"I sent them off to the pub ... for the pints of John Smiths"
This is one depressed man.
How A Writer Dies - Blog Page 2
Quote: Griff @ July 15 2009, 11:42 AM BSTMarc's no fool. He's had novels published and TV scripts commissioned/broadcast.
You're essentially talking about yourself, aren't you? AGAIN! 
Quote: Griff @ July 15 2009, 1:05 PM BSTWell, except for the published novels and TV commissions. And the not being a fool bit.
My apologies, I genuinely read the original post as one from Marc P. He's infected me! Although you're not doing to bad for yourself.
Speaking for myself, as I am perfectly qualified to do, I broke into music journalism a few years ago. I was very excited. It was – tragically – a dream come true.
I got to do loads of great stuff, I interviewed a couple of heroes, other people liked my work, I started writing about film, do DVD reviews, book reviews, even bloody sandwich reviews, where I pretended to be an expert about chicken Caesar salad. I was doing okay, but the whole time I was scraping by whilst holding down a full time job and writing until 2am a week of every month to meet deadlines.
So when I just gave up and decided to at least write stuff I really liked for no money, I started writing comedy. I have had some really nice replies, stuff may be happening in a couple of places. I've been fruitful and productive and happy. I just don't think it owes me a living. I still have a full time job and I probably will – like Larkin in his library - continue to do so no matter what happens.
Where house?
I broke into a whorehouse.
Quote: Griff @ July 15 2009, 12:31 PM BSTDon't know about Sarah Jane episodes. But I'll add my name to the list of Smoking Room fans.
Hey lay off Sarah Jane Stories! They're reflexive of the magical legendary nature of Who.
Quote: Griff @ July 15 2009, 3:54 PM BSTDidn't mean it like that, I meant I literally don't know anything about the Sarah Jane Adventures* so can't comment on any Brian Dooley may have written.
* - they do look shit though.
I can't be sure but I think they're about the adventures of a character called Sarah Jane.
On the subject of the blog, wouldn't it be more fun if instead of giving up writing he killed himself?
The writing style certainly sounds like it could be Marc. And I know as well as comedy, his writing heart is in horror (as mentioned). Pity if he is packing the writing in. Pleased to discover this blog, wasn't aware of it, but a v. good read at first look. Don't want to sound like I'm contributing to Marc's obituary (especially if this isn't him), but he was the first person to read my first sitcom pilot attempt. He gave me honest and accurate feedback and the encouragement to get serious about writing. So for that, whatever else he decides to do, he's a star in my book.
I went to one day of Mark's course and he did say he'd just spilt up with his wife.
I bet he's just doing it to get a book deal.
The blog I mean, not the divorce.
It is MB.
Quote: Griff @ July 15 2009, 4:26 PM BSTFor goodness sake Marc P, it's "Do I win", "Can I have a prize" all the time with you. Everyone knew it was MB's blog. No secret. He even signs his BCG posts with it.
Is that a no then 
Quote: Griff @ July 15 2009, 4:26 PM BSTFor goodness sake Marc P, it's "Do I win", "Can I have a prize" all the time with you.
You should get a prize for spotting that. Or at least win something.
Quote: Tim Walker @ July 15 2009, 4:06 PM BSTHe gave me honest and accurate feedback and the encouragement to get serious about writing.
I sent him a script once; he said the central premise was good, but how I'd presented it wasn't. I kept the central premise and wrote an entirely new sitcom around it; that's lead on to some exciting stuff. So he was bang on.
Surely disappointment and rejection and failure is all part of the writers lot? And I would imagine that after this credit crunch has crunched off, and the economy picks up again, they'll be more commissions and development money swilling around. So you're best off sticking with it.