Authoring & Playwriting

Kris Foye I love bluegrass, I'm from the area where it originated so it's probably part of nurture rather than nature but if you love Celtic or Americana music I think you will like it. If I might suggest, start with the song Cumberland Gap by David Rawlins (there are many versions but this is my favorite - it was the opening song to The Gentleman as well) and then go to Billy Strings as his contemporary take will be a nice bridge to more original blue grass artists like Ricky Skaggs and of course the originator, Bill Monroe. My hometown has the Bluegrass Hall of Fame AND the best American BBQ available so keep Owensboro, KY in mind if you fall in love with it haha.

Darrell Pennington Ok thanks so much for this, I do like Celtic music. In fact I used to listen to some during my creative process. I'm going to make my way through these name and educate myself properly. And you said BBQ? Ok I'm booking my flight xD.

Haha - If we are back in the country hit me up and I'll take you to the best restaurants Kris Foye

Darrell Pennington Will do, many thanks

Kris Foye Appreciate that, Kris glad it connected.

It’s something I’ve been exploring a lot in my own writing process.

This is a daily and continuous process for me personally

I do this all the time. I primarily do surreal stuff but I do have some stories that are dark, sexy, and ordinary (which are naturally the hardest ones for me to write).

Right now I’m working on a social satire.

good luck. i tried stepping out from scifi into comedy and horror. i discovered humans like my horror best, and that i shouldnt write it because it makes me feel sick. i also discovered i'm not funny. im sure you'll do a much better job

That’s so great. I also hope to find a good idea outside my comfort zone, but it never happens—my mind always brings me back to sci-fi worldbuilding.

Michael Dzurak that's really cool! I'll check it out!

Marie Hatten did you see Project Hail Mary yet? I LOVED it! The others look good too!

Suzanne Bronson I am with you! The Chronicles of Narnia are my FAVORITE, but they've never gotten to my favorite books in the series. I'd love to see them fully done all the way.

Tess Redman YES! I would love that! The Legendborn Cycle would be incredible!

Raven Riley Haven’t seen it yet .

That's honestly the best sign a story is working because it means the narrative has its own logic and you're following it instead of forcing it. Writers who won't let characters go when the story demands it are usually how you end up with those bloated third acts that overstay their welcome. The real trick now is resisting the urge to rescue them in the next draft. I once had a side character I loved so much I built three scenes around them, and then the story just quietly made it clear they had to go. Hurt like a breakup, but the draft was ten times better for it.

This is the experience...when the world stops feeling controlled and starts feeling alive.

From my experience - EVEN in development working with writers - there’s a moment where the story begins to dictate itself. Characters make choices you didn’t plan, and the narrative moves in ways you can’t force. That’s usually a sign you’ve built something real.

I love when stories take you in a direction you didn't see coming. Those unexpected pivots can so often be the making of them!

OMG yes! I love when a twist hits me out of nowhere.

is the story fiction or true story?

if it is fiction you can do what ever you want, you are creating it. I would say if you don't want them to die than don't let them die, even if it is illogical or absurd.

I agree with Tess. I think there is too much information and too many characters to keep track of. I would do the first three paragrahps and the last one. Just change to something like with Anna 7,000 miles away from everyone she knows.....

i dont know what a good blurb looks like, so i read it as is i were reading the blurb off the back of books in a bookstore. i am just a sample of one. it took me far too long to decide if i wanted to read this book or not. i had to stop the urge to stop reading the blurb. i skim read it. what i remember: thriller, human trafficking, stalking. not enough information. is this personality development? because i'd like that [i am not typical]. is this like robert ludlum, because i like him? is it the twists and slow reveal which grab? or impossible situation? is it pulp and an easy read? because if its like ludlum id buy a copy to read on a long journey... i dont have enough information to decide if i want to read your book. my books are labelled philosophical musings about consciousness with ai standing in as analogy. noone wants to read my books. they know they don't.

google said: A book blurb is a short, persuasive promotional description (typically 100–200 words) found on the back cover or inside flap of a book, designed to entice potential readers to purchase and read the book. Its primary function is to market the book by acting as an "elevator pitch" that highlights the story, characters, and stakes without giving away the climax.... read that as you will. as a book reader i think it means giving me enough information to see if i want to look inside the book?

Tess Redman Suzanne Bronson Shamim Khaliq Thank you so much for your feedback. I took note and made changes.

Jill Godley do you have an updated blurb? I'd be happy to give you some feedback based on the changes you made :)

Geoffroy Faugerolas Australian writer Tina Strachan pitched her children's book series as an idea to Harper Collins Australia and this resulted in a three book deal. All books were published and no initial manuscript was submitted. Joel McKerrow also pitched to Larrikin House Publishing with just an idea and was signed however his profile is quite strong as an international poet. These are rare cases. Usually the first three chapters are required with YA novels and chapter books. Picture books require full manuscript upon submission. I hope I've answered your question and thank you for asking one :)

Super helpful. Thanks!

Hi Lauren Hackney what a timely scroll for me to come across this post.

I have just decided to send a screenplay to a very trusted resource to determine if it could be adaptable to a stage play. If he agrees that he thinks it can be I am going to move forward with my first stab at a stage play.

I would love ANY pointers on crafting a script to a stage play as well as the mechanical aspects of trying to submit it for consideration by theater companies. Thank you and others in advance for any helpful info,

This is an amazing question and a wonderful new way to serve your project. My strong suit is publishing with physical books and ebooks and assisting authors. Ill ask around in my network for anyone who can assist with playwriting. Ill message you if I find anything. And equally - keep me posted. This sounds interesting!

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To preempt and cure writers block, I often keep returning to think about what in my character's backstory would influence what they do next. Even if I have to flesh out their backstory further to get the answer, by the end of the process I'll often be able to move forward.

That’s a great approach.

Going deeper into a character’s backstory really helps unlock their decisions and keeps the story moving naturally. I’ve noticed that in crime stories especially, those hidden motivations can shape the entire narrative.

Thanks Sachin Yadav, and that's such a true point about crime stories.

I go and do something else. I might make some notes as well.

That’s a great approach.

Taking a step back and making notes can really help clear the mind and bring fresh perspective when you return to the story.

Have you registered any copyrights?

yes

Is there a registered copyright for this?

Thanh Trung Nguyen go get it!!!

I want to continue pursuing writing because storytelling gives life to emotions, struggles, and dreams that people may not know how to express themselves.

Every story I write teaches me something about people, conflict, hope, and resilience.

What keeps me going is the power to make someone feel:

“I need to know what happens next.”

That connection between writer and audience is something I deeply value, and it’s why I know this is a path worth continuing.

“Very inspiring to see your determination to return to writing! That courage to pursue what you truly love is what sets great screenwriters apart.”

It's great to see that you're reconnecting with your passion. Keep doing at least a little a day to maintain your momentum. You've got this!

All the best to your writing efforts, Thanh Trung Nguyen!

I never use planning software lol I just write using OpenOffice or Trelby.

Banafsheh Esmailzadeh thank you for letting me know how you craft your stories. How do you find Trelby helps you? I wonder if I should swap from Writer Duet to Trelby?

No worries Lauren Hackney, I realised rather late (as in, a friend told me) that Trelby is for screenwriters who know what they're doing (basically it's like Word but for screenplays). It doesn't help with planning. Nonetheless I like doing it this way haha