How to write an audio drama. Part 1 — Strengths and weaknesses

Audio drama is just the same as any drama. You’re still in the business of creating good stories with strong characters.

Rules are made to be broken. What follows are slim guidelines for writers who are either inexperienced or experienced in other media — stage, TV, film — and are interested in exploring audio. I’m not telling you how to write. I’m suggesting how to make what you write work in audio.

STRENGTHS OF AUDIO DRAMA

Stop moaning about the lack of visuals and recognise that audio has its own strengths.

• Anywhere you want to take your drama is affordable and doable. Anywhere. The planet Mars? No problem. A rainforest, hunted by large animals and the indigenous population? Easy. Sydney Harbour in 2098AD? Down a mine, up a mountain? Germany in the 1930s? An abbey with 150 monks in twelfth century France? Rome, Tokyo, Singapore and all within five minutes? NO PROBLEM. Try putting that in a TV script.
• You can get right inside the audience’s head. Wherever they are, whatever they’re doing. Running, making a coffee, driving, sitting on a train. They’re physically in one place. But mentally, they’re yours. It’s a powerful medium.
• Rules are made to be broken and so are these guidelines (have I said that before?)…