Monday, 7 November 2011

Sunday 6th November

The illness continues and as a result, today has been mainly a lazy unproductive one.  I managed a lie in, but then got up and we all had a late breakfast together, which was all very pleasant.  Eldest spent the day working on her studies, youngest asked me to recommend a book for her to read for school.  Her dyslexia has put her off of any serious reading, and for a girl with the kind of imagination she has, I have always really felt for her.  The secret to getting her to read is of course the right book, so I thought back to what got me reading.  I started reading prolifically when I was about 7, and devoured books, whereas youngest does not have that drive.  With her sense of humour, I suggested the Hitchhikers Guide books, and she went for this suggestion with a little gusto.  For someone who will read maybe three pages at a time at best, I was delighted that she read 18 pages in one sitting, and merrily packed the book for school the next day.  I hope this is the beginning for her!  I watched Spurs beat Fulham undeservedly, and rather enjoyed it.  How many times have I watched my beloved team hammer the opposition only to lose?  Well the boot was on the other foot this time, and it was a pleasant experience!  In the evening I watched two films, Red State, which was awful in the extreme, and Columbiana, which wasn't too bad.  It was a modern day Gangster revenge story, with a young girl righting the wrongs of her murdered parents...not particularly original, but it passed the time.  Red State was in effect, a gun fight between the Police and a Religious sect, not much more to say about it than that.  It finished and I felt relieved, but short changed in that nothing of any interest happened.  I rewrote the elements of the ten minute play today, and edited based on the feedback I had received.  Having re-read it several times, and looked at the standard of work in previous competitions, I was quite happy, and submitted it.  I now just have to wait and see.  Even if it doesn't get accepted, the exercise has been enjoyable, and I have learnt more about writing.  To bring in a back story, develop character and plot, and to do so within the confines of the brief was a lot more challenging than I expected.  The temptation to get the character to make pronouncements to move the plot forward is great, and I hope I have avoided that.  The subject matter is, well lets call it "Mildly disturbing".  Even if It does garner some success, I think I may have to keep it quiet for fear that it puts off people from allowing me to work with their kids!!  perhaps a pen name might be in order in the future!

Posted via email from Mr Plug's posterous

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