Authoring & Playwriting

I made a decision today to ‘shelve’ a manuscript I recently completed.

On a technical level I think it works well. It’s a psychological horror with bite.

But I just don’t ‘feel’ it, and don’t see a future for it right now. And I’m fine with that, I think I’ve been circling this choice for a while without quite getting there.

Fellow writers, do you have that one complete project that’s sitting in a file somewhere because you’ve lost faith? Or do you like to plough on come what may?!

Hey Authors and Playwrights,

Wishing you all a very happy new year - I've read a lot of posts about goals lately. Rb even posted a blog. Check it out:

https://www.stage32.com/blog/happy-new-year-lets-talk-goals-4333

Personally, as much as I have goals - unexpected opportunities have come for me when least expected. So I wont be putting too many goals out there. I'm leaving room for the unexpected as well.

Do you have new goals this year?

I’m almost there! Ready to film (minus a few $ hundred thousand $) – but somehow, it’s going to happen – and my comedy script will go into production in 2026 - if I need to sell my neighbor’s barking dog AND my Beenie Baby collection (I have three – counting the one my granddaughter left here) … I’ll DOiT!

But what I’d like to know is: if you think that – in a script – (or in a manuscript) that a character talking to the audience is hokey, or do you think it’s funny… in a connecting with the audience kinda way?

My previous director asked me to take “talking to the audience” (TTTA – I just coined that) out. My attached actors loved it. My new director asked me to put TTTA back in… which I happily did. It’s what I started with Afterall. It’s not overwhelming, but an occasional nod to people who want to know!

Do you like it or do you cringe when an actor looks at you from the screen & lets you in on their thoughts? I’m talking comedy here.

Wishing you a year full of growth and great stories.

As we head into the new year, we're launching a fresh set of Open Writing Assignments (OWAs) for 2026. These opportunities come directly from producers and executives seeking standout projects across a wide range of formats—from music variety shows to female-driven YA dramas.

With deadlines in mid-January, this is your chance to start the year by getting your work in front of industry leaders.

Here are the latest opportunities now open for submissions:

1. For Music Variety Series & Shows

A Producer and Showrunner is seeking music variety series and shows in the classic vein of The Midnight Special, Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, and Iconoclast.

2. For Character-Driven Comedies

An Acquisitions Executive seeks character-driven comedies with budgets under $10M, comparable to films like English Teacher, Sorry, Baby, and Wake Up Dead Man.

3. For Dark Comedies with a Twist

A Manager of Development at a TV production company seeks dark comedies with unique twists and strong points of view, in the spirit of The White Lotus, The Bear, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

4. For Medical Thrillers

A Manager/Producer is looking for medical thrillers for both TV and features, with the gripping tension of The Pitt, Dead Ringers, and Contagion.

5. For Uplifting Female-Driven YA Dramas

A Producer and Showrunner seeks uplifting soaps, docu-series, and micro-dramas, specifically a female-driven YA cheer or dance drama. Ideal projects balance comedy and emotion while exploring friendships, rivalry, and love—think Dance Academy, Bunheads, or Tiny Pretty Things.

6. For Character-Driven Action

An Acquisitions Executive seeks character-driven action projects with budgets under $10M, capturing the intensity of John Wick, Rebel Ridge, and Hell or High Water.

Submit your work now and kick off the new year by connecting with producers actively shaping their upcoming slates.

Submit Today: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room

Hey Authoring Lounge,

If you’re self-publishing (or even just curious what the KDP process actually looks like end-to-end), this video is a super practical walkthrough that takes you through how to publish on Amazon KDP step by step.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpMETJgdKOA

What the guide covers:

• Creating a new title in KDP, setting your language, title, subtitle, and series info

• Writing and formatting your book description (blurb)

• Choosing categories (broad vs niche strategy) and adding keywords

• Setting up preorder for the eBook (and the important “final file due by” warning)

• Uploading your manuscript and cover, then using the Previewer to catch issues

• Deciding on DRM (and the reality that piracy can still happen)

• Understanding KDP Select and what exclusivity means for eBooks

• Picking royalty options (35% vs 70%) and setting pricing

• Paperback setup: trim size, paper type, bleed vs no-bleed, cover finish, ISBN requirements

• Why ordering a proof copy is a must

• Notes on hardbacks (and why some authors use IngramSpark for dust jackets)

If you’re currently prepping a release, this is the kind of video that’s worth watching once all the way through, then keeping open while you build your listing.

If you’ve published through KDP already, what step tripped you up the first time: categories/keywords, formatting, cover specs, pricing, or something else?

A Game Changer in Middle Grade Fiction – Meet Hatman!

I just have to share this incredible new Australian release - Hatman by Adam Wallace - because I honestly believe it’s a game-changer for the publishing and storytelling world.

What starts as a regular middle grade chapter book suddenly transforms - by Chapter 4 - into a graphic novel with a soundtrack!

Yes, you read that right. Hatman blends storytelling, art, music, and tech into one interactive experience:

* The cover is designed like a movie poster

* Readers scan QR codes to unlock music and graphics

* Local musicians, animators, and graphic artists were all part of the creative team

The result? A fully immersive reading experience that bridges the gap between books and multimedia storytelling.

The book launch? Not just a regular library visit. Adam turned it into a massive concert. Having the musicians perform, have the illustrator show their art and, of course, Adam there to tell snippets of the story. That's not a book launch - that's a rock star experience! ...he also had almost 200 people attend this launch. That's decent numbers if you ask me!

As a writer, I find this concept so exciting - it opens up new opportunities for collaboration between authors, illustrators, musicians, and even IT creatives. Who would have thought books could now come with a soundtrack and animated scenes?

This could be a glimpse into the future of publishing - and I’m all for it. More collaboration. More opportunities. More game changing ideas coming to life.

Check out Adam Wallace and Hatman - I think he’s just redefined what a chapter book can be.

What do you think? Could this kind of hybrid storytelling change how we write (or produce) stories for younger and older readers?

For those actively working on books or long-form projects: what stage are you in right now—idea, drafting, revising, or finishing?

Sometimes just naming it helps.

I'm a retired traditionally published non-fiction author (and current full-time artist) so I know the publishing business, but I've written a children's book that I'd also like to illustrate. I'm aware that the LONG held rule was that agents/publishers don't want to see illustrations from the author - just the text. I'm wondering if anyone knows if that restriction might have loosened, or if there are kids' books agents/publishers happy to look at both text and art. Thanks in advance for any input.

Hey Authors and Playwrights,

So the festive season is winding down in my little corner of the world. You know the feeling: too much of everything and that familiar internal monologue of “Why can’t I stop shoving food in my mouth?”

Cue a sticky summer storm, another generous pour of Christmas cheer, and one of those conversations that only happens when everyone’s full, slightly sun-dazed, and feeling philosophical.

We got to wondering… what if famous stories had alternate endings?

Cinderella:

Instead of marrying the prince, she realises the glass slipper was a red flag. She keeps the dress, ghosts the palace, and teams up with her highly efficient mouse workforce to launch a couture empire. Within five years she’s dressing royalty by appointment only, owns her own castle, and sleeps in on Sundays — because independence, darling, is the real happily ever after.

What stories would you write an alternate ending for?

I hope you all have a wonderful festive season... mine is shaping up to be a little more 'merry' than intended!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanuka, and Joyous Holidays to everyone whose creativity is reset with a season of living - when the world seems calmer, people more generous, and imaginations - more magical.

I sincerely wish all of you a beautiful pause for reflection and the opportunity to find joy. Whether it be with family, friends, or your own decision to be happy and thankful for whatever gives you inspiration to make a difference in the world. I hope you decide to be at peace with wherever you are … then create something wonderful in 2026!

Whether it be personal, professional, spiritual, or imaginative … What do you plan to do to leave a legacy in the coming year?