Introducing myself as 'Writer'

Hi all. I feel it's about time I introduced myself -  informally, as a writer (in training!)...
Can I really call myself that, I ask? Well the answer is, 'yes' - of course I can. Let's face it, we can all put pen to paper to vent our feelings and frustrations....to express our needs and desires. It's not rocket science. Having said that there are ways to write that make for better reading.

So what qualifies me as professional writer? As someone worthy of engaging with?
In short - I'm not sure. That's not for me to decide, I guess. Like anybody, we do the things we enjoy. And if we enjoy them, we tend to do them well.
Let's get to where I'm at and how I got here.........

A little about me......

To begin with - I'm old...old ish!....37 to be precise, making me a good few years ahead of my fellow course students. 'Ahead' only in numbers...the young have fresh and active minds, ready to breathe life into every character, every concept they deliver! I try. I have experience on my side. And experience is a wonderful thing. I have written for many years...this and that - mainly journals and poetry. 

Scriptwriting was something I never considered. I was always into acting, attending amateur dramatics for eight years and going on to do a BTEC in Performing Arts. Depression hit me hard whilst at college. I completed the course with distinction but failed to take the next step to Drama School. Months passed, living with mental health issues, but continuing to work part-time. My depression dissolved when I discovered I was going to be a Mum. A new focus...a sense of direction and responsibility. Things could have been far different but I found a great sense of happiness and made my son the centre of all things. Ten years on, I have two boys and my move to scriptwriting came about purely, if I'm honest, by fluke.

A couple of years ago, I decided to do a degree in Performing Arts with a view to teaching it. Having looked at the university prospectus, I realised there was no such course offered. The Scriptwriting for Film/TV course caught my eye and being that I love all things creative, having enjoyed writing for fun in the past; I applied, succeeded and am currently in my second year.

That's me, up to speed. To give a little insight into the course...So far I have written a handful of scripts, co produced a short film, currently writing a TV Drama Series and have absorbed far more media theory than I ever thought I'd cope with! Make no mistake, I do not profess to be highly academic, but hopefully (as reflected in my feedback) I can write dialogue and plot that resonates with others. A strong story in my opinion, is all that's required, one which resonates and leaves the viewer with a sense of 'something' - whatever that may be. If it's forgettable then something was missing....more on stories; 'conflict and resolution' soon!

Thanks for reading....I'd really appreciate your feedback or suggestions on what you'd like to read in future blogs. The next two blogs will cover Developing Profile & Status and the summary of a workshop with writer/producer Daisy Allsop. After that....you have a say! If there's any particular topic you'd like me to cover within writing, feel free to ask away. If I don't have the correct experience to respond, I am connected to people who will have :).

Please do keep track of my journey....like an adaptation, I will be recast into a new form, with it bringing more light, greater experience and better stories.



Reference (photo):

Videowales.com. 2012. Available at: google images [Accessed 14/12/12]