How to Become an Author

Writing a novel is a major task that requires motivation and dedication. Converting your novel into a radio play is fun and quite straight forward. As long as you grasp the concept that the only way the listener knows anything about what is happening is through the sound they hear! The radio companies usually have a format they want you to provide the play in, but they are all very similar and follow the example below. 

A good piece of advice, however, is that the directors and players in radio productions like to have freedom to interpret what you have written and so there should be very little direction around the script unless extremely necessary. 

The main parts to a radio play are: 

1. Scene name. - This is often quoted as optional but can help indicate what is going on. 

2. AMBIENCE: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ENVIRONMENT. - This is usually in capitals to make it stand out from the script.

3. Jonathan: I would have done that for you Sarah. - The actual script. 

4. Sarah: That's OK Dad. You go and tend to the garden. I love sitting in the bay watching you. - More script. 5. SOUND EFFECT: BOOTS SHUFFLING ON THE LINOLEUM FLOOR. - Sound effects, again in capitals. 

6. Jonathan: OK, if you're sure. - More script. 

7. SOUND EFFECT: BACK DOOR OPENS. 

- Another sound effect. You can see that the format is very straight forward because there can only be background and foreground sounds and the script - further simplified because the producers want to be able to adapt it all. The only other section in your radio play is a brief description of the characters to help in selection of the cast.

The greatest fun when you are writing a radio play is testing it for yourself before you submit it to your favorite radio station. This can be achieved by bringing in family members to play the parts and make the sound effects. The hardest part will be testing a serious play as it is difficult for most people to play their part without laughing.