Your routine

No doubt this has been covered before, but I'm interested in whether you write in a routine, or have bursts of creativity? Where? When?

Something I've found really useful recently is Google Docs - I keep sitcom drafts, sketch ideas etc on there, and then I can add / edit from wherever as long as there's internet access. Library computers (good for the lunch hour), internet cafes, your own laptop on trains etc. Means you don't have to carry your own disc / computer around everywhere.

Only problem is I can't put ScriptSmart into the Google word processor - anyone got a way around this?

Quote: DrVole @ May 28 2009, 4:53 PM BST

No doubt this has been covered before, but I'm interested in whether you write in a routine, or have bursts of creativity? Where? When?

Something I've found really useful recently is Google Docs - I keep sitcom drafts, sketch ideas etc on there, and then I can add / edit from wherever as long as there's internet access. Library computers (good for the lunch hour), internet cafes, your own laptop on trains etc. Means you don't have to carry your own disc / computer around everywhere.

Only problem is I can't put ScriptSmart into the Google word processor - anyone got a way around this?

View original

I've never even heard of Google Docs 'till I read this post

Just had a wee gander... quality

I don't think I'd get much use from it myself alone however I can see that being very handy with collaboration work

Google Docs

Sorry, can't assist you on ScriptSmart into the Google word processor.

I keep all my notes in text files or Word docs on my hard drive.

So if I get an idea or a line of dialogue, I simply jot it down.

ScriptSmart is ONLY for Word I'm afraid.

'New' >> 'From template...' >> (search for or scroll down to) 'Screenplay'.

Further than that search, I've not used it so don't know how good it is.

Google docs doesn't really seem to be set up for this. Scripped does this sort of thing specifically for scripts, so may be worth a look as that might suit better. I've not really used that either to be honest, as I have webmail access so tend to just email myself the latest versions and download wherever I am.

Hope this helps, DrV

Dan

That's really handy, Dan - cheers. I'll give that a go.

but I'm interested in whether you write in a routine, or have bursts of creativity

I write every day. Sometimes for hours, sometimes for a short while.
I've always got something to write, as I'm bursting with ideas.

If I get a sudden idea for a new show, I do tend to put things on hold and gather some notes, sometimes even start work on it.

And if I complete a show, sitcom, sketch, whatever, I then continue working on my novel.

I work in fits and starts. I have an office which I go into in the morning and leave at night, but what happens in there isn't always productive. I have my xbox and a big telly in there.

You can ususaly tell when I'm on a deadline because instead of writing I post on here more often and update my blog. Always manage to get stuff done in time though. just.

I've got absolutely no routine whatsoever. I just get on with life, and if I get inspired by someone, or something, I write some notes down.

Quote: catskillz @ May 29 2009, 12:58 AM BST

I've got absolutely no routine whatsoever. I just get on with life, and if I get inspired by someone, or something, I write some notes down.

View original

You always say that.

That's why I've taken so long to write the damn thing. If I had a proper routine, I probably could've had it finished two years ago.

Quote: catskillz @ May 29 2009, 1:46 AM BST

That's why I've taken so long to write the damn thing. If I had a proper routine, I probably could've had it finished two years ago.

View original

You always say that.

1) Think about idea for sitcom
2) Think about idea for sitcom for a very long time indeed
3) Think about characters, situations, theme and plots
4) Abandon idea for sitcom
5) Cry
6) Think of taking up new creative activity
7) Go back and revisit 3)
8) Decide to spend a prolonged period, whatever it takes, to write a concise, well-structured first draft
9) Develop depression
10) Create new folder on computer for great new sitcom script
11) Whine about life, watch TV, spend time on personal grooming issues, masturbate etc...
12) Decide to write a serious drama which requires no recourse to writing jokes
13) Lose the will to live entirely
14) Write sitcom script
15) Send script off with a sense of foreboding and shame

Then repeat ad infinitum...

Same as Tim, but without the speedy turnaround...

Dan

I write far more when I have a deadline - (not in the professional sense unfortunately but for a competition for example or if I've promised someone I'll have a go at something!).

I can't write at work (I actually have to work!) but I do carry things round on memory sticks and email myself quite a bit so I can pick it up anywhere. 

Plus I own about 27 notebooks.  So I'm always jotting down ideas - they're mostly rubbish and illegible but I'm ever hopeful!

Jx

Sootyj randomly turns his computer and types stuff in.
Sometimes he jots things down in the same notebook he uses for work, this is potentially risky and therefore fun.
He should really change the attitude that anything which inolves effort isn't funny, that and writing in the 3rd personage.