Attention Deficit

Result!

2009-08-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

Blimey! Someone has updated this blog. Oh, yes that's right- it's me...need to confess to mucho crapness on the blogging front. I seem to have spent most of the summer sucked into the black hole that is my life (you know- that other existence that isn't made up of imaginary characters in your head). Writing, blogging and focusing in general seems hard to keep up to in the summer- autumn and winter seem much more productive seasons-wonder what the general consensus on that would be? Maybe it would be 50/50 depending on your personality, a bit like being a morning or evening person...Mmm food for thought.

One of the things I did manage whilst in the black hole was to sit my AS Level Eng Lit paper. I didn't think I had done particularly well and in the immediate aftermath decided that my paper was probably a B/C effort, the coursework being of a higher standard would probably pull it up to an overall B grade so I was fairly surprised to open the envelope last Friday to find out I got an A and not only that, I scored 120/120 in the exam. Obviously I am pretty chuffed at the result but there is a part of me that agrees with the predictable media furore that always accompanies A Level results. I didn't feel that my paper was outstanding quality and I knew I could have done better so why did the examiners disagree? Am I doing myself a disservice or is there something else going on? Whatever the answer might be many of my fellow students worked very hard regardless- so well done to everyone celebrating this weekend.

The biggest disappointment this summer was having to postpone my application to the Screenwriting MA at Leeds Met. Sadly the sums don't add up and like many other families the recession has affected our income. All is not lost though, the plan is to return to some form of paid employment and hopefully to save enough to go next September. In the meantime I am starting to look forward to the autumn writers class at the LBT- the spring/summer term involved a collaboration between the writing and the acting class, whilst this was a lot of fun and we produced a great 40min play the writing element didn't really stretch me enough.

Enough blabber for now, here's looking forward to a hugely productive end to 2009.

I shall leave you with my thought for today- isn't 'festooned' a funny word? Go on, say it quickly a few times and you will see what I mean. I am going to add it to my list of favourite unintentionally funny words, it will nestle nicely between 'trowel' and 'wonga'.

Please let the sun shine

2009-04-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

Easter hols are almost upon us. Two weeks of unstructured time and marauding, lawless children to contend with.

Please let there be sun.

Mummy wants you to play outside so she can do some writing.

Odds of this happening-very low.

For this reason alone I am resisting the urge to join Script Frenzy for there is clearly no surer path to disappointment than mixing four children, no school and a pressing deadline. Ooh spooky, think I just glimpsed my future as a writer...

Just how bad was it?

2009-03-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

Answer: Not very, actually.

Hurrah! Finally got round to blogging about the performance of my plays. A strange experience but all in all -fun and exciting. Much kudos is due to the actors who had less than 3 weeks to rehearse 18 scripts, all of varied length and genre- they all did a super job.
Both my plays were performed pretty much as I had envisaged them even down to the comic timing. Thankfully the audience was appreciative and they even laughed in the right places so to say I am well chuffed is an understatement.

Tonight is the final writing session this term and we will be doing a review of our performed work. It's going to be interesting to hear what my fellow writers felt about the experience and of course their critique too.

I have got my application form for the Leeds Met Screenwriting MA and have been encouraged to apply by some of those who attended the Writers Festival. Just need to get round to completing it now- they require an example of work plus and essay about my favourite film. Which leads nicely to the next dilemma- what is my favourite film....?

Oops...

2009-03-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

...just realised I forgot to blog about seeing Lenny Henry in Othello at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

He was good. Not incredible but from his biog in the program this was his first serious stage role and this was only the second night so well done Lenny. The supporting cast were very good as is usually the case with Northern Broadsides, Matt Connor (who I have seen in 2 productions in the last year) deserves a mention as a brilliant Roderigo- someone to watch out for methinks. Conrad Nelson as Iago has had very good reviews and he was good...but...ever since I saw the film version with Kenneth Branagh I struggle to imagine an Iago not played as he did him- with a subtle, understated evil.

The production itself was fairly slick and used a black backdrop with a few props. Can't help but feel they borrowed a little from the style of last years Hamlet at the RSC (which I was also lucky enough to see). It wasn't in the same league as the RSC but still well worth seeing and not just for the play, the WYPH is a lovely venue and we all got to see Lenny in the bar afterwards doing the rounds and chatting to theatre goers, seems like a very genuine and unaffected man.

I believe it has sold out now but if you do have or get hold of a ticket you shouldn't be disappointed.

Rehearsals

2009-03-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

Just back from seeing the rehearsal of one of my plays- From Bodrum with Love. Unfortunately I couldn't make the one last week so missed seeing the run through of Dinner for Five.

Initial thoughts? Good, surprisingly so!

Often when you see your work performed or read it doesn't sound quite the way it did in your head when you wrote it- no fault of the actors of course, just individual interpretation of the script. At tonight's run through though they pretty much had it nailed, especially the two main characters. I like to think this is because my writing has become tighter and more fluent and my characters more well rounded.

Really excited about Saturday now, I got to see a couple of fellow writers work in rehearsal too and there's going to be some good stuff performed

Showtime!

2009-03-04T05:03:00.000-08:00

Rather excited today. Just had an email confirming that two of my scripts are being showcased as part of the Huddersfield Literature Festival ( Lawrence Batley Theatre, Sat 14th March, 4-6pm, Attic Venue). This is the first time anything I have written has been performed in a venue, I can't wait to see how they are interpreted by the actors. I have been invited to attend rehearsals but don't know whether to go along or not, it might be better to experience the plays on the day along with the rest of the audience...

On a less happy note I have been reading the latest media reports about the cuts being made in TV production, particularly ITV. It seems that a lot of continuing drama ( and presumably one off and two- parters) are facing the chop in favour of cheaper (reading between the lines) reality and game show formats, I guess revenue generated by phone-ins is also a key factor here. This is bad news for both established and aspiring screenwriters I would think. I wonder how much harder it will become over the next few years to get that first commission, will the powers that be prefer to stick to 'safe' well known writers or will us newbies get more of a chance because we are cheap (in the nicest possible way!)?

Makes me think my chosen path may be rockier than I first thought.

AWOL

2009-02-26T14:38:00.000-08:00

OK. So not quite absent without leave - more absent minded really. Back now though, having spent most of January and February wading from one domestic disaster to another and furiously trying to write in between.

Finally managed to complete my radio play for the ABBA. How many other writers have to lock themselves in the toilet to write whilst ignoring the Lord of the Flies scenario that prevails elsewhere in the house? Not that many? A lot? Would be quite interested to know the answer actually.

Also, does writing under extreme pressure mean I achieve more or less output than my contemporaries? Thus far I have never suffered from writers block as I am not afforded that luxury- if I get a spare half hour I just have to get on and write (regardless of the rubbish I may churn out).

Anyway, fingers crossed that my play is half decent enough for someone to read beyond the first page. Having spent so long writing and rewriting it I have lost sight of whether it was actually any good in the first place.

Time will tell.

A new 'my first time'

2009-01-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

My first official rejection arrived today in the form of an email from Radio 4 RFTP (see earlier blog posts). Quite exciting really! I'm sure however that they become less exciting as they mount up, at the moment it's just nice to have a visual reminder that I had completed and entered something. Good on R4 too for sending them out to everyone, it's horrible to be stuck in the maybe-wondering whether anyone of influence has recognised your true genius. In this case clearly not but then I had already worked this out after reading Jason Arnopp's post last week.

First Draft

2009-01-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

It's been a productive week on the work front (productive by my standards- probably not by anyone else's). Tuesday saw the start of my script writing class for this year. The task set over Christmas was to write a 10-15 page theatre script based on the outlines we all did last year. So I that's what I did, sort of!

Actually, what really happened was this; I either procrastinated/was genuinely too busy/or plain ignored the pressing task right through Christmas and New Year. With hindsight I like to think that this was because of nagging doubts about the original story and outline. Finally on Tuesday- the day of the class, I sat down at 9.30am and wrote all 10 pages. Not the original outline but something completely different, an idea that seeded in my brain some months ago which I now realise had been growing without me realising it- hence being able to bang it straight out onto the screen, funny how writing happens like that sometimes. It's the first draft so it needs more work (obviously) but I am hoping it might develop into something submit worthy. I still have my abandoned outline to make something of too- if I can. I think it was too Christmassy in tone, I don't mean the plot was anything Christmas related but it was written mid- December and has that feel about it, now post- Christmas I just can't get into it. Weird.

Annoyance of the week is not being able to get ScriptSmart to download. I had it on my old PC but now have a laptop with Vista/ Office 2007 which doesn't appear compatible. If anyone reads this and has any ideas they will be gratefully received. Of course what I really want to do is buy a copy of Final Draft but sadly that's just not financially viable at the moment. Although... maybe if I sold one of the children...Hmm tempting.

Back to normal, well almost...

2009-01-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year one and all.

Christmas is over and despite best intentions I am way behind with my two plays and my Eng Lit work. Thought I would be able to catch up this week unfortunately hubby is ill and and the childminder is on holiday ( a very bad combination on the getting anything done front).

Highlights of the last month include;

Doctor Who - I enjoyed this years Xmas special much more than the previous 2007, I never quite got to grips with Kylie's character although I'm not sure why. A new doctor on the horizon too, everyone seems to have an opinion, personally I think he looks fab and I can't wait to see the Smith/Moffatt episodes.

Wicked- the musical. Went to see it with my daughter for her birthday, I'm not generally a fan of musicals but this was pretty good. Amazing stage and costume design and the cast are excellent.

Othello- the subject of my next essay so I have booked tickets for the Lenny Henry production at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Feb. Northern Broadsides shows are usually pretty good so I can't wait.

Anyway back to work... I will not procrastinate this year, repeat after me, I will not...

Bits and Bobs

2008-12-18T01:44:00.000-08:00

Not much has progressed here in the last week, this Christmas malarkey gets in the way of everything.

On a positive note my A Level re-creative coursework is finished apart from a few tweaks and I have a predicted grade of mid to higher A. Fairly pleased about that.

Over Christmas and New Year I will mostly be working on a couple of pieces for the local literature festival and my submission for the Alfred Bradley Award in February.

I suspect I am going to struggle a bit with the initial outline for the ABA, I have come to realise that my strengths lie in dramatic dialogue but I struggle much more with having to outline a whole plot. Most of my work thus far develops as I write but I am trying to create initial structures for these new pieces. Why doesn't my brain work this way?

What a performance...

2008-12-10T03:12:00.000-08:00

When is a performance not a performance?

When it has no audience!

No, that's not just an unfunny joke it was an unfortunate reality for my theatre drama groups end of year performance last night. We have slaved away all term to produce a 20 min piece of physical theatre representative of the theme of alienation, so rather ironically - nobody turned up to watch.

Admittedly as it turned out none of us had actually invited anyone so I guess you reap what you sow. We are a professional lot so the show had to go on and we performed to the theatre photographer and rows of empty chairs. The far left chair on the back row thought my portrayal of a disfigured teenage girl was particularly touching.

We still get photos in the theatre publicity material so all was not lost...bet this doesn't happen at the RSC though.

The Anarchist and the Salesman

2008-12-04T02:24:00.000-08:00

I saw an excellent production last night of Accidental Death of an Anarchist, an adapted version of the Dario Fo original. Spectacular dialogue and a visually brilliant piece, it made me realise I have along way to go before any of my work will stand up to 2hrs of scrutiny.

Talking of adaptations I have a coursework deadline looming in the form of a piece of 'Re-Creative' writing. This is the first year that this has been done on the A Level syllabus so it is a bit of an unknown quantity for all involved. Our piece has to take the form of an extra scene or monologue from Death of a Salesman. It all sounds very fun and a welcome break from the traditional essay but...can I possibly write in the style of a 1940s Arthur Miller?

I can only hope. Watch this space for my grade.

Snow

2008-12-02T02:28:00.000-08:00

Today is a good lesson in why not to take the leave everything until the last minute and fly by the seat of your pants approach to writing. I have previously taken solace and affirmation in the knowledge that Russell T Davies alludes to working in a similar way, however I should probably acknowledge that with 4 kids (cancelled school due to snow) and 1 husband (working from home due to snow) I do not have the flexibility to procrastinate quite as much as I do. Had I had the foresight to have been born RTD my life could have been very different...

By 7.15pm I need an outline for my writers group showcase piece. I am struggling with the resolution for my protagonist. Have they got what they wanted? What have they learnt? Have you said what you want to say to the audience?

How the hell should I know? I'm only the writer.

Do it anyway...

2008-12-01T03:40:00.000-08:00

as in feel the fear and...This is my first attempt at blogging having been a semi-furtive reader of other writers blogs for the past year. In common with those bloggers the purpose of me doing this is to focus my scrambled writers mind and prevent (too much) procrastination. So first off, a big shout out to screenwriters Paul Campbell and James Moran whose blogs I first discovered and have provided me with much inspiration. Thanks due also to the numerous other writer-bloggers I have subsequently discovered, whose links shall appear on the right hand side of the page shortly (when I workout how the hell all this blog stuff works). Last but not least, much kudos to Stacey who insisted that I renounce my antisocial tendencies and do this blog.

Oscar speech over, so back to the difficult first post.

Hi, I'm Sue (or Susan if you are my father reading this and I have misbehaved). I live Ooop North and am an amateur scribbler. As the title and sub heading of this blog suggests I struggle a tad with maintaining focus and direction (cue mental images of many half finished scripts, plays, novels etc...). However the point of this blog is not to dwell on my numerous shortcomings but to allow me to track the things I do achieve in the vain hope that this will have a snowball effect.

So...things I have achieved in the past year:

1. Left my job, although it was technically a writing job (Local Government policy and procedure) it made me want to gouge my eyes out with rusty spoons. I should point out that I do in fact have a benefactor in the form of my v. patient husband, just in case I am encouraging anyone else to leave their unfulfilling job too- it's probably not the best course of action unless you love Smart Price Noodles.

2. Went back to college, I am currently doing an English Literature A Level. This is purely for pleasure as I do already have A Levels and a degree of a more science type nature ('what possessed me?' she cries, English having always been her best subject). The course is a lot of fun but am feeling a little old and jealous surrounded by 17yr olds.

3. Joined a theatre drama group, don't get me wrong, I am under no illusion that I am a good or even passable actress but I would recommend joining such a group to other writers. It has helped enormously with focus and self confidence and offers an excellent insight into how scripts are blocked and interpreted by actors and directors, it is a valuable lesson in teamwork and not being too precious about your writing.

4. Joined a writers group, at the same theatre- we sometimes write and produce. I am pretty pleased with myself as a play I recently wrote for his group is being developed for the towns next Literature Festival (small steps I know but an achievement is still an achievement).

5. Sent my first open submission off, I entered a short sketch into Radio 4s Recorded for Training Purposes competition. With hindsight I am not entirely sure the content was appropriate for the medium (can you say wank on Radio 4?) so I won't be sat next to my Inbox holding my breath but it served its purpose which was to get off your bloody arse and send something somewhere.

A month early I know but goals for 2009, in no particular order, are:

1. Build a portfolio of showcase work

2. Pass A Level

3. Enter more competitions/submissions, in particular have something prepared for Red Planet.

4. Make a decision about applying for Screenwriting MA, still undecided about whether this is a good path to take. On the Yay side it would definitely focus my mind on the Nay side it is £4000 per year (plus childcare) and considering I am now unemployed...ho hum

5. Get something produced or published no matter how small, a bit vague I know but you've got to hope.

So there we go, my first post. Congratulations if you got this far. Don't you have anything better to do?