The Perils of Scriptwriting

Our last assignment of term was to write a script in 100 words or less.  The brief was very straightforward, we read a script. There was a lot of dialogue, as you would expect, punctuated by stage directions in italics. We did a class exercise about a wedding and a big secret and off we went. Simples.

Or maybe not. I was really happy with my output and looking forward to the last day of term. We took it in turns to cast our plays and hear them acted out by our peers. It was great. Then it was my turn. I cast the teacher to read the stage directions. The prolific stage directions. At once I sensed a problem. She looked at the script and wrinkled her nose. Turned the first page. Exhaled. Sat back.

Everyone looked at her expectantly. 'I think I won't read the stage directions in this. See how we get on.'
'OK.' I agreed. Inwardly knowing it would never work, there was a lot that went unspoken in my script. The actors bravely did a read through. The class was silent. It made absolutely no sense.

'Perhaps we should try it with the stage directions?' The leading lady suggested.
'Hmmm.' Our teacher wrinkled her nose and sat back folding her arms.
'Yes, I think it would make far more sense.' Agreed the leading man.
'It's almost prose.' Argued our learned leader.
'It's very well imagined. I think it would bring it to life.' Pressed the supporting actress.

Thus pushed the teacher capitulated and a second read through went much better.
The gradual realisation dawned on me. I hadn't written a play at all. I'd managed to come up with a half play/half short story hybrid. Lazy. Caught out.

Of course if I'd visited the website that we'd been told to look at before doing our homework I might not have made this mistake. Or maybe not. 100wordplays.com.http://100wordplays.com/

An Honourable Mention

 

So my first short story submission to a competition received an 'Honourable Mention'. March 2012 - Multi-story.co.uk six hundred word flash fiction competition judged by Lucy Floyd. It's hardly a book deal but it's a start.

Building your Profile as a Credible Author

We were talking in class the other day about how one goes about building a profile within the publishing industry. There are so many aspiring writers out there it might not be enough just to write a great story. J K Rowling was famously rejected by twelve publishing houses before finally getting the greenlight.

New Authors can fall at the first hurdle with their CV and Cover Letter. It's all very well having a strong synopsis and compelling offer, the problem is who are we to be offering our manuscripts to agents? What credentials do we have to that give us the right to intrude on these busy professionals?

Entering competitions and submitting contributions to receptive press are a good starting point. Google 'story or poetry competition' and hundreds of results will be returned. They usually require a small entry fee, often which goes towards a charitable cause or sustaining a small independent publisher. Competitions can be local or global. Some carry more stature than others.

Pick ones that feel right for you. Submit your work and most importantly keep the faith. Rejection is all part of the process and as my husband always says, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

If you really need somewhere to start check out this competition which has been put together to raise awareness for palliative care charity Dying Matters. Closing date is 31st March 2012.

Good Luck!