Writing the Biographical Drama

An Essential Guide for Playwrights and Screenwriters

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by Tee O'Neill

Type

Didactic

Subject

Technique > Scriptwriting

Keywords

scriptwriting, biopics

Publishing date

2025 (July 01, 2025)

Publisher

Upriver Press

Language

English

Relative size

Physical desc.

Paperback • 212 pages
6 x 9 inches (15 x 23 cm)

ISBN

979-8-9906236-0-6

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Book Presentation:
Biographical dramas (films and plays based on real people) have entertained and enlightened audiences for centuries. They are still in high demand, being among the most profitable genres for stage and screen today. So why is there a dearth of books to guide playwrights and screenwriters who want to write a successful, engaging biographical drama? Writing the Biographical Drama, by Edward Albee Award-winning and internationally acclaimed playwright, Dr. Tee O’Neill, fills that void. O’Neill offers a thoughtful, artfully written, practical, and academically rich book designed to equip writers to grow in the craft of writing biographical dramas. All scripts are challenging to write, but writing about real people presents unique challenges. This book is designed to help writers overcome those challenges and produce a successful script for plays, television, and film. By reading this book, writers will: • Uncover the human traits that make biographical dramas so powerful and popular • Gain insights about the creative process from renowned writers, such as Peter Morgan and José Rivera—all interviewed by Dr. O’Neill • Learn how to select a person as a subject for a biographical play or film • Explore the dynamics of research: where to start, what to look for, and when to stop • Practice Dr. O’Neill’s writing principles with enjoyable exercises designed to inspire creativity The book offers readers a holistic view of the entire creative process of writing a biographical drama. For accomplished screen and stage writers as well as new writers, this book is invaluable for anyone who hopes to transform a true story into a beautiful drama for stage or screen.

About the Author:
Tee O’ Neill (PhD) is an Edward Albee Award-winning playwright and lecturer in scriptwriting and dramatic structure. Her plays have been performed around the world. She lives on a farm in the Yarra Valley of Australia with five cows, five horses, two dogs and one husband. You can read more about Tee or contact her at: www.teeoneill.com.

See the publisher website: Upriver Press