. . . on Novel Writing

I learned my craft by dissecting seven novels of Charles Dickens who taught me to see and describe characters and scenes. I do not write like Dickens or think like Dickens. He taught me elements of craft that I have blended with other elements learned in a lifetime of studying great literature. I do not claim to write great literature. I do, however, claim to have mastered my craft.

. . . on Drama

To move forward, drama must rediscover its roots---embracing the values that made cultural change possible and providing new stories that delight as well as instruct the audience about things they do not know! Playwrights must discover or invent situations not found streaming on Netflix or YouTube. Such plays do not have to exclude the commonplace, but they should present it in a way that will surprise and entertain the audience with its originality. Retelling of a tale is fine if presented to the audience in a way that the familiar comes back to them with an unexpected new look. Dramatizing significant unknown history if made relevant to a wider audience can entertain as well as inform. An original tragedy with a subtext that links the audience to the characters can provide the highest dramatic experience. All this pre-supposes a knowledge of craft, a return to traditional structure. Playwrights who decide to deconstruct the plot or write non-linear plays should have the courtesy of having contained within the play the key to understanding its structure.