When I conference with writers, they often say they’re having trouble coming up with a satisfying ending. Instead of talking to them about their plot, I ask them to tell me about their intended impact: when their audience reaches the end, what do they want them to be feeling and thinking? Some writers are immediately... Continue Reading →
Stopping the Reader’s Heart: Creating Tension
Raising the stakes - and sustaining the conflict and tension that result - is crucial to storytelling. Reblogging this great post from Richie Billing which gives solid guidance and tips about leveraging tension!
Make Every Line Count
Yesterday I had a great time running a revision workshop for the eighteen writers in Philadelphia Young Playwrights’ Mouthful Monologue Festival. At this point in the process, the writers have done an amazing job working with their professional actor, director, and dramaturg to deepen their monologues by adding details and raising the stakes. While their... Continue Reading →