On Script, by Zachary Michael Jack
“A detailed, soup-to-nuts primer on the art, craft, and business of writing short drama.” —Jim Wicker, Dramaturg, Literary Manager, Radio Theatre Project
“An impressive work and a great resource. Zachary Michael Jack…gives readers the guidance they need to write their own scripts.” — Jo Ann Katz, Actor, Director, Producer, Northport Plays
“Of the many submissions I have seen over the last twenty years I wish quite a few of them would have read a book like On Script.” —Brad Slavik, Actor, Director, First Run Theatre
“…A practical and creative guide to starting, building, and promoting a script. The writing prompts and exercises are invaluable.” —Jody Hovland, Founding Artistic Director, Riverside Theatre
Tired of self-promoting gurus touting easy “secrets”? In On Script seasoned scriptwriter, author, and educator Zachary Michael Jack explains step-by-step how successful Creatives write, edit, pitch, polish, and produce dramatic work. Packed with authoritative commentary, prompts, and advice, On Script is the perfect read for emerging and established writers in the Digital Age.
Part One, “The Process,” covers the fundamentals of successful scripts staged from Broadway to low-budget Indie theatres. How does the writer mine personal experience to create compelling work? What habits consistently generate new material for production? How can stage dialogue and plot better reflect how we speak, move, and interact? How can AI be harnessed to inform original scripts? Part Two, “The Products,” offers in-depth coverage of today’s multimedia, multigenre landscape, from comedic monologues to multi-character plays, to teleplays, stage and screen literary adaptations, and sketches for radio and audio podcast. Part Two culminates with a hands-on workshop, analyzing scripts crafted by contemporary practitioners to detail the specific strengths that helped each reach production.
On Script is the ideal handbook for dedicated writers seeking a virtuoso skillset and a deeper appreciation of the dramatic tradition, from Sophocles to sitcoms.
Trade Paperback, $24.95 Ebook Edition, $9.99
Writing in the Age of AI, by David Poyer
“Worried about AI and what it means for the writer? In Writing in the Age of AI, David Poyer’s easy style and able marksmanship pins all the key issues and a lot more.” – Kevin Doyle, Chair, Irish Writers Union; author, A River Of Bodies
“A remarkable book that balances wit, seriousness, technical information and a writerly expression of hope and creativity.” – Rashidah Ismaili, Host, Salon d’Afrique, Harlem; author, Autobiography of the Lower East Side
“So much food for thought, from a master craftsman who definitely knows what he’s talking about. Every writer needs to read this one.” – NYT Bestseller Steve Berry, author, The Ninth Man
“Poyer highlights every writer’s advantages against the current fad for AI-generated text: imagination, individual voice, and the talent to create life through words.” – George Witte, editor in chief, St. Martin’s Press
“The book I wish I’d had early in my writing career.” – Janet Peery, National Book Award Finalist for The River Beyond the World
“An impressive work and a great resource. Zachary Michael Jack…gives readers the guidance they need to write their own scripts.” — Jo Ann Katz, Actor, Director, Producer, Northport Plays
“Of the many submissions I have seen over the last twenty years I wish quite a few of them would have read a book like On Script.” —Brad Slavik, Actor, Director, First Run Theatre
“…A practical and creative guide to starting, building, and promoting a script. The writing prompts and exercises are invaluable.” —Jody Hovland, Founding Artistic Director, Riverside Theatre
Creative writing is in a state of rapid evolution. Drawing on David Poyer’s five decades of writing, publishing, and teaching, Writing in the Age of AI updates experienced writers and introduces beginners to the effect new digital tools will have on the mechanics and economics of writing novels, short stories, nonfiction works, plays, and memoirs. It also answers such questions as, Where do ideas come from? How can an author plan a novel or nonfiction book? What’s the best way to avoid writer’s block? How does the editing process work? What sales tools will help one get published? Finally, it addresses the best ways forward for a career as an author, teacher, or editor. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Writing in the Age of AI is essential for anyone who wants to succeed. On Sale in Paperback and ebook from all major outlets.
Trade Paperback, $24.95 Ebook Edition, $9.99
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Shorts and Briefs, by Gregory Fletcher
“Greg’s book makes an interesting case about how the short play can be a valuable tool to learn how to write plays in general — 10-minute plays, 90-minute plays, plays that last for days.” — Christopher Durang, playwright (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Miss Witherspoon, The Marriage of Bette & Boo)
“A frisky show and tell about designing shorts and briefs. How to put them on, as well as take them off.” — Tina Howe, playwright (Painting Churches, Coastal Disturbances, Pride’s Crossing)
“Fletcher’s Shorts are filled with nice surprises and stamina. His Briefs are filled with insight and clarity. The bar is raised high in this enviable package.” — Charles Busch, actor, playwright (The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, Psycho Beach Party, Die Mommie Die)
The first edition of Shorts and Briefs has been used by Alfred University, Cornell University, CUNY-Kingsborough Community College, Lock Haven University, Marshall University, Niagara University, University of Oregon, University of Central Arkansas, and many others. This revised and expanded second edition will introduce hundreds more drama students and aspiring playwrights to the delight and challenge of the Short Play.
“Shorts” — a collection of short plays, offering roles for actors from the teens to the fifties. Visit an agency that offers once-in-a-lifetime placements, a family errand that turns downright embarrassing, a subway ride that changes lives forever, a dog park for extended families, a breakfast nook that turns negative to positive, an unexpected war zone where a soldier is unprepared for battle; a double date where a surprise kiss almost topples everything, a last attempt to regain a romantic spark, and a staircase where two estranged siblings become reunited.
“Briefs” — a collection of brief principles of playwriting, intended for students of theater, and new or established playwrights who would like to explore the short play genre.
Shorts and Briefs is an excellent resource for apprentice playwrights, actors, and teachers.
Trade Paperback, $21.95 Ebook Edition, $9.99
Northampton House Press 