Red Planet Page 7

My boyfriend informed me last night (over a pint or two), that he read my synopsis and first page of the script and thought it was "unoriginal and predictable."

Seeing as - apart from the first ten pages - I've only written a couple more pages, my enthusiasm to write the rest (to an unknown deadline) has somewhat wained.

Then again, he only read the first page, so how does he know it's predictable?

Then again, if he never made it past the first page, does that mean it's incredibly boring?

Then again, he thinks most dramas/sitcoms are predictable and unoriginal, and maybe that's EXACTLY what production companies are looking for - a ratings grabber?

Then again, what am I doing posting long messages on a writing forum when I should be working on my scipt?

*disconects internet*

What a harsh boyfriend.

Yeah, but I'd prefer an honest opinion than someone "pretending" to like what I've written. There's nothing to say he's right anyway. It's all subjective.

I love dramas, and would love to see "my" drama on TV... besides, David Tennant in the lead role is sure to pull in the viewers.

Oops, looks like I didn't disconnect the internet then.

Hum. It's an interesting issue. My writing tutor once said that friends and family fulfil a vital role in being your cheerleaders despite what they really think about your work. Otherwise you can easily lose motivation to complete something. I tend to agree with her, as my family are similarly honest about my work, so it's hard to show them my stuff. Honesty should come from the production companies, competitions (winning or losing) and your peers on here who can give constructive feedback I guess.

The really interesting issue is why on earth I can't stop loggng onto this site every half an hour.

Yeah, I've read conflicting issues about this. Some "experts" tell you to get feedback from friends and family as a way of encouragement; others tell you to avoid it like the plague, because people close to you will only tell you what you want to hear.

My boyfriend could be right in his judgement, and I'm thankful for his honest opinion, but the "Screenwriter's Bible" (IMHO the best writing book ever written), tells me I've ticked the boxes in all departments - that's good enough for me.

Self-belief is the best tool for the job, and the extra 14 pages I've written this morning tells me that's one tool I do have in my box.

Onwards and upwards to any writer here who receives a knockback. We need the odd wake-up call... how else would we gain the resolve to improve as writers?

Hi everyone.

Has anyone else who entered had a 'mail delivery problem' email?

I submitted my entry on Friday, got a confirmation reply email immediately, then this morning there's a delivery failure message in my inbox saying that the recepient's inbox (i.e Red Planet) is full.

All very strange and I don't know if it means my entry has been received or not.

Anyone else in the same boat?

If you got comfirmation first time then imo I think they have recieved it.

Quote: Rustle T Davis @ September 3, 2007, 12:29 PM

The really interesting issue is why on earth I can't stop loggng onto this site every half an hour.

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Yep - it's addictive. I should really be working though.

Addictive? Pah! I can go a for ages without checking this site, I'll prove it.

youre still online Leevil! but dont leaaaaave! who will make crude penis jokes?

Quote: Rustle T Davis @ September 3, 2007, 12:29 PM

Self-belief is the best tool for the job.

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Totally agree.

I rarely (i.e. never) show family and friends. Some don't even know I write and all my notes are written in indecipherable shorthand so that only I can read it. It's not paranoia just that some of my best output would sound crap if I tried explaining it from notes.

My job is to convince an exec, not my F&Fs. Getting advice from other writers is definitely a plus though.

Hardly any of my friends know I write!

Quote: zooo @ September 3, 2007, 5:09 PM

Hardly any of my friends know I write!

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Ditto. I use writing sometimes as escapism, especially if I'm writing about a jail brake. If someone asks about it, I'll talk, but I won't bring it up myself, I'm not an actor

same here - i want to surprise them when i make it - and you lot

Incidentally i received my acknowledgement last week - don't think there was any problem

SlagB just told me he was also unaware that I was a writer too