About the Book:

Like most Canadian playwrights of his generation, John Lazarus figured out the craft on his own. In doing that, he discovered a technique involving a dual approach: constructing plot on the one hand and improvising dialogue on the other. He's been using that technique since 1977 and teaching it to others since 1990, and it works – for himself and for generations of Canada's most successful theatre creators.

As an instructor in the craft, John Lazarus has taught playwriting and screenwriting to thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to major careers as playwrights, screenwriters, film and television producers, artistic directors of theatre companies, and creators of devised theatre. On his retirement from Queen's University in 2021, John Lazarus took his 31 years' worth of lecture notes and began transforming them into his book Two Ways About It, which explains each of these "two ways" in detail: explaining why your characters won't invent your story for you, how to construct a plot using cause-and-effect, how to refine your dialogue for the actors by chewing on it yourself first, and numerous other techniques.

This book also guides you through other aspects of the profession – from current issues around creativity, originality and cultural appropriation, to nuts-and-bolts concerns like script submissions, workshops, readings, rehearsals and opening nights. Informed by over 50 years of professional experience as an award-winning Canadian playwright, teacher and critic, and delivered with his breezy, informal style and sense of humour, Two Ways About It will give the beginner a dependable way into the profession and offer the more experienced playwright new and refreshing approaches to the art form.

What people say:

"This book is like having John in your corner, rooting for you, cheering on your successes, reassuring you when you fail, and reminding you that what you are doing isn't easy – but it's worth it." — From the Foreword by Kevin Loring, Governor-General's-Award-winning playwright and first Artistic Director, Indigenous Section, National Arts Centre, Ottawa

"Warm, funny, and written with such love for the artform, Two Ways About It offers practical guidance for the emerging playwright and a welcome refresher for the seasoned practitioner. Loaded with insight into both craft and process." — Kevin Kerr, Head of the Writing program at the University of Victoria and Governor-General's-Award-winning playwright

"John Lazarus's method for playwriting is practical and brilliant. Using his simple and innovative techniques you will see a story and dialogue for your play emerge." — Tracey Erin Smith, Creator/Host of award-winning TV Series Drag Heals

About the Author:

John Lazarus is a Canadian playwright, screenwriter, and teacher. He graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada in 1969, and soon afterwards moved to Vancouver, where he worked for 30 years as an actor, critic, broadcaster, playwright, screenwriter and teacher. He taught Playwriting and Solo Show Technique at the Studio 58, and Screenwriting at Vancouver Film School. In 2000 he joined the faculty of the Queen's University Drama Department. He retired from full-time teaching in 2021, and continues to write and teach workshops.