Storytellersunplugged

I imagine most of you will be on holiday today, soaking up the sun if you are in the Southern Hemisphere (like me), or looking out over the snow if you are in the North. So I’ll keep this one pretty short for those stalwarts keen enough to read our blog while teetering on the precipice of the new year.As I’m writing this, I’m looking out at native New Zealand bush, listening to bird song, and sweating through an evening that’s 27 degrees Celsius. It’s t-shirts and camouflage cargo shorts weather all the time at the moment - just to set the scene.

And I have a few writery resolutions to share.

1. This year has been my first year as a professional TV writer, as opposed to all of my previous years of writing which can be collected under the ‘struggling amateur novelist/playwright’ banner. A big year and a huge learning curve. My resolution? Onwards and upwards with writing serial drama. I feel I’ve mastered storyline writing, but I have a lot to learn in the story editing department (like how to effectively structure a week’s worth of hospital drama) and the scriptwriting department (writing dialogue that sounds true and is properly motivated by the character’s emotions). Writing for Shortland Street has been like being paid to go to writing school. This coming year, now that I’m not a scared writing rabbit any longer, I’m resolving to learn as much as I bloody well can while the gravy chain keeps chugging along!

2. In saying that, I can’t write in a vacuum. I’m a self confessed workaholic. I love writing, and writing loves me, so much that it can turn into a nasty, possessive, stalking lover at times. So, I need to get out more. I’ve taken up mountain biking, and I need to get back out to nature and do some walking and exploring. Doing stuff makes me think…good. See, I need to take my dull brain for a walk now, but…

3. …then I wouldn’t be able to resolve to watch all of the new Battlestar Galactica series and read as much George RR Martin as I can find time for. Why? Because they’re awesome.

4. That brings me to my overly fastidious, nay, anally retentive approach to books, TV, films and computer games. I tend to treat entertainment as professional development. I should watch this or I should read that! Screw that to its sticking place! In 2008 I shall read, watch or play whatever I feel like, for fun.

5. Because, as far as my career goes, I should accept that it has a certain pace and that I can’t rush it. I’ve done a 10 year apprenticeship to become a professional writer. I remember Ian Rankin saying in an interview that he also went through a 10 year apprenticeship before he could give up his day job, and I think many a writer is in that boat. So, no point in getting stressed out that I haven’t got time for my own work at the moment. Patience grasshopper.

6. Last, but by no means least – more time with family! I write well when I’m happy. I struggle to write when I’m not. My wife and my daughter make me happier than anything else in my life. They are my emotional powerhouse. The fiction engine don’t run if it ain’t got a tank o’ happy fuel. Cruising with my family is resolution priority number one. Especially since we’re going to have little gatecrasher to our party in June! Live long and multiply, as Spock said to the Tribble.

There, I’m all wresolved out.

Happy New everyone, and see you on the flip side!