Monday 20 February 2012

Unexpected differences.

It turns out that writing a stage play is quite a different kettle of fish to writing a book.  It's probably easier if I list the the differences that I've experienced so far:

1) There's a deadline.  Yes, I know that once you get a publishing deal that deadlines start to appear, but for me this is a new thing. I know it's a year away, and that I should have the first draft in place well before then, but it's still there, popping it's head up over the horizon, shouting "Cooee", giving a little finger waggling wave and then dipping back down again.  He's an odd little thing, and I'm sure there's a more menacing side to him that will become apparent as he gets nearer.

2) The pressure of high expectations. I'm actually writing this for people that I know.  The whole of the cast will received their copy of the script and then be judging it against previous productions to see how good (and funny) it is.  When I write a book, I try and make it the best I can, but it will be someone who doesn't know me who will deciding whether it has publishing potential.
To add to the pressure, several people have told me that they are more excited about this script than any previous Panto script.  It seems that they think that I'm funnier than I really am.

4)  Where's number 3?

5)  Being funny on demand is not easy.  When I'm with friends, feeling relaxed, and with no expectations for me to make them laugh, (I like to think that) I can be quite amusing.  I can make jokes about incidents, or a comment that someone makes, and run with a theme.  If something doesn't work, I'll get a small amount of humorous abuse, but it's forgotten quite quickly.  
This, however, is a bit more clinical.  I can't just write a load of jokes, and hope for the best.  I have to make the characters funny, and everything needs to work.

6)  The characters are a lot different.  They are all a bit shallower, but the traits that they have are larger than life.  There are about ten main characters in my story.  The cast of actors is around twenty five!  This means that I have to find a further fifteen characters, give them lines, and make them interesting.  They have to pop up a few times, so that they feel a part of the whole production.

3)  Ahh, here it is.

7)  Writing for an audience reaction.  When I'm writing a novel, I find that I can build up the story line as I go along.  With Panto, the characters have to illicit cheers or boos from the audience, and interact directly with them.  It's odd writing something to get an instant reaction.

Have you tried writing for different mediums?  Was it odd for you too?

12 comments:

  1. Haha! Uh, I have to agree with you with number 7, the pacing of the play is completely different as well. With a book, we're trying to set up the reader to keep reading, so there's a hook at the end of every chapter, there's something new to keep the reader's attention. With a play, they're already there wanting to be entertained. They're waiting for that entertainment! LOL

    Great post! ;)

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    1. That's exactly what I've found. Hopefully I'll manage to pull it off :o)

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  2. I think number two would be the one to give me the most stress. Never tried writing a screenplay. As you said, a different kettle of fish altogether. Think I'll stick with my comfort zone of writing long-winded novels. :)

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    1. I'm trying to worry about the expectations of others until I get the first draft completed.
      Having said that, some days it can get a little overwhelming.

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  3. I think you should write it in layers. Start with the bones of it then build from there. If I try to take on too much too fast, I always bomb. One step at a time, right?

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    1. That's what I'm doing :o)
      I've done the outline, who coms on and off etc, and what happens while they are on stage.
      Thanks for the support :o)

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  4. I've never taken a shot at stage writing before. Sounds like a whole other beast, indeed.

    I gave you a Shout-Out on my blog today, just so you know. :)

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    1. You're right David. It's a lot more different than I expected.
      Thanks for the shout out.

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  5. Oh WOW! You're amazing! I don't know if I could pull such a thing off, but I know you can. You're posts are always fun to read. You have a great sense of humor and I know you can do it!

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    1. Thanks for the added pressure Leigh. lol

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  6. You have my respect, Iain! I don't think I could do it. You, on the other hand, are going to broaden your writing horizons with this. People are going to seek you out for your diverse talents! :D

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    1. Thanks Carrie. I'm certainly learning a lot from this :o)

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