How an Idea for a Book Turned into a Radio Play

Hobbies feature strongly in my personal portfolio for enrichment, and I have several: writing, watercolour painting, and an enduring passion for researching the period of transition from silent to talking pictures. 

Currently I am combining all three in an endeavor to produce a manuscript for an illustrated book notionally entitled The Hollywood Revolution: 1927/29. 

(Quirky, yes, I know). 

To test the water I created a 30 minute radio drama on the topic, which has been accepted by a major broadcasting network for late night scheduling in 2006. 

In the resource box below you will find the address for the website that contains the complete outline on which I based my play. 

If you know the era, you will know the names; but even if you are unfamiliar with both, the text should still evoke a few chuckles... 

What was so special about Hollywood in 1928? 

The movie revolution was underway and history was in the making. The unexpected box office triumph of 'The Jazz Singer' had sent tremors of fear ripping through the industry and expedited at breakneck speed a reluctant transition from silent to talking pictures. Careers were at stake; fortunes were being made and lost; sound tests were in and many big time stars were on the way out. 

What’s in it for you if you read my outline? 

1. At worst, it will show you how to take any creative idea and produce an outline for a book, play, sitcom, soap; whatever. It all starts and ends in the mind and the sooner you open it, the sooner you will reach your objective. 
2. At best, my outline might just spark off some creative thoughts of your own by thinking out of the box to begin with and then fleshing out the bones of an idea that’s been lurking in your subconscious for who knows how long. 
3. It might also help you develop an ear for dialogue…