All through my life, this is the book I most wanted to steal from the library. And for the second year running, I’m one of its authors (so I got it for free!).
If you don’t know this wonderful thing, it’s “the BIBLE” for any kind of writer. It’s got advice articles like mine (a “how-to” about writing for theatre that I am really proud of), indispensable industry insights from the “full-time-job experts” and up-to-the minute LISTS of who does what and how to get hold of them.
“A book, though?” I hear you scoff. Listen, mate – are you serious about getting down to work, or do you want to keep wandering down web-holes, checking your contact info and advice is right? This is for the “no-messing, serious about my stuff” brigade. Don’t wait for Santa. Get yours now!
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In this extract taken from the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2023, scriptwriter and playwright Gill Kirk offers five essential tips one should consider when writing for theatre….
The first: a passion for human connection.
The best playwrights are passionate about connecting with other humans. They won’t tell you what to feel, but will present a human in a predicament, so that you snag your heart on the jagged nails of their character. They won’t bore, but lure you through their maze, ’til your Werther’s Originals are forgotten loot, and you’re unrecognisable from the ‘you’ of 7pm […].
Third: heck – just goddamned playfulness.
Why are we here … to bore? Who are we here for … us?
‘Of course not, Gill!’, I hear you roar. ‘We want to transport people. Challenge, tease, excite, soothe, calm, provoke.’ Excellent news….
Read a wee bit more here and read the whole thing here. [Get yours now! – stocked in all great independent bookshops!]
Gill Kirk, writer 
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