Writing Drama
A friend and I were discussing writing drama. Being amateur
writers we couldn't agree on what drama actually was. She
considered it action and I proposed it was a mere conflict. We
debated for a few hours before we agreed to have lunch at a
local restaurant. As we ate I observed many other patrons in the
restaurant. I began wondering what drama meant to each of them.
What were they facing in their lives? What type of life did each
led? Could they be characters in a story?
As my mind wandered so did my eyes. Sitting in the far corner of
the restaurant was a young woman. She was seated by the window
and was sitting all alone. Occasionally, I would see her look
down at her watch. It was obvious that her luncheon companion
was late. The wheels in my head started turning. Why was her
companion late? Did something happen? Then it occurred to me
drama was unfolding right in front of me. It wasn't action or
something that a quick glimpse would tell. Drama was in her
thoughts, her fears, and it could be seen in her eyes. My friend
disagreed. She felt drama had to be more active.
Getting into the car I was thinking about writing a story about
the woman in the restaurant. A story about the worry, the fear
and anxiety she was going through as her thoughts played out in
her mind. I was so engulfed in my own thoughts that I pulled my
vehicle right out in front of an oncoming car. DRAMA! In those
few split seconds a million things raced through my head. I felt
as if my heart had stopped and I believe I held my breath. Those
few seconds with the vision of the car, the sound of the
screeching tires and the anticipation of impact was a very
dramatic moment. It was a quick moment of drama for us as it was
for the other driver. Luckily, there was no impact and we all
drove off safely.
Not only was drama present inside the restaurant, but outside as
well. Drama is everywhere. It's not only action; it's so much
more. My friend didn't feel like debating the topic at the
moment but later told me that the action is what caused the
drama. In that situation I can agree with her, but I still think
drama is much more. I think drama can exist in thoughts or
emotions, and it's up to the author to bring this drama to
light.
Writers weren't born best selling authors. So how does an author
write drama? Draw from experience. Practice is the key. Write
what you know.