I f...

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Maurice Vaughan

Beetlejuice and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice have one of my favorite magic systems, Ashley Renee Smith. I didn't realize some things about it until I rewatched Beetlejuice and watched Beetlejuice Beetlejui...

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Ashley Renee Smith

I agree, Maurice Vaughan! It's a very thought-out world, despite the fact that they keep the stories pretty simple.

Ashley Renee Smith

That's so fun, Mike Childress! I like that you're challenging yourself with a Sci-Fi and thinking outside the box while worldbuilding.

Ashley Renee Smith
Don't Miss Friday's Writer's Room Exclusive Ask Me Anything with Anna Henry!

Hey, Writers!

This Friday (9/20) Stage 32 is hosting an exclusive virtual Ask Me Anything with Anna Henry in the Stage 32 Writer's Room Lounge! Anna is an experienced Development Executive, Independent Producer, Stage 32 Educator & Thought Leader (CBS, Nickelodeon, ABC), and she's sharing all of her Expand post

Ashley Renee Smith
World Building, Setting & Descriptions in Your Novel

Hey, Authors!

What is your method/ process for worldbuilding and developing the setting of your story? Do you create a separate worldbuilding document? If so, what all do you include? Do you create maps or visuals for reference? Do you research similar settings or areas? Share your tips with us in t...

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Mike Childress

Ashley Renee Smith I think many people forget we are all going to have different tradecrafts; however, one thing I think that most writers (in any realm) should be able to agree on is that writing uti...

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Ashley Renee Smith

That's SO true, Mike Childress! LOL!

Jonathan Jordan

In regards to world building, it's helpful to take an approach similar to the TV series Bible: Create your own separate document to keep track of characters, relationships, cultural traditions/nuances...

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Ashley Renee Smith

Thats what I usually do, Jonathan Jordan. The Development Exec instincts are strong. My brain craves a bible document. Lol!

Jody Parker

I always like using a list of world building questions since it covers so much you may not have thought of. I use separate sheets for characters, maps and world building information. I think it’s also fun to do some of this stuff on paper and be creative.

Ashley Renee Smith
Don't Miss Friday's Horror Writing Ask Me Anything in the Stage 32 Writer's Room Lounge!

Hey, Writers!

This Friday (9/13) Stage 32 is hosting an exclusive virtual Ask Me Anything with Preston Fassel in the Stage 32 Writer's Room Lounge! Preston is an Award-Winning Author, Journalist, & Development Executive, and he's sharing all of his wisdom to answer YOUR questions about "Writing Great...

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