In this episode, Los Angeles based playwright Paul Surace swings by Playwright's Spotlight to talk about his upcoming compilation Hearing More Voices the followup to his first collection Hearing Voices. We discuss poignancy in playwriting, writing with intent, characters with a history vs characters that are strangers, and being directed as a playwright. We also touch on bad direction and pulling the plug on a production, creating your own opportunities, discipline while working a full time job, and perhaps finally cracking the mystery of how to write subtext. Paul's New York charm exudes in this conversation along with his decades of playwriting experience. I'm sure you'll walk away with a new perspective that will assist in your own playwriting. Be sure to let us know how it helped. Enjoy! Paul Surace is a playwright, producer, actor, screenwriter, Walt Disney Company Fellowship winner, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He’s written over 30 short plays, some of which have been produced in New York City and Hollywood. His book of short plays Hearing Voices has received rave reviews, and he is currently working on another collection due to be released in 2023. His full length plays include Homecoming and NYC Nativity. To view the video format of this episode, visit the link below - https://youtu.be/A0OIgilmkBg Links to sites and resources mentioned in this episode - Hearing Voices - https://www.amazon.com/Hearing-Voices-Short-Plays-Psychotherapist-ebook/dp/B07JGRQ8WG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=hearing+voices+paul+surace&qid=1670909807&sr=8-1 Paul Surace's YouTube Plays - https://www.youtube.com/@paulsurace4907 Paul Surace's Website and Socials - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/psurace Paul Surace's Website - https://candlelightplays.com Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight Punk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.com PLAY Noir - www.playnoir.com PLAY Noir Anthology – www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.html James Elden - Twitter - @jameseldensauer IG - @alakardrake FB - fb.com/jameseldensauer Punk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods                   - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods        - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir         - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductions Playwright's Spotlight - Twitter - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlight Playwriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festival www.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.html Support the show