Do Drama: How to stop watching TV. And start writing it.

by Lucy Gannon

Have you ever said, 'I'd love to write a script, but don't know where to start'? Or watched the latest binge-worthy Netflix series and thought you could do better? Do Drama explores the how and why of writing drama, not as an instruction manual, but as a lively conversation with one of Britain's most prolific and successful screenwriters, Lucy Gannon. And she didn't write her first play until she was 39. By sharing what she has learned over three decades of writing primetime drama, she will now help you, whether a novice or more experienced writer, -Write your script from the first scene to the last -Create vivid characters with a personality and a past -Develop storylines, structure and write a treatment -Understand how the industry works so you can take your next step. Writing drama is not about education, class or cleverness, it's about your deep desire to tell stories, to create characters, finding the humour alongside the pathos, to delight and enthral millions. There is no golden path into production. But the world is hungry for talent. You are the talent. So, what are you waiting for?

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2023

Reviews

[Matthew Ogborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise, but honest, powerful and often amusing look at the nuts and bolts of writing whether it is for the theatre, TV, film or radio. Lucy’s journey is an inspirational one and should give hope and fuel to writers of any age and background, if you put the work in. Her impressive career credits are a testament to her unique talent and I would recommend this to writers in search of motivation, explanation and candour.

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mix of practical tips and first-hand lived experience.

[Holly Lumb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting! Made me realise just how little I know about writing…and now I know why my scripts are so shit lol

[Abbie Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging, entertaining and so useful

[Rob Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging insight into writing TV drama with plenty of insight and anecdotes from Lucy Gannon. Worth every penny!

[Oriana Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so, as someone that’s read a lot of screenwriting books, this one wasn’t quite it. It was more of a memoir and gave less practical tips and more of just quotes and idealisms. I think it’s not so much a screenwriting book as it is a small introduction to the passion of drama.