“This book is a beautifully rendered journey into the joys, challenges, secrets, and time-tested methods of writing biographical dramas for the stage and cinema. Inspiring and wonderfully practical, this is the manual any writer, no matter the level of achievement, can turn to when wrestling with such questions as: how do I make my story relevant to today? What is the relationship between research and creativity? How much of myself can I pour into the life of this famous (or infamous) person? How do I explore a historical character’s fatal flaws? The book includes scores of examples derived from the work of such greats as Harold Pinter, David Mamet, David Hare, and Suzan-Lori Parks, but some of the best help comes from O’Neill’s meticulous and eye-opening analysis of her own biographical dramas: about footballer Ron Barassi, landscape designer Edna Walling, and musician John Lennon. Her insights into crafting her own award-winning biographical dramas are treasures.”

— José Rivera, Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of The Motorcycle Diaries and Obie Award-winning playwright

This book deeply and precisely describes the dilemmas and opportunities of writing a biographical script for theater or screen. Both playwrights and screenwriters will benefit from and be inspired by reading this book."

— Motti Lerner, award-winning international playwright

How to write from real life, from real events, and keep it truthful and vital and fascinating? This is the book we've been waiting for.

— Patricia Cornelius, cofounder of Melbourne Workers Theatre and award-winning author of more than twenty plays