Writing Your First Play

Rating:
Summary: Book is as good as his teaching
Review: Having had the advantage of being Professor Sossaman's student, I was glad to be able to pick up a copy of his book. The text expands nicely on many of the things i learned in his playwriting class, but of course, stands alone as a fantastic reference for any playwrite...especialy those of us just hitting the market as young playwrites. A must have for anyone serious about writing

Rating:
Summary: An Invaluable Resource
Review: This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in playwriting - whether you're overwhelmed by the idea, struggling with a manuscript, mulling over completed drafts needing revision, or seeking a perspective for understanding the craft. It really does take you step by step from idea through revision. It distills a deep understanding of the dramatic art into a straightforward approach to structure, character and technique. Exercises to guide and stimulate the budding playwright are woven throughout. Later sections build intelligently on earlier learnings, and important points are returned to for reinforcement. I particularly liked the warnings about what NOT to do and why, the section on the nine functions of dialog (the best I've ever read), and the included Writer's Workbook. Brief and to the point, the book is loaded with useful information and intelligently organized. It is clear that Sossaman brings a wide knowledge of dramatic literature, a clear understanding of the craft of playwriting, and his own impressive teaching experience to this work. For sure, many of the best plays I've read or seen over the last forty years ring true to his guidance, and the others would certainly have benefited from his solid nuts and bolts advice.