Recommended by Paul Donnelly

The irony of the title is, of course, that writing is not simple at all. This is evidenced by the lengths that Jack will go to to gain inspiration. Gerry and Dusty are amusing companions on Jack's urgent quest.

A wrenching salute to the courage and impact of four women spies who are about to be executed. Their courage even shakes their Nazi executioners out of their complacency. This is a gripping and moving work.

I must admit I'm with the women of the book club on the subject of horror literature. But, that being said, I loved the repartee and Lavinia's sudden channeling of the figures of terror. A really fun read even for those of us who've never read Lovecraft.

The urgency of representation comes to the fore in this biting and theatrically vibrant play. The irony of Jason's voice not being heard speaks volumes. The horror of the phrase "autistic enough" will resonate for me for a long time to come.

The lovely reversal is the perfect button on this witty and engaging play. Katherine's misapprehension, which builds to a high dudgeon, is artfully skewered. I hope her late grandmother proves to be as interesting as the grandmother's neighbor!

How does someone come to appreciate the role of a mentor in their life? This is the question explored in this subtle and engaging monologue. Vivid portraits of both Madame and the narrator emerge organically as the narrative unfolds. There is much to admire in this ultimately moving piece.

This play is a vividly theatrical exploration of queer life - its joys and its perils. Declan's choice to enter a world where queer lives are central leave Nate and Adam with hard choices to make. Nate's lies and fears mask his role in Declan's disappearance, the truth of which challenges all the compelling denizens of this gripping narrative.

This scathing satire of the addiction to social media is gripping, demonic fun. Asmodeus perfectly expresses the jealousy, self-doubt and anger that doom-scrolling can inspire. The introduction of Cellphone takes things to another level of hilarity. This is a resonant and riotous trip.

Old friends navigate old wounds and new ones as they attempt to reconnect after years of estrangement. Monarch butterflies form a lovely backdrop and offer a lovely metaphor for the change Molly must embrace, however reluctantly. Janet's forgiveness is offered with a bracing dose of pragmatism as she works through her feelings of abandonment and betrayal. That these friends face hard truths gives the hope that the friendship can move forward.

This gripping, gritty, and deeply moving monologue honors the horrific impact of PTSD and the difficult journey to at least partial recovery. The Combat Veteran's breaking point and its consequences are truly heart-rending. I am struggling to do justice to the power of this work, both moment to moment and cumulatively. This is one that will stay with me for a long time to come.