Jeepers, creepers, Where did you get those ideas?

“Creativity is 1/10 inspiration, 9/10 perspiration.”

Your writing doesn’t just spring up from the ground;
No muse waves a magic wand and inspires you--
Writing is work. Period.

How to start

1. Start with a situation.

Describe an event, an action, or thing happening. Plays require that you start just before the most interesting event and go from there.

Ask the question “What if…?” or “What happens when…?”

Think of a setting, and an action or happening in that setting. Complicate the simple action with a problem (a but, whoops, suddenly, or uh oh!)

Take the time to brainstorm. Think about the situation and how it started, how it continued, how it ended. Take notes in your journal. Outline your situation.
As you think about your situation, you will also find you are thinking about character and what the action means (theme). Jot those ideas down!

2. Start with a character.

Begin with a fictional, real, or historical person. Envision who this person is and what this person WANTS (their goal). It is essential in all writing (poetry, fiction, plays) that a character has a goal or motivation to act in your story. Give your characters a purpose!

Steal a composite of various people you know, have read about, even yourself.
Create situations and/or other characters to STOP your character from achieving their goal – this is your conflict.

In your journal jot down overheard conversations, quotes, and what you imagine your character saying and doing.

3. Start with a theme.
Some plays start with a germinal idea.
Pick a personal belief about the world, or an issue that you are interested in finding more about – jot down your feelings and thoughts about the topic.

Start with a statement… “This I believe__________”

Research your theme so that you confirm or deepen your understanding of the subject.
Think about characters who might share your vision. Write about them and what opposes them.

4. Cheat
Borrow ideas from other writers, books, newspapers, etc. Read interviews or biographies of writers. Look for writing advice on line. Find out what advice the professionals give. You might be able to use this advice to your advantage -- it might even lead to an idea for a play!

A few DON’T’s

--Don’t judge your play until it’s written and/or performed.

--Don’t search for originality. Shakespeare stole his ideas, you can too! What’s important is CHARACTER!

--Don’t forget to use your notes and journal as a starting place to brainstorm.