The No Rules handbook for writers

by Goldman, Lisa

• ISBN13: 9781849431118
• ISBN10: 1849431116
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-08-28
• Publisher: Oberon Books Ltd

Summary

The handbook appeals to a notion that all writing is an act of rebellion against the rules that exist. Reading this book ensures writers will understand the rules of classical structure which enables them to find, use, and break them in their own way to help them find their unique voice.

Author Biography

Lisa Goldman has developed, directed and produced a remarkable body of influential new writing which has won or been nominated for every major UK playwriting award. Until recently she was the Artistic Director of Soho Theatre and previously the Red Room. She is also a writer.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Rules or No Rules?	p. 15
The Practice of preparation
Write what you know	p. 20
Find your authentic voice	p. 26
Start with a strong premise and a compelling pitch	p. 34
Read what you want to write	p. 40
You canÆt do too much research	p. 42
Write an outline before you write	p. 46
Write what the market wants	p. 56
Principles or Prescriptions? Structure, Character, Dialogue
'Story is about principles not rules' Robert McKee	p. 62
'If you would have your play deserve success, Give it five acts complete; nor more, nor less;' Horace (c.18 BCE)	p. 68
Structure is what holds it all together	p. 76
Hit the ground running	p. 85
Know as much detail as possible about your characters	p. 91
Make your main character likeable	p. 97
The antagonist must be big and bad	p. 103
Keep your main character active	p. 109
Your characters must be distinct from one another	p. 115
Put off writing dialogue for as long as possible	p. 118
Create believable dialogue	p. 120
'Use regional dialect, patois, sparingly' Elmore Leonard	p. 125
Keep 'em guessing	p. 129
The ending must resolve	p. 139
Contentions of Style, Economy and Consistency
Tone and style must be consistent	p. 146
Keep your language fresh, original and vivid	p. 151
The writer is the invisible hand	p. 159
Less is more	p. 162
Show don't tell	p. 164
Principles of Freedoms: Written and Unwritten Laws of Taste and Taboos
Obey the arbiters of taste	p. 172
Be balanced	p. 179
Do not offend	p. 182
Stay within the law	p. 189
'The purpose of art is not to change but to delight' David Mamet	p. 192
The Rules of Rewriting
Writing is rewriting	p. 196
Have your family or friends read, before submitting professionally	p. 204
Murder your darlings	p. 208
Never argue with feedback	p. 210
The rejection of your work isn't personal	p. 214
The Writing Games: Maxims of process and profession
Ignore the saboteurs in your writing life	p. 220
Learn how to be alone	p. 227
You can't teach talent	p. 231
Just Write	p. 237
Rules of being a Role Breaker	p. 241
Notes	p. 243
References	p. 245
Contributing Writers	p. 251
Index	p. 258
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.