As part of the Sharjah International Book Fair, a technical workshop titled 'Five and a Half Steps to Success in Plot Writing' was held, offering practical insights into the art of television drama writing and building strong characters.
The workshop was led by the renowned American writer and screenwriter Matt Wiene, creator of series like 'House' and 'Breaking Bad'. He began by emphasizing the importance of the central idea, stating that the success of any show starts with a single sentence that summarizes its core concept. Wiene explained that 'conflict is the heart of drama,' whether internal, external, or social, citing examples from his work.
He also discussed preparing a pitch, which summarizes the idea in a short, engaging text, urging writers to create proactive characters who shape their own destinies and captivate the audience. Wiene stressed the importance of meticulous details in defining character motivations and backstories while ensuring their evolution throughout the series.
Wiene considered the first sentence in the script to be the 'creative compass' that must remain present before the writer, while the 'half-step at the end' is the creative flexibility that allows the story to develop. He concluded by emphasizing the necessity of writing a satisfying ending that paves the way for the series to continue and expand its dramatic world.
