 Drama: July 30, 2014 Issue [#6462] |
  Drama
This week: Drama, War and Social Upheaval Edited by: NaNoKit  
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When times are dark and depressing, what are drama writers to do? The answer - keep on writing, of course!
This week's Drama Newsletter is all about the value of drama to different people, in different circumstances and during different times.
kittiara
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Have you watched the news lately? Depressing, isn't it? War, conflict, suffering, loss... it almost makes me want to hide under my duvet, stick my fingers in my ears and sing at the top of my voice to block out what is going on in the world. The thing is, it wouldn't make a difference, nor would it help anyone, anywhere (least of all my neighbours, because I can't sing).
To be a drama writer at a time when so many people seem to insist on hurting other people is not an easy calling. I know that I currently seek out works that make me laugh and smile and generally make me feel better about life. In my writing, I try to be positive and make other people feel good in turn. Who needs more sadness when there is plenty going around already?
And yet, I know that avoidance is not the answer. Not the whole answer anyway. When watching the news brings you down too much, it's good to take a break and focus on what makes you happy, but humanity does have its dark side, and all of us have obstacles to overcome, and suffer loss, and grief, and all too many of us will experience violence of some sort at some point during our life.
What a drama writer does is acknowledge this. They observe the human condition and understand the emotions involved, and then stir these emotions in the reader through their characters whilst often, mercifully, offering hope.
Not all drama writers opt for a happy ending, because there isn't always one. Still, the reader is able to reflect on what might have been if things were different, or generally feel consoled by the courage and determination of the characters. Then there is the reminder that there are always those who have it worse, which, in a strange way, can offer some relief.
Non-fictional drama can allow a reader who has faced a traumatic time to find understanding and offer a reassurance that they are not alone and that no matter how bad they feel now, they will survive and overcome the past event or events. Both fiction and non-fiction can offer advice and inspiration, which is helpful.
In a way, a drama writer is a social commentator. Through their words, they highlight the very best and the very worst of humanity, and everything in-between. Perhaps, then, drama writers are also historians, tracking the horrors and joys of different ages and places, offering future generations an insight of everything people have been capable of, both good and bad.
Perhaps there will be a time when stories of wars and conflicts and general cruelty will really be historical accounts. They will be the kind of stories that will make us shake our heads and wonder how people were ever capable of inflicting such pain. They will make us feel relief that things are different now, yet serve as a lesson and a warning that history can repeat itself.
I hope that there will be such a time, and that it isn't too far in the future. It would be nice to experience an age of peace and kindness. I fear that I may be overly idealistic and yet, in-between all the tragic events the news channels provide us with, there are sparks of goodness, respect, sympathy, and helping hands reaching out to offer support and solace.
In the meanwhile, as writers, we should keep on writing. Even if we need a genre change every now and then.
kittiara
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Here are some of the latest additions to the Drama genre:
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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The Drama Newsletter Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in! 
Joto-Kai  - I never understood the desire for realism in stories. It seems rather like taking a jumbo jet from Phoenix Airport to get to Phoenix. We're already here! But there's no reason that a surreal, paranormal, or just plain fantastic setting can't be also a place for mystery and drama.
I definitely agree that a surreal, paranormal or fantastic setting can be a place for mystery and drama! However, I have read some amazing novels set right here on this world in this reality. John Grisham's novels, for example, and especially The Innocent Man, which is a true account and all the more horrifying for it. I guess I like a bit of everything, depending on my mood. One day I want to explore a fantasy world, and the next day I might want to stay right where I am.
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Quick-Quill  - I guess I'm a little late to the party. I'm a plot driven writer. I want to tell you the story, what happens and how it ends. Character detail isn't important to me reading or writing. So I have to make the effort to change MY personal reading style to what the buying public wants. Here is my AHA moment! (I'm sure everyone else already does this) I've filled in countless character profiles. I use about 6 items. Physical description and that's about it. What I learned lately was how to build character without the info dump. Abe stands under the street lamp wearing a trench coat. He looks up at the window where his mark is staying for the evening. SO WHAT? Now here is where all those character points come in. He pulls out a silver cigarette case his grandfather a Private eye gave him with some sage advice, "Keep your head down and you hat over your eyes."Pretty tough in the 21 century. The coat was a prop from an old Cagney movie he'd been given when he did a job for a friend who worked on sets. His pocket has no change. He doesn't want any sound if he has to be stealthy. I just never realized how much about a person can be inferred by having them put their hand in their pocket. What do you know about this Character based on just what I said?
Hmmm... I think he looks up to his grandfather. He's probably at least thirty years of age - I can't see someone in their early twenties wearing a trench coat, and it sounds like he has experience in his job. Though he carries no change for the sake of stealth, he's placed himself in a visible spot. That is interesting. Does he want to be seen? Send a message?
I feel as though I can picture him in my mind. The details set the scene, and hint at his history, his ties, and the influences that made him the person he is today.
~~~
Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,
The Drama Newsletter Team
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