Everything I write feels like the last thing I will ever write. Every writing process feels so different - I once wrote an entire one-act play in one night, barely edited it, and it went on to be one of four finalists in a nation-wide playwriting competition. I have a full-length play that I've been writing since I was fifteen years old, and I turn out a new draft once every three or so years. In recent years, I've been feeling lonely, bored, and burnt out - not the greatest fodder for the next Great American Play. But I have started something, and already the process is different from any other play I've written. Here's a step-by-step process, as best as I can make it:

1. Have an idea (this can sometimes take years)

I always carry a notebook with me, just in case the inspiration strikes or someone says something funny or I need to make a list (I love making lists). My day-to-day notebook is a bright pink Moleskin that definitely looked more dusty rose on the website, but whatever. My writing notebook is a super soft leather cover with tie closures. It's heavy and thick and one of my only goals in life is to fill it up. I only take notes about writing in it, and there's a growing list right now of plays I want to write someday.

2. Write down everything you already know about that idea, and ask every possible question about that idea

In my notebook, or a loose piece of paper, I'll write down any thought I have about the play. Most are statements posed as questions, a lot of "why"s and "how"s, questions I need to find answers to before I can write anything. I write down anything I already know for sure - locations, a list of character names, ages, how the play needs to end (if I know). Sometimes I think I know how a play is going to end and then it changes.

3. Add an impossible thing

I read somewhere once that a playwright should always write at least one impossible thing into each of their plays. What that impossible thing is, is up to you. Is there magic? A turntable? Someone unzips their own skin? Whatever it is, write it.

4. No editing on the first draft

Editing as you write allows the doubt to creep in. Every first draft is garbage - no exceptions!!!!!!! Writing until the first draft is completed allows me to see the bigger picture - where are the issues in story structure, in plot development, in character details. Figuring out what you want to say is the first draft. Figuring out how you want to say it is the rest.

5. The rest tends to work itself out