What am I?

I would like to think that I am able to write sketches, however, never having an idea is proving to be a bit of a problem.

I read with great interest the work posted in the critique section, and would like to feel that I have, at least occassionally, been of some help to the writer.

My first thought usually to a sketch that has been posted is 'that's a good idea, but I bet it could be improved upon if we just cut this, changed this, etc etc. Now as I dont have to earn a living from my writing (at least not yet)I have no wish to re-write somebody else's idea, I just wish I could have an idea of my own!

Does this lack of imagination make me a failed writer or perhaps I am an undiscovered script editor, anyone know which?

Lack of imagination shouldn't be a problem. You just need to discover a technique. I quite often mind-map a subject, stick four circles around it and put stuff like 'What I hate about it', 'What I love about it', 'What's weird', etc, etc and then brainstorm ideas off of each. Works for me, but need to concentrate on it rather than hoping for inspiration to hit.

Dan

I can in no way write sketches, i think it's a skill in itself. But I can write comedy, monologues, prose and sitcom

There's lots of techniques for generating ideas.

I often find top ten 10 works, e.g. who are the ten worst people to be stuck in a lift with.

Or exageration, what wouldn't Kerry Katona do for coke money?

Or resetting, what would a Saudi/Middle Ages version of Big Brother be like?

Ask the questions, write the answers, and have fun with it.

And I don't mind rewrites, even if they're generally disaproved of.

I think if you are a writer, it is part of who you are. Even if you never get round to writing anything.

As for inspiration, you have to work at it a bit, and be in the frame of mind to spot it when it comes, but the worse thing you can do is start beating yourself up for not coming up with anything.

If I am writing sketches, my approach is to think of an idea, any idea no matter how naff or hackneyed, then come up with a funny line of dialogue that fits the idea. I then start writing and see what happens. The pay off is usually the last line to be written, and ideally should take me as much by surprise as the reader/viewer.

I tried that but all I ever get was particles, and rare cells.

Thanks for all the help guys. Griff the euroscript link didnt work, but at least I now know the site, thanks. Good idea re Wiki, I will try that.

Cant believe none of you have replied with something like:

Wow Sofa, no ideas cant believe it, your help is usually genius. Here is a selection of my work for you to look at and critique, I have always admired your wit and would love to work in collaboration on this idea I've just had...........

Guess I've been failing to impress, story of my life >_<

I got Batman and the marbled beauty. Batman and Robin butterfly collecting? Hmm, maybe...

Quote: Sofa_Matt @ June 24 2008, 3:07 PM BST

Guess I've been failing to impress, story of my life >_<

View original

Well I can't speak for your performance in the bedroom, but I have always found your critiques helpful...

Now that just 'aint fair, you are the chair of the Mister Edd fan club, and I claim my 5 dollars.

Quote: Timbo @ June 24 2008, 3:10 PM BST

I got Batman and the marbled beauty. Batman and Robin butterfly collecting? Hmm, maybe...

Well I can't speak for your performance in the bedroom, but I have always found your critiques helpful...

View original

One out of two aint bad right?