How A Writer Dies - Blog Page 5

Quote: Tim Walker @ July 16 2009, 5:10 PM BST

I know that it's David Croft's opinion that one is either able or not able to write comedy...

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I think it helps to have a funny bone. Most of the Dads Armys scripts could have been re-written better but they weren't because they weren't rewritten because they didn't have to be. Probably something to do with the Producer on the show. Dad's Army is my all time favourite sitcom.

MJ probably has some thoughts on writing courses. Anyone who has natural ability can be helped by some kind of mentoring or course - it's just finding the right one. If a man or woman has the ability to learn then they have the ability to be taught. Trouble is there an awful lot of people teaching writing for TV and no jobs at the other end. There is a skewed kind of logic going on at the moment - but there is a baby in all that bathwater somewhere that is slucing down to the sea!

Quote: Jacob Loves Comedy @ July 16 2009, 5:06 PM BST

On another note, I think some people should have a bit more respect for Marc Blake, the majority have been fine, but some have been a little harsh I feel.

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I do, I've read his book, got quite a lot out of it and I'm working.

Quote: Tim Walker @ July 16 2009, 11:31 AM BST

What is the relevance of this comment?

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Just that there are people on here as experienced so you could probably get as much in depth and valuable feedback from just posting in critique rather than paying someone £60 for the priviledge.

You can't teach creativity.

Quote: Tom G @ July 16 2009, 5:17 PM BST

You can't teach creativity.

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Yes you can. Some people can't learn it but that's an entirely different kettle of fish.

Quote: Marc P @ July 16 2009, 5:05 PM BST

How many have you been on Don?

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None - I'm not a writer.

But I know many that have. And the general consensus seems to be that most writing courses are padded out with 'filler'.

Much in the same way that 'How to Write' books are.

A point you made yourself, only a few days ago.

Quote: Marc P @ July 16 2009, 5:16 PM BST

but there is a baby in all that bathwater somewhere that is slucing down to the sea!

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Shit! I knew I was supposed to be doing something else....!

Quote: Tom G @ July 16 2009, 5:17 PM BST

Just that there are people on here as experienced so you could probably get as much in depth and valuable feedback from just posting in critique rather than paying someone £60 for the priviledge.

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Mmmnn. I paid for critiques from Marc for my first three pilots, it was well worth it. (To give Marc even more credit, he told me when he felt that he had nothing much else to teach me - from the point-of-view that he felt that I didn't need his help prior to submission anymore. He wasn't just trying to make money out of me is the important point.)

And the more experience one gets, the more progress one makes, the less inclined one is to spend time reading and preparing valuable feedback on other's work. It becomes time taken away from your own writing, to be frank.

Quote: don rushmore @ July 16 2009, 5:21 PM BST

None - I'm not a writer.

But I know many that have. And the general consensus seems to be that most writing courses are padded out with 'filler'.

Much in the same way that 'How to Write' books are.

A point you made yourself, only a few days ago.

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I'm not disagreeing with you Don just wondered if you had been on one, I was on an excellent one once and got a brand new computer out of it.

Quote: Tim Walker @ July 16 2009, 5:23 PM BST

And the more experience one gets, the more progress one makes, the less inclined one is to spend time reading and preparing valuable feedback on other's work. It becomes time taken away from your own writing, to be frank.

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It is lot of work!

I'd never be cheeky enough to ask other people to read my scripts for nothing.

Quote: Marc P @ July 16 2009, 5:20 PM BST

Yes you can. Some people can't learn it but that's an entirely different kettle of fish.

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I disagree but then I haven't been on a course. I realise there might be different techniques to generate ideas but everyone is different.

If you just attend courses and learn to write in a certain way won't you lose some of your individuality.

I have read Marc's "how to" book but didn't really read anything that changed my life.

Quote: Tom G @ July 16 2009, 5:28 PM BST

I disagree but then I haven't been on a course.

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Nor have I.

There are always exceptions and it's good to read someone else's work (instead of your own) all the time.

Quote: Marc P @ July 16 2009, 5:29 PM BST

Nor have I.

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That's a bit of a lie come to think of it. I went on McKees weekend seminar a few years ago if that counts. I didnt have to put in any homework though so it's more of a talk than a course.

Quote: Marc P @ July 16 2009, 5:25 PM BST

I'm not disagreeing with you Don just wondered if you had been on one, I was on an excellent one once and got a brand new computer out of it.

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I did go on an art course once, and got a brand new wife out of it.

Do I win?

Don't know... would have to see the wife.