Last summer I decided to learn about script reading. There was a course down in London run by Lucy V Hays who also runs Bang2Write. The main reason I went to was improve my own writing. I'd already discovered earlier in the year that when you help others with their scripts you learn a huge amount yourself. It acts as a relief to know others make the same mistakes as you and to see what impact it has. Then, when you hear the rewrites, you realise how much difference it makes if the feedback is good.
Just before Christmas there was a call for readers for a short story competition so \I decided to volunteer. I'm not being paid, but I want the experience.
One of the most interesting things I've learned from reading is what a difference voice makes. When written in a passive voice even the most exciting idea is as dynamic as a police report. And telling rather than showing? It really does kill a manuscript.
The best manuscripts have flowing English so you zap from idea to idea. The plot points are coherent and the characters intrigue. Ideally they draw you into their world and then surprise you. Some manuscripts have great English but the odd plot fault. Shame, but this is correctable. Some are enviably good.
Writing short stories is damn difficult. It makes me appreciate how well people in Wirral Writers perform. I've heard some cracking stories on a Friday night there. Keep it up guys.
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