Playwrights and screenwriters are collaborators. They must work with a team to be able to realize their creative efforts. This means establishing relationships. Even a small writing group such as Holly Street Memphis is a valuable resource in building a team. Here is the current chronology of my latest play:
A short story is written with a prompt provided by a writing group member
The short story changed to a stage play
The play is read by the writing group: hokey contrived plot. Characters' words and concerns not very compelling.
After feedback, the play loses 3 characters and 25 pages
Draft two feedback: major characters too much like each other. No protagonist
Draft three: names changed more characters deleted. We have a character to cheer for. Conflict on every page.
Ready to line up a team. Copyright purchased ($55.00)
Opportunity to present a scene to another writing group.
Record the scene, listen to it. Be sure each character's desire is clear at the beginning. Understand the stakes and make sure the language sounds believable and compelling.
Present the scene to the other writing group. Trying to stack the deck a bit to be sure good actors attend and read.
To be continued. Getting a better understanding of the theme.