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

I am not generally given to superstition, but sometimes it is hard to escape the feeling that the cosmos is trying to tell you something.

When I stopped being a full-time journalist just over five years ago, I felt that I definitely didn’t want to do any kind of professional writing ever again. I was absolutely sick of the vicious rat-race of the media world, and had literally been driven to drink by the stress of having to produce writing of a kind that I didn’t like day after day, week after week, month after month.

So I’ve taken IT training courses, I’ve been a student, and I’ve worked as a theatre administrator; but none of those things have led to permanent employment. A few weeks ago I thought I was a shoo-in for a permanent post at Mind The Gap, the theatre company I worked for last year – but it wasn’t to be, much to my bitter disappointment.

But just when I was coming to terms with that news, I suddenly got a run of enthusiastic messages about Entries I’d written for h2g2 ages ago. I got praise for essays I’d written for University, and short scripts I’d written for the University theatre group. I began working on a radio adaptation of a screenplay I’d written for my University screenwriting course, and then I made a new friend with connections in the TV and radio industries. And now I’ve got a distinction grade for the screenplay I wrote as coursework from my University screenwriting tutor.

I don’t think the message could be much clearer unless someone actually daubed ‘YOU’RE A WRITER, STUPID’ on the wall outside my flat. So I'm going to try to finish my radio script in the next week.

I must say you can express in words like so many artists in paint. my advice is to become insane and treat the world like a sort of guise for what you really want to do.

-- DoctorMO --

You were one of the reasons I started the Review column in The Post. When I first came on here, I used to read your brilliant column, and wanted one of my own. You're something of a celebrity in my eyes!

Excellent news

don't worry ormy, i know what it's like - i tried to avoid my destiny by studying law but just got dragged back into political stuff. i feel more alive, in other areas of my life too, when i'm immersed in politics. everytime i work in a job that isn't political people i work with always think (and tell me) that i'm going to go into politics sooner or later (at my last job several people wrote things on my leaving card about this).

you are clearly a v good communicator and writer - go for it ormy!

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Don't forget I want a signed first edition copy of THE novel

You've summed it up perfectly, span. Sometimes I resent the need to write, but I feel great when I know I've come up with something good. Occasionally there really does seem to be something about the process - the best lines seem to arrive fully-formed from nowhere.

The radio script is the third incarnation of my sci-fi story 'SHIMMER', now with an expanded storyline and a bigger comedic and satirical element than in previous editions. The story began life as a five-minute playlet for the theatre group I'm in. I then expanded it into a 30-minute screenplay for my screenwriting course, and now I'm adapting it into a 45-minute radio script. Which takes a lot of writing - it's nearly 8,000 words long already, and more is needed. But it's going well, and I am prety confident of getting it done this week.

I seem to remember that I sent you one of the earlier versions, Granny - didn't you say that there wasn't enough ing swearing? If so, I'm afraid I'm keeping it fairly clean this time too, as I'm aiming for an afternoon broadcast. But I will happily e-mail copies of the latest version to any interested h2g2 Researchers. All constructive feedback will be gratefully received.

Oh, please

The topic line of this thread was almost too much of a coincidence. I had just put down a section of the Sunday paper which had an excerpt from new Danish book called "Write, you s*b" (or something like that).

The page, headed by the words "To write" in something like a 216 point font, printed a work of poetry about just these rollercoaster emotions when you know you have to write and sometimes it flows and all is good and sometimes you just wish that neither the pen nor Gutenberg's print technology had come into this world.

From memory -"and sometimes you wish that it (paper) was just for wrapping dead animals".

I've clipped the page from the paper and do plan to get the book at the first possible possibility. I believe over recent times that I have discovered that I, too, need to write. Don't know what yet - apart from the feeling that I'm a short text man and not a novelist - but there are words out there that I need to put together

SG V

Could you e-mail me the story when finished i read the earlyer version and was very impressed but i like most sci-fi so i guess your on a winner with me.
I only wish i was 1/2 as good a writer i have a few ideas i would love to put down on paper but it is very hard to write them down i have tryed a few times but i can never find the words.

I have idea's, but I'm a designer I scribble away designing systems, images and new ideas. my writings are just sad. but thats life.

reading I can do though, so Ormy send it to me too.

Not only do I want a copy, I want the broadcast date & time

Well, I have now finished a first draft of the radio script, after quite a lot of work - it runs to just over 8,800 words! I'll polish it up over the next few days, get it copyrighted, and I should be sending copies to those of you who've asked for one early next week.

I'm not so sure when I'll be able to give you a transmission date, though, Granny. But if ever I *do* get one, rest assured that you'll be among the first to know!

you sound like you enjoyed the accomplishment ormy.

Well Done Sir!

-- DoctorMO --

MO, Granny, TIMELORD: your copies of my epic creation have been mailed. I did have some fun writing it, and I hope you enjoy reading it.

It was a fun read, although I condemn you for using MICROSNOT word as my Mac has trouble digesting the files.

try instead, Save As... Rich Text Format (RTF)

more open than doc any rate all those tabs and spaces in between each line drove me nuts.

No spoilers please I've downloaded it & adjusted the spacing - BTW, I DO know why it's spaced like that, but I'm running short on paper - and I'm looking foward to snuggling up in bed tonight for a good read

why do you think I emailed him back directly with my thoughts very considerate me. *tea*?

did you enjoy the bit about the Roswell grays?

-- DoctorMO --

Ormy

I am really please to hear you are writing again - its something you have such a talent for. I would love to read your latest creation if the offer is still open ...

So would I, please

candinook at hotmail dot com

My pleasure.

Candi - your copy has been sent. Light - I'll happily do likewise for you, but you'll have to remind me of your e-mail address.