Revisiting A WIP : Spitting Ducks

I may have mentioned my sketch show idea, Spitting Ducks, last year or so. I was hoping to film parts of it just to get the hang of things, and a feel for directing a comedy.

The sketch show was written, edited and left in my notes - mainly due to the fact I didn't have any money at all to even hire filming equipment, never mind get anything made. Spitting Ducks is a daytime television parody sketch show - it takes television shows and mangles them, either with puns or taking it dark.

I had to dig out the notes recently, as I was inspired by the new series of Channel Four's Lee And Dean to get back into comedy. (If you've not seen Lee And Dean, you should! Come for the comedy, stay for the incomparable facial expressions).

Anyway, the notes I went through don't seem relevant anymore, or some ideas just come off as desperate or are spoofs of programmes that are no longer on television, and feel long forgotten. I'm glad I didn't throw it away though, as there is more good ideas I can work on than there is bad ideas. I am confident with 80% of the sketches - but there is always room to polish the positives.

I've decided to keep the title of Spitting Ducks, and will be leaving this open to work on as often as possible - I WILL get it perfect, it will be filmed, and I will bother as many people as I can with it.

Poetry For A Clear Mind

Please don't think this is a post dedicated to relaxing poetry.. It's definitely not.
I have been using poetry to clear my mind of worries and stresses. This is an exercise I have adopted before I start working on my novel, or my other projects. It's as simple as writing down what's bothering me and making it rhyme.

If it's on the paper, it's off my chest.

I started doing this only recently, to get everything out in the open so my mind is clear before working. It's a fun, little exercise, as it makes small bothers seem trivial - and often hilarious.
The poetry doesn't have to be deep or serious, it can be silly and pointless. The most important thing, is that your brain is not longer busy, putting you in the right mind set so you're ready to write. If there is a chance some of this poetry could go further, then even better, because you've turned a bother into a project.

- - Obviously, if something is serious, a poem won't fix it - you're going to have to deal with that.
This exercise is to clear your head before writing.

Sticky Note Haiku Procrastinator

I feel the title could be my superhero name / be on my headstone without it being questioned.

If you follow me on Instagram - my handle is @thebeffyparkin - you'll know I was supposed to be doing paperwork today, something I've been putting off since the dawn of time. Obviously, I shuffled three pieces of paper then began writing..

My brain has rewired itself. I used to enjoy organising paperwork.
Now, I'm happy writing all day and making a massive desk mess. Shocking.

I'm attempting to use this to my advantage, somehow. I am hoping to create rhymes and haikus WHILST ticking things off my to-do list - and when some jobs are done, "as a treat" I can begin making notes. What an exciting life!

It has to be sticky notes - or I'm just going to create more paperwork that I'll never finish. Smart.
Here's the result of this morning's procrastination:

Filming Opportunity - Application Sent!

Submissions were accepted from yesterday. I was too nervous to even start the application process, but today I bit the bullet and put forward and idea I'd like to see be made into a short film.

You've got to take chances like this, that make you uncomfortable and nervous, because you never know. Even if I don't get it, I tried! I put myself out there! I can do this independently if I feel strongly enough about this!

As always, I will follow this up when I know - but entries close at the beginning of February, so in the meantime, lots more ideas are to be written up, storyboards need to be completed and notes need to turn into shorts and put into the prettier notebooks I have!

Keep your eyes peeled, wish me luck!

The Joys Of 3am Writing

I've forgotten how to sleep apparently...

Luckily, my brain sees this as the most perfect opportunity to give me absolutely cracking ideas.

So, this morning around 3am, I wrote a short, in my phone, in notes, nothing fancy. Now, normally the notes I leave for myself during the night are utter nonsense, usually consisting of phrases I'd coined which no longer make sense to anyone in the world.

Today was different, this story had a message, it was strong. It was a lovely surprise. So when it was an acceptable time to leave my bed, I drew up a storyboard (poorly because not everyone is lucky enough to be able to draw nice things), and I am happy with it!

I said I would film something this year, and it's definitely something I can manage despite having no money to throw at it!
I hope you enjoy the glorious storyboard I put together!

This Year I Will.. #TYIW

It's 2019, which means I am free to set new goals and aims for the year - with hopes I can complete them within the deadline.
That didn't go as planned in 2018, but I did get a lot done!
This year I've decided to set more vague goals - as my writing often takes a turn.

GOALS:

- Have another book to print. - A new CC book? Poetry? Who knows yet!

- FILM SOMETHING! - This may be low quality due to funding, but it's a step in the right direction as I've wanted to film for a while!

- Submit work into other publications! - I love using Submittable, and it's a way of writing new things to deadlines, and it's lots of fun!

Easy, right? Wish me luck!

Writing Challenges Review

Of course I haven't completed them!

I discovered I can be one of those people who make a start, then put a pin in it. My brain looks like a pin cushion. I've made a start, though, and that's all that matters.
I did not get to film any of my sketches or comedy ideas, but this year my highlight was that I did speak to one of my new favourite comedy writers - he was very polite and even used a phrase I'd coined on his social media - which was unexpected but it made me feel like I'm going in the right direction!
Obviously, I'm not going to mention names, this is something I don't need to shout from the rooftops, but it's still a massive accomplishment!

I've put an effort towards things I wouldn't usually write and it made me feel amazing for exercising my creative writing skills.
Although, I did complete a few tasks on my list, I'm not upset that I didn't finish it - incomplete lists usually destroy me from the inside out - but this time, I've accepted some pieces of work can't have a deadline.
I love deadlines, but having unfinished work I'm happy with means I get to come back and improve it whenever I like - so the fun never stops.

I'll probably set a smaller list for 2019. I will get more work published. I will make more of an effort to write new media. I will always be proud of my work. I can do this - and so can you!

Have a happy new year, everyone!
See you in '19!

Writing A Book - With Children

I work with primary school children, they're creative, motivated and awesome.

Lately we've been creating a book to send to a nursery overseas.
The book is animal focused, and the children have written a haiku each, and they have illustrated the book, so it has a brilliant story, with amazing pictures in the book.
It is fantastic!

The art work is detailed, the story is interesting and the best thing about it is all the passion and hard work the children have put into it. They loved creative writing and illustrating.

I'm super proud of them, as when the book was finished, they were talking about what we'll put in  'the next book'.
Delighted to have inspired children to create a book which reflects their interests. I wish I could show you all it, but trust me, it's magnificent!

I've Written A Sketch Show!

This morning I was in a bit of a slump. I started working on a film idea with my brother yesterday, but it seemed to burn my brain out pretty quickly. I got a lot finished for it, but it's all up in the air.

Today I had no motivation until I looked at old notes I'd written - Thank goodness I'm a scrap paper hoarder. I somehow managed rearrange, rewrite and turn it into a plan for a little comedy sketch show.
It doesn't even have a working title at the minute, which is driving me bananas as I can normally name something within minutes of writing it.

I've written a show that contains parodies, and mockumentary style sketches.
I'm quite happy with it, and I've only just finished the overall plan.
I'm spending the rest of the day working out the dialogue, then I desperately need to nail the title.
I will most definitely be filming this during spring and summer this year, and I will be sticking it on Youtube when it's perfect - (Unless Channel Four wants to take me on... Hint Hint.)

Writing Inspiration

After visiting a school last week, I realised each class asked 'Who's your favourite author?' or 'What's your favourite book?'

Well, my favourite author of all time is Dr. Seuss, and my favourite book is The Cat In The Hat.
I love all of the work that he's written including, The Lorax, Green Eggs And Ham, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas. They're for children but they'll always be my favourite, that's why I had my inspiration to make my Charlie Cheese Books - they're rhyming stories, quirky and the illustrations are very unique.

I've a few ideas for short stories, they are dark comedies with plot twists. They need writing up properly and filming, but they're a work in progress for now. I get the inspiration for this from watching 'Inside No 9' written by Reece Shearsmith and Steven Pemberton.
I love the fact that whilst watching, I try my best to guess the twist, because you know it's coming, but you never know how it'll pan out.
It's never how you expect, and it's always something better than you could imagine. If you've never heard of Inside No 9 (How?) Find them, watch them, I'm certain you'll be hooked.

For my poetry, I don't necessarily have anyone in mind for inspiration. I find a topic that rubs me up the wrong way, and style it out. My poetry mainly focuses on social injustice and politics. Although I have my poetry put together in Mind The Gap - I'm constantly working on more.