Thinking About Writing

Send us a Text Message.The final episode of How to Write a Script is here, and fittingly it's looking at finishing your script. We have a think about endings, titles, page counts and proof reading. All this plus contemplating what to do with said finished script, before a nice summary of everything we've talked about across this series.You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_podinstagram.com/writing_podOr search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook.Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry about getting notes on your script at robinleetaylor.comAnd if you want to support the show you can become a Patron via patreon.com/Thinking About WritingMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam Smith

It's the penultimate episode of the season, and this time we're thinking about how to get the writing done. Methods to stay motivated and make everything feel more manageable by setting targets and taking on the script in sections.We then consider how to rewrite, including how to look at your own work and analyse what could be improved, allocating priorities to any drafts you undertake.You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_podinstagram.com/writing_podOr search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook.Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry about getting notes on your script at robinleetaylor.comAnd if you want to support the show you can become a Patron via patreon.com/Thinking About WritingMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam Smith

This episode we go over some of the aspirations of what a script can accomplish in its first pages in the hopes of making a reader or audience excited about the project and want to see more. Instigating incidents, using time efficiently, teasers and just showing off your flare, we have a think about all of them.You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_podinstagram.com/writing_podOr search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook.Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry about getting notes on your script at robinleetaylor.comAnd if you want to support the show you can become a Patron via patreon.com/Thinking About WritingMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam Smith

In the fifth examination of how to write a script, we take a look at dialogue and  voice. What makes for effective dialogue? How might a writer express their voice and style? And why did Robin go to karaoke the day before recording this episode and knacker up his vocal chords? Find out all this and other things right here!You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_podinstagram.com/writing_podOr search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook.Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry about getting notes on your script at robinleetaylor.comAnd if you want to support the show you can become a Patron via patreon.com/Thinking About WritingMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam Smith

We're taking a little mid-season break, but in the mean time you can listen to Robin having a ponder about Amazon Prime series Mr & Mrs Smith, why it's good, and what it says about current TV and streaming in terms of utilising familiar IP and how a show is promoted.If you'd like to hear more like this or want to show your appreciation for the podcast through the medium of cash then you can become a Patron of the show at www.patreon.com/ThinkingAboutWritingWe'll be back with episode five of How to Write a Script next week!

Hello script fans! In part four of the How to Write a Script odyssey we have a quick think about research and the instruments we might use to do some writing, before delving into the anatomy of a script. We'll ponder elements such as scene headings, action lines, parentheses and transitions so as to understand what the heck they are, what the heck they do and how we can use them effectively as we write our wonderful scripts.You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_podinstagram.com/writing_podOr search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook.Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry about getting notes on your script at robinleetaylor.comAnd if you want to support the show you can become a Patron via patreon.com/Thinking About WritingMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam Smith

Like an unstoppable freight train, we move on to plotting, thinking over establishment, escalation and resolution, things to bear in mind when formulating beat sheets and scene by scenes, and how a plot can evolve, or emerge from different directions. And of course we apply this to our launderette based show. All this while Robin can't breathe properly through his nose due to dreaded lurgy.If you're an at home replicator of the show, then this is your opportunity to write a beat sheet or scene by scene outline to guide your story as you write it.You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_podinstagram.com/writing_podOr search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook.Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry about getting notes on your script at robinleetaylor.comAnd if you want to support the show you can become a Patron via patreon.com/Thinking About Writing (Eventually! I'm in the midst of figuring that out)Music by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam Smith

Now that we've got a decent sense of the concept we want to write, it's time to start filling in the details, starting out with the important act of character creation, since most scripts without characters in them tend to be on the less interesting side.We go over the roles a character may play in the story, where to take character inspiration from and how to develop their psychology, plus the question of whose story you are telling. All this plus a cheeky section on setting too.If you're writing along at home (Not during the show, presumably) then this week is your chance to come up with some enticing character descriptions. Maybe someone who likes to wear a hat? That's interesting, isn't it?You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_podinstagram.com/writing_podOr search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook.Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry about getting notes on your script at robinleetaylor.comAnd if you want to support the show you can become a Patron via patreon.com/Thinking About Writing (Eventually! I'm in the midst of figuring that out)Music by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam Smith

A new season begins, dedicated to how to write a script. And it's all about beginning the journey of deciding what it is you want to write. We'll think about the medium you might want to write it, the core of your concept, how that can expand into a premise, ensuring there's enough substance to maintain your script, and most importantly, why an idea excites you. All of this plus the origins of a brand new concept we'll develop across the series and a chance for you to do some creating of your own alongside the show. Interaction!You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_podinstagram.com/writing_podOr search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook.Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry about getting notes on your script at robinleetaylor.comAnd if you want to support the show you can become a Patron via patreon.com/Thinking About Writing (Eventually! I'm in the midst of figuring that out)Music by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam Smith

The podcast for writer types is coming back, and for season three we're breaking down how to write a script. Over eight episodes host Robin will explore  things to think about and techniques to apply as you see a writing project through from beginning to end and beyond. We'll then apply these ideas to the creation of a new concept, and offer up some writing exercises you might want to try at home. It's a fully themed, encouraging and interactive season!Listen in to find out more.You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_podOr search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook.Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry about getting notes on your script at robinleetaylor.comAnd if you want to support the show you can become a Patron via patreon.com/Thinking About WritingMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam Smith

The season two finale is here, and we're finishing off by thinking about the struggles writers can face when a big old writer's block lands in their path. We'll be going over four potential causes of the condition and suggesting some ways for overcoming them, so you can keep on writing.Thanks so much for listening this season, and if you've any thoughts or feelings you'd like to share about this and future editions, get in touch via Twitter: https://twitter.com/writing_podMixing by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris Stamper Illustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

This week we're joined by radio producer/director/editor/writer (So many slashes!) Penny Leicester to talk about the joys and opportunities in writing for audio.We discuss the imaginative options in audio, the power of using sound effectively and what a radio script may look like.Check out Penny's recommendation of The Voice In My Ear by Claudine Toutoungi here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001kh5fAnd follow us on Twitter if you'd like to say hello: https://twitter.com/writing_pod Mixing by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris Stamper Illustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

This week we're thinking about what makes something funny, and what could be more amusing than some theories from classic comedy icon, social psychologist, Erving Goffman? We'll be talking about interpretations and formations of funny moments as well as rummaging in a big old tombola full of terminology. Chuckles ahoy!Follow the pod and say hello here: https://twitter.com/writing_podMixing by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris Stamper Illustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

Following on from last week's episode about forging a career as a writer, we get some insight on the Writers' Guild of Great Britain and everything they do for working writers, with special guest and deputy co-chair of the Guild, William Gallagher.We also talk about ensuring writing competitions are fair and legit, copyright, how to deal with inappropriate treatment, plus a cheeky topical chat about AI.Find out more about the WGGB at https://writersguild.org.uk/Follow them on Twitter https://twitter.com/TheWritersGuildAnd William is on Twitter too https://twitter.com/WGallagherOr have a look at his Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WilliamGallagherAnd if you're not too busy with all that, follow this very podcast too https://twitter.com/writing_podMixing by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris Stamper Illustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam Smith Find out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

This week we get a bit more practical with our thoughts as we consider ways that people might turn their writing into a career. We cover topics like building up solid sample scripts, how to get noticed, creating and maintaining contacts and the big doozy of money. Plus a good old existential discussion of how much it all matters at the end of the day.Follow the pod and say hello on Twitter: https://twitter.com/writing_pod  This topic was suggested by a listener and you could suggest a topic too!Mixing by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris Stamper Illustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

This week we're joined by Hannah Tyrrell-Pinder, the co-founder of Box of Tricks Theatre, a new writing focused theatre company based in the north of England. We learn about the many initiatives they run, as well as generally discussing why theatre is such an exciting medium and how to get involved in it.Find out more about Box of Tricks here: https://boxoftrickstheatre.co.uk/Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bottcAnd maybe get some tickets for their latest play Too Much World At Once, touring until mid-April: https://boxoftrickstheatre.co.uk/production/too-much-world-at-once/And you can follow Thinking About Writing on Twitter too: https://twitter.com/writing_podMixing by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris Stamper Illustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

Comedy, drama, comedy drama, we're thinking about all of them this episode. What defines different genres? How much does it matter? And how many times will we refer to Fleabag. Find out by listening in!If you've got any questions on any terminology or techniques you'd like explored or demystified then get in touch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/writing_podMixing by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris Stamper Illustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

This week we're joined by Empress of the sketch, Gemma Arrowsmith, as we think about the mechanics and qualities which can make for hilarious and effective sketches, how to be economic with your writing and extolling the virtues of creating comedy for radio.You can find out more on Gemma's website http://gemmaarrowsmith.com/Listen to her sketch show here https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001c6v8And follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/mmaarrowAnd follow the pod too https://twitter.com/writing_podMixing by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris Stamper Illustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

This time we're taking a look at characters, how they can make strong impressions, the balance between clarity and complexity, and how audiences may respond to characters. It's an accompanying piece to Thinking About Protagonists from series one, if you've not listened to that one before!Feel free to follow, rate or review the pod and say hello on Twitter https://twitter.com/writing_podMixing by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris Stamper Illustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

The first special guest of season two is Jonathan Harvey! Having written for theatre, TV, film and radio, he offers his perspectives on the different mediums. He also looks back at the journey of his classic creation Beautiful Thing, the joys of writing for Coronation Street and his current play Mother Goose starring John Bishop and Ian McKellan.Follow Jonathan on Twitter https://twitter.com/JOJEHARVEYAnd get involved with the pod by following and saying hi here https://twitter.com/writing_podMixing by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris Stamper Illustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

I don't believe it! We're kicking off season two by thinking about believability, how to make writing feel authentic and why it may or may not matter. There's a plethora of terminology to demystify, including emotional reality, internal logic and the suspension of disbelief.  So if you're worried about audience incredulity, this is the place to be!Get in touch by following the pod on Twitter, and saying hello https://twitter.com/writing_podAnd follow, rate and review the podcast and I'll give you a big non-physical, consensual kiss. Music by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

It's time for Season Two: Electric Boogaloo. So here's a little explanation of what you can expect from upcoming episodes. More interviews, slightly more concise and consistent durations, ongoing strange singing choices. Follow the podcast to make sure you don't miss any of the good stuff and get involved on Twitter by following and having cyber conversations https://twitter.com/writing_podMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

It's the final episode of the season, and in this last act we're thinking about structure. We examine some of the traditions and expectations of story structure, ponder some familiar act structures and discuss how important or useful formulas may be.We'll be back soon with more pondering on the topic of writing. If there are any subjects or questions you'd like covered in season two, get in touch on Twitter @writing_pod or leave a comment in a review.We hope you've enjoyed these 12 episodes, and now.... Maybe go and do some writing! If you wish to do so.Written and presented by Robin TaylorEdited by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles  https://www.instagram.com/datmattmiles/Design by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

This time around we cover the idea of editing and how it can be a vital tool in the writing process. As the saying goes, writing is rewriting, and that involves editing. We'll think about how to approach an edit, the tools you can use when editing and dissect the stalwart concept of killing your darlings. Poor darlings, your sacrifice was not in vain. Follow the podcast on Twitter @writing_pod or search for our page on Facebook... It's not very interesting, but it's there!Written and presented by Robin TaylorEditing by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt Miles  https://www.instagram.com/datmattmilesDesign by Adam Smith Find out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

Well this different, isn't it? This week we have an extra special guest, Jessica Loveland, the head of new writing for BBC Writersroom and BBC Drama Commissioning. We discuss writing, opportunities, how to stand out and Jess's mild obsession with Tom Cruise. Plus an exclusive reveal of the dates for this year's Open Call initiative. Hopefully you'll find lots of information and encouragement!Follow Jess: https://twitter.com/jessploveBBC Writersroom: https://twitter.com/bbcwritersroomAnd here are some of the mentioned links.https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/comedy/shortform/And search for the BBC Writersroom podcast on your podcast app.Presented by Robin TaylorEdited by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt MilesDesign by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

As Robin's cold continues, he talks about tone, discussing what it is, how to get the right tone, the use of humour as a change of tone, and the risks of an insensitive or controversial tone. Tone! We also examine a superb mix of comedy and horror via the excellent Shaun of the Dead.Any questions or subjects you'd like covered? Get in touch at https://twitter.com/writing_podWritten and presented by Robin TaylorEdited by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt MilesDesign by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

What's your approach to writing? What works best for you? What have you never considered before that you might want to try out? What do you do before you even put pen to paper? It's all process, and that's the subject of this episode! Plus we examine supporting documents, what they are, what they might look like and how can then influence your script strategies.If you want to answer those questions and let us know your writing process, get in touch on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/writing_podWritten and presented by Robin TaylorEdited by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt MilesDesign by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

This time we explore the topic of criticism, a necessary part of the writing process, but something which should be used as a strengthening device, rather than a soul crushing one. With the 'help' of our 'producer', we'll talk about how to receive criticism, the types of notes we might get, and even how to give critiques to writers. And overall we attempt to encourage you to show your work to others, which is nice, isn't it?And we suggest how you could possibly find other aspiring writers you could maybe trade scripts with over on our Twitter, @writing_podWritten and presented by Robin TaylorEdited by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt MilesDesign by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

Are your characters looking for something to do? Well maybe they need some motivation, and funnily enough that's the topic of this episode! We'll be looking at the classic concept of a hero's quest, the different types of motivation a character can have, and saying "Gosh, isn't that impressive!" about the skilful use of motivation in the show Breaking Bad.Get involved by asking questions and hurling insults on Twitter @writing_podWritten and presented by Robin TaylorEdited by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt MilesDesign by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

As we continue our two part dive into how information is delivered when writing, this time we mull over the classic theory of show don't tell, consider the opposite concern of insufficient information and exemplify everything we've pondered by dissecting the opening of a lesser known film called Stars War, or something like that.Follow and send witty messages @writing_pod on Twitter.Written and presented by Robin TaylorEdited by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt MilesDesign by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

In the first of a two parter looking at how information can be delivered in scripts, we think about the contentious issue of exposition. This includes a breakdown of the different details a writer can convey, an example of overwritten dialogue, and a look at some conventionally accepted but risky forms of exposition.You can follow and interact on Twitter, if you fancy doing so: https://twitter.com/writing_podWritten and hosted by Robin TaylorEdited by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt MilesDesign by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

Pace yourselves, as we're jogging into the topic of pacing! We'll be thinking about the impact pacing has on a script and how it is often tied up with purpose, perusing the idea of slow burns such as Midnight Mass, and contemplating the concept of ticking clocks.So hurry, have a listen, before it's too late! There's no reason why it would be too late, but still...Written and hosted by Robin TaylorEdited by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt MilesDesign by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

This time we dedicate our brains to the subject of protagonists, aka lead characters. We discuss how important they are and the attributes which can be useful in making them feel balanced and interesting. We also dissect  their malevolent counterparts, antagonists. If you've any questions or comments feel free to follow and engage on Twitter https://twitter.com/writing_podWritten and presented by Robin TaylorEdited by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris StamperIllustration by Matt MilesDesign by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com

In this episode we think about three qualities which can be significant in creating an idea for a script; Originality, Identity and Substance. We also theorise on the deeper meaning of  popular sitcom Friends and ponder some potentially useful methods for generating ideas.Written and presented by Robin TaylorEdited by Peter ThompsonMusic by Chris StamperCover Illustration by Matt MilesDesign by Adam SmithFind out more about Robin and get in touch at robinleetaylor.com