Although people looking for a writing teacher often find their way to me, the truth is I don't know that writing itself is something that can be taught. The skill of good (or great) writing starts with listening. Listening to the deepest part of you where the truth of your intentions lives. Sometimes there's a lot of noise coming between a writer and the successful execution of the idea.
Common Sources of Distracting Noise Coming Between You and Your Vision
Imagine you need to write a synopsis of your latest screenplay. What might be some of the most unhelpful sources of noise, noise that distracts you from effectively coming up with great language to describe your new screenplay? Here are some examples of noisy voices that live inside your head and keep you up at night.
There's nothing original about your ideas.
Nobody is going to want to see this.
You better not get too specific or you'll scare off half your audience.
Your work on this latest script has taken a lot out of you and people need to understand that.
If I was really talented I wouldn't have to waste time writing marketing copy. There would be an army of professionals rushing in to do it for me.
My original impulse for starting this project dominates my view and keeps me from seeing just how far I veered off of my original idea.
I'm not honestly sure what this movie is going to be about in the end.
Someone in my writers group told me I must not forget to emphasize X, Y, or Z.
My Approach to Teaching Writers Starts With You
I have no interest in teaching you how to write like me. Nor do I imagine you want to write like anyone other than yourself. So, the primary focus when I work with a writer is always digging our way down until we uncover your deepest goal for whatever project you've brought to the RT Private Studio.
It all comes down to listening. I listen carefully to what's on your pages as well as what's not on those pages. And eventually a picture of an artist (you) comes into view. My job is to help you see what I see at the core of everything you write.
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Dec 12, 17, 21 and 28.
“So many playwriting development opportunities focus on the forest rather than the trees, leaving playwrights stranded with a solid idea but the inability to communicate it effectively. Roland sees every tree in the forest and meticulously helps playwrights communicate precisely and artfully.”
— Laura King, playwright
“No one understands the fundamental engine that drives all monologue better than Roland Tec. His vast experience as a theatre maker and as a filmmaker give him a unique ability to keep any writer honest. Study with Tec and inevitably you’ll begin to understand your own work better than you ever have.”
— Jared Katsiane, filmmaker
“I performed my monologue that night and I heard the laughter and immediately felt relaxed and focused. I emailed a link to the YouTube to a friend and he asked: ‘Where did you get that audience?’ I got it from Roland.”
— J. Lois Diamond, playwright
