Sue's News

How Do You Know?

March 2nd, 2010

My brother recently asked me how my writing is going. I mentioned the complete overhaul of the second act of “Business.” He then asked me if I get feedback from literary managers/artistic directors/producers when I send them my work.

“Nope.” I said matter-of-factly. (Though to be fair, many get inundated with manuscript after manuscript.)

“So, how do you know what to fix?” He was stumped…

“I just go back and take another look, with a critical eye.”

The conversation kind of died after that, I don’t think that answer satisfied him.

Today, I came up with another answer, though I’m not sure it’s any more satisfying… I find out what I need to change by listening to the piece… Hearing what the show is trying to tell me.

I’m not being vague, this is really the best answer I can come up with. It’s like reaching for that glass of milk when your body needs calcium. It’s a matter of just tuning in.

When I can’t hear what I need to hear, that’s when I ask actors to read a play aloud… so I can have a little distance and hear the words in the mouths of actors, instead of just my head.

Hopefully, the changes I’ve made make the difference.

–Sue

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