July 2009 Archives

Dialogue is one of the most challenging skills a writer has to develop. Producing words that sound natural and - above all - human, takes real talent and hard work. As discussed previously when analysing The Assassination of Jesse James, people rarely say what they actually mean, necessitating the writer to imbue dialogue with subtexts and subterfuge.

Regular readers know I blog, tweet and otherwise participate on the web under the name 'Kimota'. Some have assumed it is some anime reference or obscure Japanese word. But those who recognise it will know why today I'm as excited as a teenageer in Angelina Jolie's bedroom.

...as David Bowie would say, producing great music and providing comfort to stammerers everywhere.

Regular readers may have noticed that I regularly tinker with and adjust this blog in an effort for continuous improvement. The latest changes involve a big change to the comments system that should hopefully provide greater interactivity and more ways for you to get involved.

Warning: Contains spoilers.

Torchwood has had an uneasy run over the last three years. Originally touted as the 'adult' spin-off series from Doctor Who, the first series presented pretty ordinary storylines punctuated by swearing, graphic violence and oodles of sex. It wasn't so much adult as adolescent.

Anticipation was huge for this three day seminar series so it was no surprise the queue snaked around the block and competition for the best seats was strong.

For anyone who has seen Brian Cox's portrayal of Robert McKee in the film Adaptation, you could have been mistaken for expecting anger, bile and histrionics. In reality, McKee is hugely entertaining, as well as informative and inspiring. Who knew that watching a guy walk up and down the stage - only rarely resorting to scribblings on an overhead projector - could maintain attention, amuse and engage as McKee does.