17 Questions to Ask in the Dog Days of Writing

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You’re deep into your draft. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it’s getting brighter every day. Here are 17 questions to ask yourself in the dog days of writing. If you know the answers, you’re headed to the finish line with your script.

1. Why does the world of the play matter?
2. What makes my story specific and unique?
3. How does each scene advance the journey of the play?
4. Is there anything I’m holding on to in the script, even if it doesn’t advance the journey? Why?
5. Is there any time I repeat myself? If so, why is it important to the story to repeat that information?
6. What style am I writing in?
7. Why is this style necessary to the world of the play?
8. How do my main characters change from the beginning to the end of the play?
9. What are the flaws in my main characters?
10. What makes my main character specific and unique?
11. Why does the main conflict matter?
12. Who is my audience?
13. What do I like about my audience?
14. How do I want to challenge my audience?
15. What do I like about this play?
16. What do I love about this play?
17. What challenges me about this play?

Essential Feedback Questions

How do you prepare to receive the best possible feedback?

You never want to give your new play, your baby, to someone for feedback without knowing exactly what you’re looking for. Before you hand your work off to someone for feedback, prepare the following questions:

  1. Why did you write this play?
  2. Why are you asking for feedback?
  3. What is the one thing you want to know about your script?
  4. What problems are you having with your script?
  5. What do you want an audience to feel about the main character?
  6. What do you want the audience to remember when they leave?

Answer these questions and you’ll be in good shape to form clear boundaries for your respondent and get tangible, practical, feedback.

17 Questions to Ask Yourself in the Dog days of Writing

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When you’re closer to the end of a draft than to the beginning it’s time to hunker down and get specific. Look at the play you’re working on and answer these questions. If you can answer every one with confidence, you’re nearing the finish line.

  1. Why does the world of the play matter?
  2. What makes my story specific and unique?
  3. How does each scene advance the journey of the play?
  4. Is there anything I’m holding on to in the script, even if it doesn’t advance the journey? Why?
  5. Is there any time I repeat myself? If so, why is it important to the story to repeat that information?
  6. What style am I writing in?
  7. Why is this style necessary to the world of the play?
  8. How do my main characters change from the beginning to the end of the play?
  9. What are the flaws in my main characters?
  10. What makes my main character specific and unique?
  11. Why does the main conflict matter?
  12. Who is my audience?
  13. What do I like about my audience?
  14. How do I want to challenge my audience?
  15. What do I like about this play?
  16. What do I love about this play?
  17. What challenges me about this play?