1 November, 2011: The Jellicoe script and other things

I finally handed in my Jellicoe script and I think (hope) that it’s pretty much all there. Next week we have a read-through with actors (by no means a film casting exercise) which is the final step to the Screen NSW Aurora Workshop we were invited to be part of earlier this year.

On that day there will be nine actors in total who’ll have to read multiple roles (there are 28 speaking parts – the longest monologue belongs to Jonah Griggs and the shortest belongs to a townie skater who calls out “Incoming” to herald the arrival of the cadets in Jellicoe).

For a scriptwriter, hearing your script read out loud is exhilarating and confronting. I’m a tiny bit frightened that I’m going to cry during some of the scenes and I don’t want to lose my credibility in front of professional actors.

On that day the actors and industry execs will give feedback. Then I go off and fiddle around with the script one more time before it’s “taken to market”. I’m writing Quintana of Charyn at the moment so whenever I hear that term, I always imagine a medieval market town where people are trading fleece for gold coins. We’re going to need a couple of million gold coins.

I’m proud of this script. It’s been technically three years in the making but untechnically it’s been longer than that. It’s taught me a lot about patience and the importance of less is more. I’ve worked with incredible mentors who didn’t care whether people loved the novel. I was never allowed to ride on the coat tails of Jellicoe fan appreciation. What’s important to all of us (Cathy Randall, the director and Sue Taylor, the Producer) is that the script stands on its own. Next week, when nine fresh ears hear it spoken out loud, we’ll know if I truly succeeded.

Handing in the script has made me realize that I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed being a writer as much as I do at the moment. I’m kind of where I want to be writing wise and I’m enjoying the process although I find the novels harder and harder to write – especially the fantasies. But the early Froi feedback has been so totally amazing that it’s really overwhelming at times. It makes me want to get Quintana of Charyn so right. And as much as I’m moved by what readers have to say about my work, what I think I appreciate even more are their expectations. They compete well with mine and force me to lift my game.

PS. And I can’t reinforce enough how I would love to visit and hug every single person who has shown FotE love through letters and blogs and especially on goodreads. Sometimes it’s the only way you know people are reading your work and it’s always the early feedback that means the most.

Now I’m off to wager a bet on The Melbourne Cup.