It was in the Dramatist Magazine, Sept/Oct 2017, devoted to playwright Albee’s life and works, that I found an article by Lindsey Ferrentino about the man. Lindsey relates that Albee advised him “…to learn how to talk about your plays and know why you write them.” Those words gave me pause because I am awful when it comes to being able to “talk about my work.” It may have to do with the fact that children of my generation were brought up “not toot your own horn.” My writer friends also advise me that in today’s world of publishing, an author or playwright needs to market his or her own work. I am working, therefore, at learning how to “talk about” or describe my works. It’s not as easy as it sounds.
Discoveries are illuminating, some happy ones, some not so happy. One discovery I made in my library, was happy---a folder marked “D. Donohue. “ It in I found that in 1994. I had corresponded with Donohue , an author and editor, about four stories I’d written. She’d critiqued them. At the time, she was a presenter at a writing workshop, and I must have attended it and left my work for her to read. At any rate, reading her critiques made me realize that at the time I received them, they probably were hard for me to accept. Now, as I read them again, I am elated. She knew how to talk about writing, and she nailed many problems writers have. Her comments were firm, perceptive, and challenging. I will paraphrase a few, hoping they may be helpful.
Whether or not you write, may you have some conflict in your life, some happy resolutions and discoveries, and an audience or person with whom you can share them.
Discoveries are illuminating, some happy ones, some not so happy. One discovery I made in my library, was happy---a folder marked “D. Donohue. “ It in I found that in 1994. I had corresponded with Donohue , an author and editor, about four stories I’d written. She’d critiqued them. At the time, she was a presenter at a writing workshop, and I must have attended it and left my work for her to read. At any rate, reading her critiques made me realize that at the time I received them, they probably were hard for me to accept. Now, as I read them again, I am elated. She knew how to talk about writing, and she nailed many problems writers have. Her comments were firm, perceptive, and challenging. I will paraphrase a few, hoping they may be helpful.
- A writer should belong to a writers’ critique group to hear their thoughts and comments.
- Don’t try to tell an entire story in a few pages. Focus on one specific happening.
- A story needs some change to occur, a climax, a happening or a realization of a happening.
- Keep a consistent focus or point of view.
- Where can this work be placed? Who is its audience? Will it sell?
Whether or not you write, may you have some conflict in your life, some happy resolutions and discoveries, and an audience or person with whom you can share them.
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