Re: [WR] round tuits

Jackson Pillock <jacksonpillock@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

boots <no@xxxxx> wrote in news:ckhj74pq27ojs5lhqfdpfu6tu1dsegefgb@
4ax.com:

Do you have trouble getting around to actually writing?

I do, too many projects going, not enough time, priorities lean toward
contined eating, sleeping in warm dry places, mundane stuff like that.

There are disciplines that can be used to force the issue, but is
forced really desirable?

When I was a kid I wanted to be a writer, because I loved reading.
But it was pointed out somewhere along the line that in order to write
you had to experience. I fell for that one.

It's really all about time, isn't it?


It really is. Recently I wrote a script for a BBC new writers
initiative. They gave a six week deadline, and a theme 'The Health of
the Nation,' for a 30 minute drama. Drama-comedy okay, but no sit-com.
They wanted fast-paced story-telling, compelling characters, and an
original voice. I found out about it with four weeks to go.

I started writing a precinct drama set in a locked psychiatric ward.
Draft one, no good - too 'Holby-city.' It read like something you'd
already seen on telley. Started again, with a stronger character, and
more open setting. Not too bad, something to go on. Wrote another draft,
then sent it to a bloody good screenwriter friend for notes. Notes back,
I rewrote. Down to ten days to go. Another two drafts, with a frenzied
rewrite on the last night.

Sent off my script. It wasn't good enough to make the cut. 900 writers
sent scripts, tweny-five were chosen. Not mine.

I firmly believe that if I had just worked a little harder, faster,
smarter, I'd be in a workshop in Broadcasting House now, and a step
closer to writing for the screen. I kick myself that I didn't have a few
more days to sharpen it up, find those perfect lines, find those little
twists that push a script over the top.

Scripts are concentrated story-telling. It's a complex craft; unless
you're a certified dramatic genius, you can't do it in one go. You have
to work in layers, interconnections, every last fucking line, every
action, every scene description has to count for something or you cut
it. Your dialogue has got to sparkle, contain actable subtext; you
should know which character is speaking without the name-tag, the voices
are so distinct and recognisable. All that takes time.

That's one view of it, and maybe your experience this go will keep you
more on your toes so that next time you don't lose the initial two
weeks not knowing the game is afoot.

Another aspect, the one to which I was referring, is how much of your
time is available. If during the four weeks you had to work on it you
were required to spend 80% of your time doing things that justify your
ability to eat food, your results might have been lesser (and no, I
have no idea how much time you were able to devote to the effort).

Sometimes I think that sleep is for the weak and the wealthy, mostly
during times when I'm feeling weak and poor. I seldom sleep past 2am
these days, spend too much time here writing (it's my only writing
outlet these days, but it really does help), get a bit of software
done, work as a do-it-yourself housebuilder until dinnertime, and hang
out with Mrs Boots until time to do it again. I hope that once the
housebuilding effort is at an end I'll have more time for things more
important to me, but know that I'll be busy chopping firewood and
fuckall. Eventually perhaps my priorities will straighten themselves
around and I'll actually do some concentrated writing. Yeah, sure.

I do suspect that if I sat down determined to write a novel, after 6
weeks or so I'd have something publishable (though not great). But
it's just too much of an investment of time with a return too
uncertain for me at this stage of things.

If that makes any sense whatsoever, which I question.

So Jackson, are you going to invest a few more minutes each day in
whatever activities constitute keeping on your toes to find out about
these new opportunities before they're wasting away faster than you
can keep up? Serious question, really.

--
Don't read this crap... oops, too late!

[superstitious heathen grade 8]
.