Below are links to some website and some books on playwriting that I recommend.
Recommended websites:
The Playwrights' Forum - A forum for playwrights and for the discussion of writers and writing. Lots of helpful people frequent this forum.
SAT Playwrights - A group of local San Antonio based playwrights. They hold monthly salons featuring readings of new works by member playwrights.
DFW Playwrights' Alliance - The mission of the DFW Playwrights' Alliance is to act as an informal social network as well as a supportive community for the exchange of ideas, information and perspectives on the art and business of playwriting. I was a member of this group when I lived in Dallas. GREAT people.
Austin Scriptworks - ASW is an organization that supports Central Texas playwrights by providing opportunities at all stages in the writing process, from inception through production with a variety of programming.
The Dramatists Guild of America - DG is the only professional association which advances the interests of playwrights, composers and lyricists writing for the living stage. The Guild has over 6,000 members nationwide, from beginning writers to the most prominent authors represented on Broadway, Off-Broadway and in regional theaters.
Recommended books: The books listed below have helped me immeasurably as I began the transformation from actor/director to playwright.
| Solving Your Script by Jeffrey Sweet is my personal favorite. This book incorporates several writing exercises, plus examples of those exercises by Mr. Sweet's students along with his critique. It's like having a grad-class in a paperback. | The Dramatist's Toolkit by Jeffery Sweet is the prequel of sorts to "Solving Your Script" Unlike other books that talk in vague, general terms, this book gets its hands dirty with specific tips and tools for such things as exposition, structure and characterization. | The Playwright's Survival Guide by Gary Garrison. I love this book because it speaks plainly and frankly about a wide range of topics from script structure to writing a good resume and cover letter. The sections on inspiration and self-doubt are helpful without talking down to you. | Perfect Ten by Gary Garrison. The only book I know of that is specifically about the ten minute play format. Mr. Garrison has unique perspective of both a playwright and a producer of several ten-minute play contests. This is an invaluable tool for anyone interested in the genre. |