Some blogs ago I said that I was going back to do some more work on my WWII project (Caen). Well, regular readers will know that this did not happen. What they won’t know, is that it still hasn’t happened! Why? The latest excuse is my new ghost story, now called “The Haunting Of Becky Thomas”. So why have I chosen this action when it means yet another partially completed script will be added to my portfolio? The answer is “legs”, yes legs. I’m not sure if THOBT has any and the only way to find out is to follow the story. So far I’ve written 16 pages of a script (based on a one-page pitch) and it looks like the idea has legs for a one hour (42minutes!) TV Drama at least. Now I can relax as the next 30 pages are already mapped out in my head and it’s simply a matter of transfer. And the WWII project? I’ve completed a full 20-page outline of the story and 31 pages of the script so I know all about its legs! If you find this confusing then a word or two about my writing methods may help. I write in one of three ways the first is the most traditional (eg WWII project) I get an idea, I research the idea, a story begins to form and I write a 20 page outline. I then convert the outline (which is effectively scene headings with notes) into a script. This is usually the case if I can see the legs! Alternatively a random idea will pop into my head, sometimes this is a complete story with legs so I go straight into script writing. However, if the legs and/or ideas are unclear I’ll write a one-page pitch to clarify the idea. If the legs are clear I’ll write an outline, if not I’ll start the script and keep going until I can see the legs. I’m not recommending these methods to anyone else, but what I would say is that the sooner you get the full story on to paper the better, once it’s there you can go back to it as often as possible until you have your first draft script. At this stage it’s a good idea to put the script aside, when you eventually go back to it you will see the flaws better. Working on multiple projects allows you the opportunity to put work aside whilst still crafting your skills and moving forward. Clear?