I think about this a lot. Soap operas should try hiring writers who have published novels instead of recycling the same mediocre outdated soap writers.
Even successful writers usually don't make a lot of money and would probably be interested in the job. Start them in the writer's room so they can get an understanding of how these shows work. Many people don't understand that soap operas are a format, not necessary a genre. Make them watch classic episodes. Pair them up with an experienced soap writer.
Probably the most well known example of this is Michael Malone and Josh Griffith. Having One Life to Live written through the eyes of a novelist created really unique, well written material. No, not everyone liked it, though that can be said of any time period on any show. Yes, he needed a lot of people to polish his ideas, and their second reign wasn't successful, but I've always wished this experiment would be repeated with another good (book) writer.
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vote4llama ·
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