h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi Penjen,
Haven't heard from you for a bit. Impression I had was that "vous etiez bloquee". If that's so you might like to know that during part of my brilliantly undistiquished career in writing I had to produce scripts for kids comics. If I didn't come up with at least three workable ideas a day MY kids went hungry. A thing that almost always worked for me - got the juices flowing - was the "three word trick". Have you heard of it? Open a big dictionary at any page, close your eyes and stick a finger in (not your eye, gal, the dictionary). Repeat a couple more times, different pages, writing down each word you landed on (some words can be bu**ers so use your judgement, but give 'em all a fair go). Then play with those words in your head for a while. It's amazing what can happen. It's all about what psychologists call "the juxtapostion of hitherto unrelated ideas" which is what true creativity is all about.
Give it go and report back to me in three hours with something that sparkles with your usual originality.

Bribrow

Awh... My sweet lovely Bribrow!

What a you are! But you'll have to translate the french for me. Have no french dictionary at hand, but guessing 'You are blocked'?! (Which could mean writers' block or very drunk?!).

I love your experiences there too: 'produce scripts for kids comics', please tell me more. It sounds wonderful! And the plucking of words is a thing I may well try too. Thank-you mister mentor.

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, BUT I did compose a little something this afternoon, (Sunday, haven't gone to bed yet), and threw it into the poetry folder. Have a wee look and see if tickles your fancy!
I also intend to check out your drawers, (watch it!), later this evening. I glanced through a few of them earlier, and by God, you're an old romantic! So, dim the lights and I'll be over around nine!

Thanks again for your lovely wee note. Means a lot and made me smile!

Jen

Hi Penjen,
Just got back from a morning with the woman I'm madly in love with. Unfortunately, she's happily married, too young for me anyway and not the slightest bit interested, except as someone to do an "exchange" with once a week: that's an hour of conversation in English then an hour in French. But that's life, ennit?
Translation "you WERE blocked". See - always the optimist.
The comic scripts? I worked as an advertising copywriter (creative director - must get that in) for most of my career but out of a job at one stage I freelanced for a while and started the comic scriptwriting - found I could do it and make money, too - so kept at it until I found my way back into respectable work again.
Had a quick peek at your new offering - liked
it at first glance - but will comment in more detail when I've had my nap! I mean, it is nearly half-past three in the afternoon.
Delighted the dry spell is over.

Bribrow

Awh, isn't 'love a twisted thing' when it won't let you touch and tease the one to your pleasing. And age is nothing either, my friend. But she's with him and you're here and she has no idea. It's her loss. Chin-up ducks. Write about it, although I have a sneaky impression that you have already, many times.

AND you have such an impressive CV. Wouldn't doubt it of you anyway, man of all talents, eh?
Is comic scriptwriting exactlt as it says on the tin? That must have been some experience, although I bet rather demanding too; deadlines, punchlines, worrylines!

(Did I just TRY to make a joke there? PLEASE ignore it!)

And also, kind soul; I got your comments on the poem- many thanks. You are teaching me and for that I am grateful. Where have you been the last few months?! Well, may it never rain on your parade, partner.
Away for a cuppa then some delightful reads. Watch out, PenJen's about!!

Jen