Writing novels in play script form

[Richard]

Before I bought the latest Harry Potter epic, I thought it would precipitate a wave of authors re-writing their books as plays. But as I read it, I'm finding it thin and confusing compared to a novel, and the experience of reading it is not immersive enough. Maybe it's because it's been written by second-raters based on an outline by JKR, or maybe it's the form. Anyway, it's a disappointment.

[Christina]

I doubt anyone would rewrite their novel as a play unless it was optioned to the stage. The difference here being that instead of a novelization of the story that began its life as a script (as has traditionally been done, especially with big names like Star Wars), they just decided to put out the script, which yes, is likely to cause confusion, especially amongst people who were expecting to read a book. Personally, calling the authors second raters seems harsh and rude.

If there was someone out there who would emulate the style purely for the sake of 'cashing in' well, they'll son discover on their own why that probably isn't a good idea.

[Micah]

Only the rare author with megahits like Harry Potter will be able to pull this off ... and even then only once.

I find script format to be a real pain to read.

[Eugene]

I found the concept bizarre. A script is to be performed. Most of the story is missing from any script. Characters need actors, scenes need scenery.

Yeah, JKR could get people to buy the script to an unproduced play, but why? JKR could produce the play. I mean, literally produce it, as in, put up all the money to make it happen. If she couldn't find anyone in London or New York willing to devote the stage time for a Harry Potter play, that should have been a very LOUD signal that there is something wrong with the script.

So why did she just publish the script?

[Richard]

There is a play running on a London stage, which will no doubt turn up on Broadway before long. The script was published a few weeks after it opened. I found reading the play very disappointing even though I'm a big fan of the books. It would have been better if she'd taken the time to write a novel telling the same story.

[Eugene]

Ah, that explains it. Although, still, releasing the script so early will undercut ticket sales, I would think. Although many things I think are bad for business are practiced by those in the business of business, and they're all rich, so they probably know things I don't.

I agree with you, Richard. Let the play run its course. Let it go overseas, maybe even start a tour. In the meantime, rewrite in novel format. Many, many people never get to see professional plays, so the play won't undercut novel sales in any measurable degree.

Unless the play stinks. That would be a risk. But frankly, I think now she's got the opposite problem: a play where everyone has read the script and been unimpressed. My guess is that the media folks decided to gamble against a Broadway/London smash, and published the script for the quick bucks.

[Robert]

They probably have a problem if the play succeeds, people will want to see it in every country. I don't think the average person is going to rush off to New York City to see a Harry Potter play. If nothing else, a person could die waiting for the show dates they would be getting.

In the meantime, they sell the playscript to get extra money. If the play succeeds they will probably record the play, making a movie of it, so that can be seen world wide. Much easier than making a new book, or a new movie. And if people really wanted another novel/movie, I guess they would probably do that as well. Never say never again.

I have this thought rattling around in my head, a successful book is one that sells another, and it really doesn't matter what the next book is.