The Playwright's Guidebook: An Insightful Primer on the Art of Dramatic Writing

by Stuart Spencer

Book Overview

An accessible, contemporary guide to the art of dramatic writing

During the ten years that Stuart Spencer has taught playwriting, he has struggled to find an effective playwriting handbook for his courses. Although most of the currently popular handbooks have good ideas in them, they all suffer from the same problems: they're poorly organized; are composed mostly of quirky, idiosyncratic advice on how specific playwrights have gone...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0571199917
• ISBN13: 9780571199914
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
• Length: 392 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A hands-on manual

A very detailed description of how to write scripts by using easy to understand concepts that can be applied to any writing project, not just scriptwriting. The writing is clear and easy to follow. Highly recommended.

Want to write plays or be a better playwright-? Read this book

Spencer leads you through what will matter: What do your characters want? What is conflict? What is plot? Best of all, he offers you ways to be a better writer without tying you down to a list of things you must do. Will some academics want this book? Probably not, because it doesn't fit into imparting knowledge from on high or demand that you always do A, then B, then C.

One of the best writing books ever wrighted.

Over the years, I've bought so many "how-to-write" books, that I also had to buy a special bookcase in which to stack them all. While reading all of these books has not yet transformed me into a famous literary genius, it has made me somewhat of an connoisseur of writing books. If you are looking to purchase one more writing book, I would recommend "The Playwright's Guidebook". The main strength of this book is Spencer's ability to distill the concepts of story structure and character into workable and easy-to-grasp ideas. Spencer is able to say in a few chapters what Robert McKee needs 500+ pages to say. I have read a multitude of books explaining how stories are assembled, but it was this book that brought it all together for me. Another strength to this book is the quality of the practical advice, which is all too rare in writing books. I rarely do the exercises in any book, but I found myself plugging through the exercises in this book. This is not to say that the book is entirely infallible. When trying to discuss "what" to write rather than "how" to write, Spencer resorts to the touchy-feely concept of the writer's impulse, which is really not that helpful (but then, all writing books falter on this point. Apparently, you actually have to use your own imagination at some point. Bummer). Another quibble that I have is with Spencer's running example of a guy wanting a glass of water. The triviality of the example tends to undercut Spencer's authority. But these are minor points that really don't detract much from an otherwise outstanding book. Not only has this book helped me become a better writer (I recently had my first story published using what I learned from this book), but it has increased my enjoyment of reading and watching other stories because now I better understand the innerworkings of fiction. I got my money's worth from this book. What more can you ask for?

Take your writing to the next stage.

Most people won't listen to advice until they're good and ready. I had "The Playwright's Guidebook" in my office for over a year. When I finally read it, either I was good and ready to hear what Mr. Spencer had to say or what he said made a lot of sense. (Basically it was both.) I've read Syd Field and taken McKee's course on Story Structure, yet I found this book to be of greater value. Why? Because Mr. Spencer doesn't lay down directives (as is common with most how-to books). Instead, he offers suggestions. His observations are level-headed and his approach is open-minded. This is one instructional book that won't tell you that a plot point must land on page such-and-such. Mr. Spencer encourages you to freely follow your creative impulse and get your story on paper. Then he lets you decide whether your story is as effective as it can be. The book discusses sensible ways to get the most out of your play. It's often like a trouble-shooting guide. If you feel something's not working in your piece, chances are, this book will help you figure out exactly where the problem lies. Mr. Spencer is not a drill instructor barking out the sure and only way to commercial bliss. He comes across as an experienced teacher (which he is) giving you the opportunity to find your own way to successful writing. I'd like to add that this is an invaluable asset whether you're writing a play, a film or a novel. That's because "The Playwright's Guidebook" is a comprehensive study of drama, of why it works and why it often fails. No matter where you are in your writing career, you'll most likely benefit from reading this book. If you've been writing a long time, you'll be reacquainted with fundamentals you may have forgotten. You'll also pick up some fresh ways of looking at your craft. If you're a novice, you'll learn things that are essential to building an interesting story.Take my advice: familiarize yourself with this book and then write the story that's in you.

Perfect for Aspiring Playwrights

Spencer, a professor of playwrighting at Sarah Lawerence College, has written a wonderful handbook on the craft for amateur writers. He discusses in depth all aspects of the craft: from the simplest elements of structure to more complex elements of action, event and character, to problems such as rewriting and writer's block. He provides multiple examples for every topic ranging from simple references he creates, to personal experiences, to pointing out examples in well-known plays. Spencer also provides excersises and prompts at the end of every chapter (along with many more at the end of the book), allowing the reader to experiment and build on the lessons he or she has just learned.Reading this book is equivalent to taking a semester course or workshop with Spencer, and the lessons it provdies are invaluable. Recommended to anyone who wishes to delve into the realm of playwrighting, or to those who simply wish to improve their talents.