Writing TV

Writing T.V

The differences between writing a novel and writing a script are too numerous to mention in one blog, but it is said that we cannot write one with the hopes that it’ll turn into the other. The obvious fault is when people write a novel with the idea of it becoming a TV show or film; the problem being that when we do this, we inadvertently miss certain details that help set the scene. Of course why would we need to write that the office was dark and dank when people will be able to see that fact on telly? Not only that, but the novel can often be read like stage directions, dull and lifeless. Instead of guiding the imagination in the direction you’d like it to go, you’re directing it to where you want it. Both very similar but with one main difference; guiding influences and entertains whereas directing pushes with little respect or interest for the reader.

This may sound like a lecture, but it’s not, honestly. If you want to write for TV or the big screen, or even the stage, then script writing may be more to your tastes. Don’t let anyone tell you that writing a screenplay is easy, or a cheat’s way of writing. There are many challenges that await the budding scriptwriter including timing and the aforementioned stage directions. In a novel we can paint the picture of the scene using a cacophony of adjectives, but a playwright can only use dialogue. This brings me to the unobvious fault, when people write a script hoping it would be converted to a novel at a later date. If this is done, then the opposite of what I said above could happen. Setting the scene would be in the directions, but the dialogue would suffer. The prose used by actors that should move the story forward would be forgotten or ignored, and what looks good on paper would be dreary and boring with no presence on screen.

If you would like your novel to be adapted at a later date for the screen, then write the novel first without thought for the television. Once the novel is written and edited to your satisfaction,  (and that of the publisher) then you can write the screenplay or script, adapting the story for viewing. These are just my thoughts and you may disagree. I would be very interested to hear what you have to say.

Read, follow, comment and enjoy. M x