Thread: First Time Playwright

Hello people. I've been writing my whole life, but I've never written a play before. I decided to give it a shot - how hard could it be, right? Clearly it was just another example of how I often don't know what I'm talking about. There's a huge difference between writing a story and writing a play. I've found that I don't even know where to begin. I can't use most of the ideas I've come up with because they wouldn't translate well to being entirely dialogue. So I was wondering if anyone has any tips about how to get started writing a play.

Thanks for your time and any help you can give me.

Originally Posted by crunch

So I was wondering if anyone has any tips about how to get started writing a play.

You know those nutcases in every major city that walk down the street talking to themselves? You have to start doing that.

But, you need to take it one step further. Answer yourself.

Start a fucking argument. Think of something you really feel strongly about, then imagine those idiots who just don't get it. Play both parts passionately while you record their statements.

Crunch,

Write a credo. This is REALLY good for all writers of any forms. A credo is just a list of things you REALLY believe and value. They can be silly and general, like Love Conquers All, or more specific to you, like small town people have a greater sense of family.

Write about the things that REALLY matter to you. Here's one of mine that I put under the larger catagory of "society".

D-Most people, if left alone, would die fatted, content, and in debt. However, ambition will kill you if you ride it too long or too fast.

This isn't a new observation, but one I feel partial to especially when I wrote it down. You can see how it easily can become the theme and emotional backdrop for a story. A girl lives with her ambitionless family and strives to be everything they aren't, but goes to far and must find some ground in between.

So, start working on the credo. Write down what matter to you over the next week. And then save the credo and keep adding to it as you go along your life as a writer. It's SUPER invaluable.

Okay, now you'll have a story of some sort. How to put it on stage... well it can't all be dialogue, can it? I think that's a huge mistake that I think everyone makes when they first tackle it. Dialogue is what we hear and it stands out--we quote it later in grocery store lines with our friends. The funny jokes, the clever wit. Etc etc. But a play is about what people do and the story that unfolds between the characters. You need to think of dramatically interesting situation for your characters to be in... then the dialogue will come in very naturally. That goes back up to the Credo. Start with something you believe in. Find interesting ways to challenge it and struggle against it.

Then, of course, start writing.

Thank you Thales and Wallmaker. I hadn't thought about starting with something that I really feel passionately about, but that's a really great idea. I'll get right on that credo. Thanks again for the advice!

I suck at novel writing but dialogue I am strong at. So...should I be doing plays??

The most important thing is the story, the plot, and the characters. Even Hitchcock felt dialogue came last. Work on the first stuff and use your dialogue talents as icing on the cake.