Summary
Highlights
The most important thing for writing is to start and not be judgmental of your first draft. Allow it to be terrible, as it serves as a foundation for discovering strong characters and structural elements that can be moved and refined later. This initial draft doesn't need to conform to a strict three-act structure and can be a process of discovery.
Some playwrights prefer a planned approach, creating a 'prose version' and using cue cards to visualize the story before a wild first draft. Others find it crucial to have the ending established, as it draws the entire story together like a magnet, allowing for more organic development. Conversely, some writers find no point in starting if they already know the end, preferring discovery.
A detailed planning process involves starting with a 'formless hunch' (an idea) and allowing it to mature for several months. If the idea persists, move to research, which includes meeting people, reading, watching films, and filling notebooks. The next stage is planning, where the idea crystallizes around a character and action. This involves structuring scenes, characters, settings, and actions. The very last step is writing the dialogue.
After finishing a draft, print it and read it as an audience member, without making immediate edits. Compare the reading experience to your intended vision. Avoid reading on a screen to resist the temptation of minor changes. Collaboration is also key; working with others, attending workshops, and getting feedback from actors can greatly evolve the work, as seen in the example of 'Barbershop Chronicles' which went through 14 drafts and extensive research.