stratford-academy-series-blog

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These were dark periods for theatres in more senses than one. Actors were forced into other work and, of course, many died (people aged between 10 and their mid-30s were especially vulnerable). Companies broke up or were forced to tour in the provinces, hoping that news of the pestilence didn’t travel ahead of them. As at least one Shakespeare biographer has pointed out, there was a curious irony to the closures: Elizabethan theatregoers loved to snack on hazelnuts, which may have helped repel plague-carrying fleas.

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Book 1 is now in the hands of the editor! Chop chop, go the words. Chop chop, go their heads. Chop chop chop.

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Stratford Academy Series is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore how Shakespeare's most notorious tragic characters coexist or look to exist without. http://www.stratfordacademyseries.com/

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Stratford Academy Series http://www.stratfordacademyseries.com/

Stratford Academy Series

The Novel is nearing completion and the television epic is on its way to finding production. Let's make Shakespeare's most tragic figures live out their lives amongst each other!

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Stratford Academy Novel 1st draft finished! Onto 1st Reader!

After a winding journey, Stratford Academy the novel has a complete 1st draft and is off to its very first reader for notes!

I am thrilled to have completed a first manuscript, as the writing of this first novel has informed the world and the story miles over. A blessing that makes moe wonder how the novel was not written before the television pilot. Ruh-Roh ;-P

Writing a novel is a tough undertaking in many respects. But, I’ve learned some valuable things along the way (though the journey is still far from complete). 

Since I’ve been developing this story for about four years now, I was fortunate to have a clear vision of how I wanted the whole of the story to unfold. That said, the best thing any writer can do is to be as clear as possible ahead of time with the structure of their story. From my experience, I recommend plotting out in detail, outlining, chaptering and whatever else you may need to lay out your foundation. Once that is cleared up enough, the writing is the most enjoyable part!

There is nothing like knowing where you want to go, riding your imagination and taking your reader on a journey you get to discover moment by breathtaking moment with them. It feels like having the makings of a sculpture - then you get to bring it to life by throwing color, texture and detail into every nook and cranny.

Writing is rewriting of course, so the completion of this first novel’s first draft is one hurdle jumped of many more to come. 

The plan is to receive notes back next weekend, make a big pass and then send it to a trusted old friend who has an affinity for Shakespeare in general, but more importantly is a collegiate level educator and a worldly reader. The hope is it is well enough received to garner some more detail and precision, so that a final 3rd draft is good enough to send to a couple more readers. From there, I will consider opinions and suggestions, but will most likely be looking to refine and sharpen word by word. 

Once that process is complete, I will look to sell the book online! What? Who knew? And to think I loathed the thought of writing in my teenage years. Thank you to Allen Cleveland, my 10th and 11th grade Classic Literature Teacher! Among many others. 

I’ve begun research into realizing the book, but will have to delve much deeper to maximize the potential of getting this story out there, one that I keep busting at the seams to tell. 

When writing a novel, my best advice is to keep writing. There were times when I felt over taxed or burdened by the sheer weight and scope of the story I was working to tell. Do not get discouraged. If you have a clear vision of where you want the story to go and what you want to get out of it, then it is only a matter of consistently putting pen to paper or fingers to keys. 

Be brave! I encourage everyone to become a writer, whether full-time or in passing. I do this because writing is an extension of our thoughts. When we write, we are able to more precisely nail down exactly how we feel and what it is we think. We get the opportunity to explore and clarify our deepest emotions and imagine our greatest selves. We search the depths of the soul when we write, because when words flush out onto the page, we see first hand just how many wonderful things are percolating inside of us. When we see our words on the page, we see value in ourselves. We see ourselves at work and are rewarded by what stares right back at us. 

Much love!

- Z

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Book Cover design #1 for Stratford Academy’s Novel to be released this Fall 2017. 

What are your thoughts? This classic novel style? I do have great pictures from the Teaser of the story found at StratfordAcademySeries.com that I can look to make into a more modern, realistic cover. Many angles to go. 

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Stratford Academy - Still shots of Macbeth, Romeo + Juliet, Othello, Iago, Caesar, Antony, Brutus. Check out StratfordAcademySeries.com to see the Teaser and to find out more info.

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Independently Produced Teaser of the 1 Hour TV Drama - Stratford Academy. 

This alternate reality pits William Shakespeare’s most notorious tragic characters against each other at the world’s premiere modern boarding school. 

Administrators, teachers, coaches and students vie for supremacy at Stratford Academy, where the likes of Macbeth, Iago, Caesar and Juliet are desperate to make their dreams come true - at any and all costs. 

16 year old Will Shakespeare starts his first day at Stratford Academy not aware of the tragic whirlwind he is about to play an integral role in. Can Will alter the fate of his peers before it’s too late?