I was broke, unemployed, divorced and couldn't face real work. I lived on nothing for a year and it paid of. Having nothing to lose really was liberating. I know I wouldn't have pushed so hard if I'd still working etc.
Paid off.
Do any BCGers make a living out of writing? Page 3
were you on the dole, if that's not a personal question. Also what did you work on for that year? Was it a sitcom script and what was your first big break (just what type of show it was if you are reluctant to be specifc with names of the projects you've worked on)
I was signing on, until I sold my first work. I started off with a sitcom, which attracted some interest, but no firm commitment. I then started writing for The Sitcom Trials. My first contribution was performed, but wasn't all that well received. I started work on another sitcom. I then heard a sketch show was in the market for writers. I submitted to them for a number of weeks until the accepted something. I then got to meet the producer's assistant and he gave me some tips re. the type of work they were short of. In the end I managed to get some work in each show, which meant I could buy Christmas presents (Hurrah!). I then wrote my own sketch show which was picked up by a new production company. So, I started writing in March and managed to sell my first work in September, which seemed like an age at the time. I now realise I was very lucky.
Quote: YesNo @ July 27 2009, 7:43 PM BSTI'm not trying to be coy, it's just that I'd rather read the comments on without anyone knowing I'm involved in a specific project. That way I get a better idea of what people think.
Marc P's like that too. 
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ July 28 2009, 7:41 PM BSTMarc P's like that too.
Quote: YesNo @ July 28 2009, 7:37 PM BSTI was signing on, until I sold my first work. I started off with a sitcom, which attracted some interest, but no firm commitment. I then started writing for The Sitcom Trials. My first contribution was performed, but wasn't all that well received. I started work on another sitcom. I then heard a sketch show was in the market for writers. I submitted to them for a number of weeks until the accepted something. I then got to meet the producer's assistant and he gave me some tips re. the type of work they were short of. In the end I managed to get some work in each show, which meant I could buy Christmas presents (Hurrah!). I then wrote my own sketch show which was picked up by a new production company. So, I started writing in March and managed to sell my first work in September, which seemed like an age at the time. I now realise I was very lucky.
Sounds like you earned it - congrats! I'm surprised you care when people slag off your stuff though, nothing appeals to everyone and people get very passionate about comedy - I always thought it comes with the territory?
Maybe I'll think differently if I get something made.
Cheers YesNo for enlightening us! It's all very interesting, and I like the anonymity aspect of it, as you can be a bit more honest 
Dan
Not that I slag off shows as I've seen how much effort goes into them, but it does seem that it's a fan's right to do that as they pay the wages. Like football - one side will see a bad match and boo and another will see a great one.
Quote: swerytd @ July 29 2009, 10:33 AM BSTCheers YesNo for enlightening us! It's all very interesting, and I like the anonymity aspect of it, as you can be a bit more honest
Dan
You use an anonymous name when you critique shows? I guess that's one way...
I meant about letting us in on things, really.
Dan
Quote: Kevin Murphy @ July 27 2009, 7:41 PM BSTI hope you don't live in Darlington.
Yeah, because unemployment levels are through the roof in Darlington.
I just found out that a piece I submitted to our shitty local newspaper is going to be published, therefor making me a paid writer. I never wanted to have a column in a newspaper, but that is what they are actually interested in, so we'll have to wait and see.
Well done, Andrea 
Now shred it and mix it into your husbands food.
Nice one, Andrea.
I didn't get paid that well, Lee.
The funny thing is that I was fired from that same paper in college. I was a copy editor and I was accused of finding too many mistakes. Should be interesting.
Quote: AndreaLynne @ August 4 2009, 1:21 PM BSTThe funny thing is that I was fired from that same paper in college. I was a copy editor and I was accused of finding too many mistakes.
and