The Strengths of Audio Drama

Content Warning: this video contains an example scenario involving brandishing a gun from 2:25 - 3:38.

Not all radio dramas are made equal, and not all stories are equally well suited to the medium of audio fiction. In this lesson, we explore some of the concepts and situations that seem to be a naturally good fit for the medium. What are some kinds of stories that feel particularly at home in audio fiction?

Lesson Companion 

Audio Fiction 101

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Unit 1

  • Introduction
  • The Science of Storytelling
  • The Art of Control
  • High Five!
  • The Four Tools
  • Re-Re-Re-Definition
  • The Limits of Imagination
  • Thou Shalt Be Clear

Unit 2

  • Introduction - Let's Go Deeper
  • The Strengths of Audio Drama
  • The Weaknesses of Audio Drama
  • Where Do You Get Your Ideas?
  • Designing Great Radio Characters
  • Location, Location, Location
  • Talk the Talk
  • Writing for Sound Effects
  • Radio GaGa
  • Plot and Structure
  • Narrative Rhyming
  • Ten Point Structure
  • Serialization
  • Some Thoughts on World-Building
  • World-Building In Audio

Unit 3

  • Introduction - Pick Up Those Pencils
  • Getting Started
  • The Fear of Public Shame
  • Outlines Are Your Friend
  • Outlines Are Your Frienemies?
  • First Drafts Are Not As Scary As They Seem
  • Revising and Improving
  • It's Not Over Till It's Over
  • What About Theme?
  • Conclusion

Appendix

  • Ten Books You Need to Read Right Now
  • Ten Radio Dramas You Need to Listen To Right Now
  • Writing Software and Formats