Thinking About Writing

Settle in to hear some tales of what it's like being on the writing staff for a long running TV sitcom as part of the writer's room. Robin talks about his time on BBC comedy My Family, including the nature of a writer's room and a show runner, the day to day process, the unwritten etiquette of how to pitch and contribute, and why these environments can be so important and we need more of them, especially in the UK. Enjoy the randomly placed musical bits as this was originally intended a...

It's time for some simple and complex thinking about the qualities of simplicity and complexity. These are qualities which many would consider desirable in a script, but some might think are negative. We'll consider how a mix of the two can create great scripts, and applying them to concepts, stories and characters can ensure depth and dimensions, but also clarity and comprehension. And it's a pretty short episode as it was the middle of a heatwave when Robin recorded it and he melted halfwa...

This episode, Robin talks about the process of conceptualising, writing and gearing up to perform a new one person play, 'The "How Are You?" Game'. (You may have heard him promote it on this show!) He discusses the origin of the idea from personal experiences, the challenges and doubts which cropped up as he wrote, and the steps a writer may take to progress a script from the page to the real world. It's a frank story of getting back to writing and theatre after some time away, and how it's a...

A slightly more traditional episode this week as we think about writing devices. What are the increasingly common tools writers use to subvert traditional, linear story telling? What can they contribute to a script? And how do we writers ensure they are being applied effectively? Also a rather frenzied appraisal of mockumentaries! If you want to get in touch with questions, comments, or enquiries about hiring Robin as your script editor then head here!

In this second part of Robin's recollections of his life as a writer he talks about his time writing for BBC sitcoms 'Two Pints of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps' and 'My Family'. This includes learning on the job, moving from a junior team member to a lead writer, as well his solo endeavours. He also describes the psychological toll of trying to make it and worrying that your moment has passed. But how this eventually led to new opportunities as a script editor and a podcaster. Plus some gene...

So series four is a bit of personal one, and with that in mind, Robin recounts his life as a writer. Looking back on what first got him hooked on writing, early forays into theatre and finding his style, before a talent search he almost didn't enter provides his big break. This first part looks at the origin of creative ambitions, the power of encouragement and finding an audience, as well as battling through doubts and insecurities. If you want to get in touch with questions, comments...

The podcast is back! And this time the titles aren't all going to start with "Thinking About..."! On this episode, Robin offers some insights and observations from his work as a freelance script reader. This should be interesting if you've ever submitted a script to an opportunity or a competition and wondered how decisions are made. We think about some of the qualities which can help a script stand out and progress, as well as aspects which may hold it back. There's discussion of the advan...

The final episode of How to Write a Script is here, and fittingly it's looking at finishing your script. We have a think about endings, titles, page counts and proof reading. All this plus contemplating what to do with said finished script, before a nice summary of everything we've talked about across this series. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About Writing on Fac...

It's the penultimate episode of the season, and this time we're thinking about how to get the writing done. Methods to stay motivated and make everything feel more manageable by setting targets and taking on the script in sections. We then consider how to rewrite, including how to look at your own work and analyse what could be improved, allocating priorities to any drafts you undertake. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writ...

This episode we go over some of the aspirations of what a script can accomplish in its first pages in the hopes of making a reader or audience excited about the project and want to see more. Instigating incidents, using time efficiently, teasers and just showing off your flare, we have a think about all of them. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook. Find out more about...

In the fifth examination of how to write a script, we take a look at dialogue and voice. What makes for effective dialogue? How might a writer express their voice and style? And why did Robin go to karaoke the day before recording this episode and knacker up his vocal chords? Find out all this and other things right here! You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook. Fin...

We're taking a little mid-season break, but in the mean time you can listen to Robin having a ponder about Amazon Prime series Mr & Mrs Smith, why it's good, and what it says about current TV and streaming in terms of utilising familiar IP and how a show is promoted. If you'd like to hear more like this or want to show your appreciation for the podcast through the medium of cash then you can become a Patron of the show at www.patreon.com/ThinkingAboutWriting You can follow the podcast o...

Hello script fans! In part four of the How to Write a Script odyssey we have a quick think about research and the instruments we might use to do some writing, before delving into the anatomy of a script. We'll ponder elements such as scene headings, action lines, parentheses and transitions so as to understand what the heck they are, what the heck they do and how we can use them effectively as we write our wonderful scripts. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod ins...

Like an unstoppable freight train, we move on to plotting, thinking over establishment, escalation and resolution, things to bear in mind when formulating beat sheets and scene by scenes, and how a plot can evolve, or emerge from different directions. And of course we apply this to our launderette based show. All this while Robin can't breathe properly through his nose due to dreaded lurgy. If you're an at home replicator of the show, then this is your opportunity to write a beat sheet or sc...

Now that we've got a decent sense of the concept we want to write, it's time to start filling in the details, starting out with the important act of character creation, since most scripts without characters in them tend to be on the less interesting side. We go over the roles a character may play in the story, where to take character inspiration from and how to develop their psychology, plus the question of whose story you are telling. All this plus a cheeky section on setting too. If you'r...

A new season begins, dedicated to how to write a script. And it's all about beginning the journey of deciding what it is you want to write. We'll think about the medium you might want to write it, the core of your concept, how that can expand into a premise, ensuring there's enough substance to maintain your script, and most importantly, why an idea excites you. All of this plus the origins of a brand new concept we'll develop across the series and a chance for you to do some creating of yo...

The podcast for writer types is coming back, and for season three we're breaking down how to write a script. Over eight episodes host Robin will explore things to think about and techniques to apply as you see a writing project through from beginning to end and beyond. We'll then apply these ideas to the creation of a new concept, and offer up some writing exercises you might want to try at home. It's a fully themed, encouraging and interactive season! Listen in to find out more. You ...

The season two finale is here, and we're finishing off by thinking about the struggles writers can face when a big old writer's block lands in their path. We'll be going over four potential causes of the condition and suggesting some ways for overcoming them, so you can keep on writing. Thanks so much for listening this season, and if you've any thoughts or feelings you'd like to share about this and future editions, get in touch! You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_po...

This week we're joined by radio producer/director/editor/writer (So many slashes!) Penny Leicester to talk about the joys and opportunities in writing for audio. We discuss the imaginative options in audio, the power of using sound effectively and what a radio script may look like. Check out Penny's recommendation of The Voice In My Ear by Claudine Toutoungi here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001kh5f You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_p...

This week we're thinking about what makes something funny, and what could be more amusing than some theories from classic comedy icon, social psychologist, Erving Goffman? We'll be talking about interpretations and formations of funny moments as well as rummaging in a big old tombola full of terminology. Chuckles ahoy! You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook. Find out m...

Following on from last week's episode about forging a career as a writer, we get some insight on the Writers' Guild of Great Britain and everything they do for working writers, with special guest and deputy co-chair of the Guild, William Gallagher. We also talk about ensuring writing competitions are fair and legit, copyright, how to deal with inappropriate treatment, plus a cheeky topical chat about AI. Find out more about the WGGB at https://writersguild.org.uk/ Follow them on Twitter htt...

This week we get a bit more practical with our thoughts as we consider ways that people might turn their writing into a career. We cover topics like building up solid sample scripts, how to get noticed, creating and maintaining contacts and the big doozy of money. Plus a good old existential discussion of how much it all matters at the end of the day. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About W...

This week we're joined by Hannah Tyrrell-Pinder, the co-founder of Box of Tricks Theatre, a new writing focused theatre company based in the north of England. We learn about the many initiatives they run, as well as generally discussing why theatre is such an exciting medium and how to get involved in it. Find out more about Box of Tricks here: https://boxoftrickstheatre.co.uk/ Follow them on X : https://x.com/bottc You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com...

Comedy, drama, comedy drama, we're thinking about all of them this episode. What defines different genres? How much does it matter? And how many times will we refer to Fleabag. Find out by listening in! You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook. Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry about getting notes on your script at robinleetaylor.com And if you want to su...

This week we're joined by Empress of the sketch, Gemma Arrowsmith, as we think about the mechanics and qualities which can make for hilarious and effective sketches, how to be economic with your writing and extolling the virtues of creating comedy for radio. You can find out more on Gemma's website http://gemmaarrowsmith.com/ Listen to her sketch show here https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001c6v8 You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok...

This time we're taking a look at characters, how they can make strong impressions, the balance between clarity and complexity, and how audiences may respond to characters. It's an accompanying piece to Thinking About Protagonists from series one, if you've not listened to that one before! You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook. Find out more about Robin and even make an ...

The first special guest of season two is Jonathan Harvey! Having written for theatre, TV, film and radio, he offers his perspectives on the different mediums. He also looks back at the journey of his classic creation Beautiful Thing, the joys of writing for Coronation Street and his current play Mother Goose starring John Bishop and Ian McKellan. Follow Jonathan on Twitter https://twitter.com/JOJEHARVEY You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod ...

I don't believe it! We're kicking off season two by thinking about believability, how to make writing feel authentic and why it may or may not matter. There's a plethora of terminology to demystify, including emotional reality, internal logic and the suspension of disbelief. So if you're worried about audience incredulity, this is the place to be! You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About...

It's time for Season Two: Electric Boogaloo. So here's a little explanation of what you can expect from upcoming episodes. More interviews, slightly more concise and consistent durations, ongoing strange singing choices. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook. Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry about getting notes on your script at robinleetaylor.com An...

It's the final episode of the season, and in this last act we're thinking about structure. We examine some of the traditions and expectations of story structure, ponder some familiar act structures and discuss how important or useful formulas may be. We hope you've enjoyed these 12 episodes, and now.... Maybe go and do some writing! If you wish to do so. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking Abou...

This time around we cover the idea of editing and how it can be a vital tool in the writing process. As the saying goes, writing is rewriting, and that involves editing. We'll think about how to approach an edit, the tools you can use when editing and dissect the stalwart concept of killing your darlings. Poor darlings, your sacrifice was not in vain. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About ...

Well this different, isn't it? In this episode we have an extra special guest, Jessica Loveland, the head of new writing for BBC Writers and BBC Drama Commissioning. (This was pre-branding change to BBC Writers, so we say Writersroom a lot, like fools from the past) We discuss writing, opportunities, how to stand out and Jess's mild obsession with Tom Cruise. Plus an exclusive reveal of the dates for 2022's Open Call initiative. Hopefully you'll find lots of information and encouragement! ...

As Robin's cold continues, he talks about tone, discussing what it is, how to get the right tone, the use of humour as a change of tone, and the risks of an insensitive or controversial tone. Tone! We also examine a superb mix of comedy and horror via the excellent Shaun of the Dead. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook. Find out more about Robin and even make an enqui...

What's your approach to writing? What works best for you? What have you never considered before that you might want to try out? What do you do before you even put pen to paper? It's all process, and that's the subject of this episode! Plus we examine supporting documents, what they are, what they might look like and how can then influence your script strategies. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Think...

This time we explore the topic of criticism, a necessary part of the writing process, but something which should be used as a strengthening device, rather than a soul crushing one. With the 'help' of our 'producer', we'll talk about how to receive criticism, the types of notes we might get, and even how to give critiques to writers. And overall we attempt to encourage you to show your work to others, which is nice, isn't it? You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod insta...

Are your characters looking for something to do? Well maybe they need some motivation, and funnily enough that's the topic of this episode! We'll be looking at the classic concept of a hero's quest, the different types of motivation a character can have, and saying "Gosh, isn't that impressive!" about the skilful use of motivation in the show Breaking Bad. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking Ab...

As we continue our two part dive into how information is delivered when writing, this time we mull over the classic theory of show don't tell, consider the opposite concern of insufficient information and exemplify everything we've pondered by dissecting the opening of a lesser known film called Stars War, or something like that. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook. F...

In the first of a two parter looking at how information can be delivered in scripts, we think about the contentious issue of exposition. This includes a breakdown of the different details a writer can convey, an example of overwritten dialogue, and a look at some conventionally accepted but risky forms of exposition. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook. Find out more ...

Pace yourselves, as we're jogging into the topic of pacing! We'll be thinking about the impact pacing has on a script and how it is often tied up with purpose, perusing the idea of slow burns such as Midnight Mass, and contemplating the concept of ticking clocks. So hurry, have a listen, before it's too late! There's no reason why it would be too late, but still... You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Th...

This time we dedicate our brains to the subject of protagonists, aka lead characters. We discuss how important they are and the attributes which can be useful in making them feel balanced and interesting. We also dissect their malevolent counterparts, antagonists. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook. Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry about gett...

In this episode we think about three qualities which can be significant in creating an idea for a script; Originality, Identity and Substance. We also theorise on the deeper meaning of popular sitcom Friends and ponder some potentially useful methods for generating ideas. You can follow the podcast on social media: x.com/writing_pod instagram.com/writing_pod tiktok.com/@writing_pod Or search for Thinking About Writing on Facebook. Find out more about Robin and even make an enquiry abo...