Featured Playwright of December #2 Q & A 

   Congratulations to John Ladd, Featured Playwright of December! As a follow-up to his play "Coming Home", he has agreed to answer some questions about his writing journey.

Question #1:

   How long have you been writing plays?

John:

   Well, if you look at any sort of writing- not to mention reading- as a form of exploration, then I can trace writing- in general- back to age ten. Prior to that, a life as a young"explorer" was very much in play.

Question #2:

   Is there a particular theme or idea you like writing about?

John: 

   No, no particular theme(s). 

Question #3:

   Do you like to write during a certain time of day?

John:

   Writing comes when writing comes, regardless of the time of day.

Question #4:

   How do you overcome writer's block?

John:

   I do not believe in writer's block. Though, I do believe that a piece can subtly speak to you and try to tell you that it is NOT ready to either go on or be brought to a close- something is "missing." Leave it alone and let it rest. I have a full-length that I've gathered all of the info for and researhed and is sitting there on the shelf. The idea has a mind of its own and that mind is telling me to back off and let it germinate- going on 20 years.

Question #5:

   Any advice for new playwrights?

John:

   A couple of things- one, keep an open mind to everything around you; two, make good use of pads and pens/pencils, when it comes to you, put it down, document it so as to clear space in your mind; finally, don't judge your stuff. It is what it is, go with it, put it down, harvest the product and keep going. 

   Thanks, John, for taking the time to answer my questions!