I recently heard my first play produced on the radio, an experience as nerve racking as the publication of my first book some twelve years ago. The project taught me so many lessons which I will apply to my novel writing that I thought I could usefully share them here. Before I submitted my proposal, I was lucky that a retired professional theatre producer visited my bookshop and complained that he was asked to read so many well written plays that remained uncrafted. He emphasised the distinction between a play-writer and a playwright, implying a craftsmanship comparable with cartwrights and wheelwrights. I began to think of a sculptor who starts with a fully shaped form and posture, be it angry or meek, overpowering or tear-jerking, and then works on every inch of the detail. My visitor, who left without knowing that I had ever put pen to paper, reminded me that the audience has no second chances. Readers may choose when, where and even the mood in which to open a book; they may reread a section, take time to consider it, put it aside for later or even…