Instructor Laura Hunter Drago introduces her course, ‘Bring Your Audio Fiction Podcast Idea to Life’, aimed at anyone interested in writing for audio fiction. The course welcomes both seasoned writers and newcomers, offering a comprehensive guide to navigating the audio fiction landscape—a medium with a low barrier to entry and no gatekeepers. It’s especially beneficial for screenwriters and novelists seeking new ways to share their stories. Laura emphasizes the exciting opportunities within audio fiction and shares her own experiences as a screenwriter and audio fiction producer. Her own projects in this medium include St. Mary’s School for Children with the Stigmata, a horror thriller podcast, and The Crime at Camp Ashwood, which won Best Audio Fiction Script at the Austin Film Festival in 2023.
The course is structured to teach students the history of audio fiction, from radio plays to modern TV script adaptations. Key areas include brainstorming ideas, creating loglines, world-building, and scriptwriting, with practical tips on producing, casting, recording, and editing audio episodes. Laura underscores the importance of considering genre, episode length, and the unique demands of writing for audio. She encourages keeping the character count low for easier production and listener clarity. Students are also guided to think deeply about their project’s setting, themes, and characters, ensuring each element serves the narrative effectively. Overall, the course promises a fun and engaging journey into the world of audio fiction, equipping students with the skills to bring their podcast ideas to life and find an audience in this growing industry.
