For all the authors and playwrights in our community, a place to discuss, share content and post tips and advice.
After a whole year of hard work, I'm almost finished with my 42nd "Sojourn" book, and it's a long one. I have a question: I'm ready to start pitching this book to agencies and publishers, because I've been told that once a book is self-published and selling, it is difficult to convince an agent to r...
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Internationally renowned executive Thomas Pemberton is working with a small group of writers exclusively here at Stage 32 starting on January 13th to mentor you as you write your feature film screenplay to completion.
This is a rare opportunity to work directly with Thomas - including in one-on-one...
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When I was in Acting School, we read a lot of plays, I found them to be interesting and fascinating.
That is great Debbie, are you during any writhing at this time.
Plays are the root. Movies are the tree. There cannot be one without the other. I would rather see a great production of The Glass Menagerie or ART or Glengarry Glenross than almost any movie.
Hi @John I write around the clock both for myself & other people. (My own Transmedia is Vintage Noir & Horror) Got some shorts out of development hell too coming up in 2024. Merry Christmas!
Hello Sam, I agree with you 100% they are the backbone of film making.
Hello Debbie, I have to get back to writing, I have a few things going on now, but as soon as I can see my way clear I will start. getting out of development hell is not easy, I know what you are speaking of.
Hey everyone - I love today's Ask Me Anything ("AMA")... Sabelo Mgidi, Screenwriter and Producer (Silverton Siege & Kings of Joburg), Stage 32 Educator & Thought Leader is hosting a 24-hour AMA in the Writer's Room Lounge today, focused on Writing a Hit Action Movie.
Here is the link to his AMA so y...
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Turning my historical fiction novels into a TV series:: Daisy in a Gun Barrel: Peace & Freedom, Love & War, Rock & Roll the 1960s (on Amazon, B&n) and the sequel 1970s Aftermath: Where Have All the Flowers Gone? I am not a screen/play writer so I'm not sure where to start. Suggestions?
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Thanks for this, Penelope. I've published a number of novels as well, including ones in the historical fiction genre, and am interested in opportunities for TV series.
These sounds like really cool novels! What inspired you to write them?
@Penelope Sounds very interesting. I’m into 40s/50’s/60’s/70’s so will check out your novels when got spare time. Have you thought of going Transmedia? Novelettes, comic, poetry etc.
I recommend this Stage 32 webinar on this very subject: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-to-Write-Historical-Fiction-Televis......
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Alexia Melocchi, an international film and television producer, Stage 32 Educator, and Thought Leader, is hosting a 24-Hour Ask Me Anything ("AMA") in the Distribution Lounge today, focused on Understanding International Distribution.
Bring your questions and post them here: https://www.stage32.com/l...
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Thanks for sharing, Leonardo Ramirez! This is a great one!
Alexia is awesome!!
We also have a class sale happening today - you can get 50% off Alexia's Stage 32 class called HOW YOU CAN PRODUCE IN THE GLOBAL MARKET. Here's a link so you can check it out and ta...
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As I prepare my now completed trilogy of fantasy novels for query, I'm in the process on writing plot summaries them. In screenwriting, which I'm more experienced and familiar with, it basically boils down to 3-page and 1-page summaries. Is that the same for novels? What is the standard expected len...
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Terrence Sellers it's definitely not the same as with film. Your query letter for a novel should be no longer than 400-500 words and that includes introducing yourself and providing the comp titles. T...
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Jonathan Jordan I was not referring to the pitch in the query letter. I was referring to the requested full synopsis as you mentioned at the end of your comment.
Phew. Back in July, I set a goal that I would have at least one of the two books I was working on finished and published before Christmas, and, against all odds, I accomplished that goal. What generally helps me stay productive is proactive time management. For novels, I try to write at least one th...
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That is so cool - way to go, Steven Gamella - love that you set that goal and achieved it!
Congratulations on finishing and publishing your book, Steven Gamella! One strategy that I use to stay productive on long projects is thinking about how much I've written in the script instead of thin...
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Congratulations on achieving your goal! Proactive time management, setting daily writing targets, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are excellent strategies. A little old Italian trick! Good...
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I have practiced as a trial lawyer for 30 years. I now spend time writing and photographing. baileypontification.com. I wrote a screenplay base on my novel Zapatista. I spent time living with these revolutionaries in their camp in Mexico. Please give me guidance and advice for this new adventure in my life!
Its great to meet you here in the community Blake Bailey! Sounds you have some amazing stories to tell. I highly recommend this Stage 32 class on screenwriting: https://www.stage32.com/classes/Create-...
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Hi, Blake Bailey! What are your writing goals?
I want to refine and market my novels and short stories. I want to market my screenplay based on one novel and convert the stories of the other 2 novels into screenplays. Im finishing up 2 books containing poems and short stories
Congratulations Blake Bailey! Sounds like you're off to a great start. I also made the leap from novel writer to screenplay and so far, I'm loving it. Biggest lesson I had to learn is to be patient wi...
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Hey, Creative Army!
We had another fantastic mention in a recent Inc. Magazine article, "Lead With What Your Clients Need", featuring Stage 32 Certification as a prime example of how you can identify a need and then work to create a solution.
You can check out the feature in today’s blog here: https:/...
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Write the pilot script for your multi-cam comedy television series with expert guidance from a Eric Zimmerman, a top TV writer who has worked on multi-cam shows for Disney, Netflix, Freeform and other networks.
Guiding you step-by-step through writing your very own multi-cam pilot is Eric Zimmerman,...
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Eric is an awesome teacher! Definitely recommend!
Today in the Producing Lounge- Tim Ogletree, Producer & Screenwriter (Fantasy Football, Salem State, Dead Zone) and Stage 32 Executive will be answering questions about "Producing an Independent Feature".
https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing...
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Thank you for sharing, Leonardo Ramirez!
Thanks, Leonardo Ramirez!
His AMA was fantastic, Emily J! Thanks all!
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I'm not in the publishing world (mostly because I can never finish a book I'm trying to write) but friends who are have told me that anything over 120K words can be a challenge for some publishers. If...
Expand commentI'm not in the publishing world (mostly because I can never finish a book I'm trying to write) but friends who are have told me that anything over 120K words can be a challenge for some publishers. If course, nobody told Victor Hugo when Les mis came in at over 500K words but not sure that's a proper current ballast.
2 people like this
Sam is correct. Anything over 120K is a lofty print and read. 70K-116K is a feel-good place to land for publishers and a coming in-on-the-dime word count. Keep in mind, that 80K word count places you...
Expand commentSam is correct. Anything over 120K is a lofty print and read. 70K-116K is a feel-good place to land for publishers and a coming in-on-the-dime word count. Keep in mind, that 80K word count places you at around 240 pages.The reference that someone made to you that a self-published book is difficult for an agent to represent is partly true, UNLESS you self-publish with the goal of selling 10,000 copies. If you hit this mark, it will attract an agent and publisher, not deter.