This week: Your Move, Drama Llamas. Edited by: Jayne  
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| Hello, I'm Jayne! Welcome to my dramatic explorations. My goal with these newsletters is to explore the elements that make for great dramatic stories. Sometimes, a series of newsletters will interconnect, while other issues will stand alone. I strive to ensure they are informative but fun and do my best to spark your curiosity. Don’t forget to check out this issue's selection of stories! |
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Hi there! I’m one of the new regular editors of the Drama Newsletter!
Trust me, I’m just as shocked and concerned as you are.
I promise I have experience with drama outside of my current midlife crisis, staring out the rain-soaked window while contemplating my life choices, and dropping blistering truths in a slightly terrifying whisper. Whether that last one is drama or comedy depends entirely on whether you’re whispering or being whispered at.
That said, knowing what I like or want to learn more about in the drama genre doesn’t mean it’s what you enjoy or want to explore. So, if you’re here, you may enjoy dramatic novels and short stories that emotionally devastate you (and call it a ‘good time’). Perhaps you like drama as a core part of other genres (beyond the necessary ‘move the plot forward’ tension). Maybe you’re drama-curious and not sure if it’s something you can tackle (you can).
Since you’re the experts, tell me—what do you want to explore in drama?
Naturally, I have opinions, so I’ve assembled some conveniently numbered lists for your consideration (or judgment).
I Won’t See Your Dramatic Eye Roll, So Be Honest
If these topics don’t interest you, or you think they’ll bore you to death, let me know. It won’t hurt my feelings, and even if it does, you won’t see my pouty face anyway. No feedback? No problem—I’ll just assume you love these and run with them.
Here are some of the ideas I’ve been tossing around like a soliloquy that definitely should’ve been an internal monologue:
Writing Craft
1. Writing Conflict That Hurts
Is this a petty disagreement or a life-altering argument? And is it enough to drive an entire story?
2. Dramatic Tension
How do you keep readers teetering on the edge without frustrating the heck out of them?
3. The Dramatic Reveal
If you’re about to drop a bombshell, you better make sure it doesn’t fizzle out.
4. Writing Dialogue That Feels Alive
Stunted dialogue is bad, but dialogue that’s too real can also annoy readers. Like, uh, do you want to, um, read a whole story full of dialogue that, you know, sounds like this kinda thing?
5. The Art of the Soliloquy
Is it riveting, or is it not riveting? That is the question. The other question is "Isn't it just called a monologue?"
6. Avoiding Clichés
Everyone knows your character faked their death. Maybe it's time to discover some hew ways to use old tropes to your advantage.
Characterization
1. The Villain’s Monologue
Why do bad guys get so many of the best lines? And why do we love them for it? (Plus, how to prevent an infodump more heinous than your bad guy. Why didn’t the hero just take the baddie out while he was rambling on?)
2. Emotional Depth
Cardboard cutouts belong in store displays, not in your stories.
3. The Power of Subtext and Silence
Say less, hit harder. (Clearly, I should examine this topic more closely.)
4. The Role of Fate in Drama
Is it fate, coincidence, or just the universe messing with your protagonist for fun? More importantly, does your character still have agency in a world that seems determined to ruin their life?
Emotional Impact
1. Tragedy and Catharsis
Wringing emotion from readers while offering resolution—or leaving them in pieces (you evil genius).
2. Tackling Difficult Subjects with Sensitivity and Nuance
Writing about tough themes? There’s a fine line between powerful and preachy.
3. Comedy in Drama
Sometimes the best way to make people cry is to make them laugh first. (It’s my time to shine!)
Storytelling & Genre Blending
1. Mystery in Drama
How do you make people say, “Gasp! I did not see that coming!” while definitely foreshadowing it all along?
2. The Role of Tragedy in Modern Drama
With all of today’s quiet devastation, is there still room for grand-scale doom?
3. How Ordinary Moments Can Lead to Extraordinary Stories
Sometimes, all you need is a sigh to get started.
4. How Drama Intersects with Other Genres
Even a courtroom thriller or a sci-fi epic needs emotional weight.
You Tell Me!
Do any of these elements resonate with you? What elements do you want to see analyzed? Want an entire issue dedicated to dramatically collapsing onto fainting couches? I’m listening.
Drop your suggestions, wild ideas, or even the most absurdly niche topic you can think of through the newsletter Ask and Answer section. You can also email me directly. I’ll be reviewing your ideas in the coming weeks.
Happy writing—and may the only drama in your life be the kind you plot, not the kind that plots against you.
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Drama: March 19, 2025 Issue [#13042]
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