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Writing Lessons: Video Series

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Good writing can be effective across a number of media, but a writer must first learn the specific functions of different forms of writing. Discover how to write creatively and practically with tips from a playwright in this free video series on writing lessons.

There are 30 videos in this series:

Viewing 1-25 of 30
  1. Before writing a letter of resignation, talk to the employer to see if the problems can be worked out. Write a resignation letter by keeping it formal and excluding unnecessary details with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 502
  2. When analyzing archetypes in movies, "Lord of the Rings" and "Star Wars" provide excellent examples of character archetypes. Analyze archetypes in film, such as the hero, with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 639
  3. In order to appreciate silent movies, an audience member needs to be very observant and imaginative. Learn to appreciate silent movies by making them your own with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 48
  4. When asking for an extension on a paper, be honest and try to ask for the extension early, making sure to outline the conflict. Ask for an extension on a paper face-to-face with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 183
  5. A good audience member in theatrical productions is one who pays attention, stays quiet and arrives on time. Discover how to be a good audience member by not disrupting those around with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 135
  6. When brainstorming for character names, pick names whose meaning is appropriate for the type of character. Brainstorm for character names by looking through books of baby names with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 174
  7. When thinking of ideas for plays, try to draw from life experiences or write about something that is a personal passion. Brainstorm ideas for plays by getting the creative juices flowing with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 458
  8. In order to cut writing time in half, plan what it going to be written before it's written and take lots of notes. Cut writing time in half by knowing what's going to be written with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 108
  9. In order to find movies that you will enjoy, look for older movies of the same genre, be observant and look for other movies by directors you love. Find movies that you'll enjoy through actors and directors that you love with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 90
  10. The best way a creative writer can improve is by reading the works of other writers and writing often. Improve your creative writing through practice and reading research with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 286
  11. In order to improve typing skills, someone can take a typing class, type without looking at their fingers and figure out how to use all of their fingers to type. Improve your typing skills by doing typing exercises with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 337
  12. When keeping a journal, buy a journal that is big, sturdy and set a time everyday to sit down and write in it. Keep a personal journal to record memories, thoughts and reflection with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 494
  13. Teaching kindergarten is fun and interesting, but it is exhausting and requires a good night's sleep. Prepare to teach kindergarten by planning activities to fall back on with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 586
  14. In order to present oneself professionally, stand up straight and don't be afraid to overdress. Present yourself professionally through good grooming and preparation with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 269
  15. Submitting a play for a competition means knowing information about that competition and what the requirements for submission are. Submit a play to a competition, and send the right amount of copies, with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 49
  16. When watching a silent movie, choose one that used to be popular because it will be available in better quality. Watch silent movies by interpreting movements with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 131
  17. A farce is a comedy that is over-exaggerated, fun and contains a lot of stereotypes. Write a farce that builds on its own craziness with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 215
  18. When writing short responses in classes, make it into an essay format with an introduction, body and conclusion. Write a one-page response paper about the first thing that comes to mind with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 1,154
  19. When writing set descriptions, don't be too lengthy and include what is necessary for the play to go on. Write a set description that includes a sense of place with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 328
  20. When teaching kindergarteners to draw, let them run with their imaginations and allow them to experiment. Teach kindergarten drawing and give them drawing goals with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 488
  21. A tagline is a one-sentence line that is intended to get an audience interested in seeing a film. Write a tagline for a film that doesn't give away too much of the plot with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 180
  22. When writing an allegory, decide if the allegory is going to teach people a specific moral lesson. Write an allegory through self-awareness with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 631
  23. An in-class presentation can be prepared for by writing notes out and practicing the presentation at home. Write an in-class presentation, and include visual aids, with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 453
  24. Operas are often tragedies, so they should be written with the rules of Greek tragedy in mind. Write an opera by working with a composer with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 170
  25. Historical fiction is essentially a story that has been set in a specific time period, so the writer must decide which period makes the most sense for their story. Write historical fiction and get the facts right with tips from a playwright in this free video on writing lessons and tips.

    Views: 134
Viewing 1-25 of 30

Series Summary

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Videos in Series:
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Good writing is an important skill that can be used in a variety of media. Whether it's writing a meeting agenda, a toast, or a magazine article, the ability to effectively communicate to a large audience stems from knowledge and execution of proper writing techniques. With such knowledge comes an understanding of the distinct differences in writing styles between creative writing, journalism, technical writing and informal writing. In this free video series, a playwright provides writing tips and explains how these tips can be applied to a number of writing genres and for a number of different functions. Discover how to write an allegory, how to cut writing time in half and how to brainstorm writing ideas. Apply these concepts to creative writing by writing plays, operas and historical fiction. Become a more well-rounded writer with these writing lessons.

 
About the Presenter

Laura Turner Laura Turner received her B.A. in English from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., graduating magna cum laude with honors. She then attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, receiving a Master of Fine Arts in theatre arts, with a concentration in playwriting. While in Las Vegas, Turner accrued many experiences in professional theatre, including writing at the Kennedy Center's Playwriting Intensive in Washington, D.C. Her plays have been seen and heard from Alaska to Tennessee. Turner currently lives in Austin, Texas, and teaches acting and theatre games to children at LoneStar Dance Academy in Pflugerville, Texas.dkdk

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