Angela Scott
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How being lazy and watching NETFLIX will help me to be a better writer.

3/4/2014

9 Comments

 
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Yeah, I haven't done a lot of writing lately. There. I admit it. It sucks, but it's the truth. I could blame it on a lot of things--like the fact my laptop went on the fritz and my computer-fixing husband just so happens to be on a business trip at the same time or how I'm single-parenting three kids while he is away--but the fact is, I just don't want to write.

I have time. I have plenty of time to write, hours in fact, and I actually have an old desktop computer that I can use to write, but it sure seems a lot easier to stay in my pajamas until three in the afternoon and watch various TV episodes on Netflix. It's way easier, actually.

Sometimes characters just don't want to speak to me and sometimes the plot and story seems elusive. I'm not a plotter and so when the creativity juices just don't flow or I hit that invisible wall marked "Writer's Block" then I have to step away and chill for a while. I will be back, because that's how this writing thing seems to work for me--write like a crazy woman and then go through a drought--it's a pattern I recognize all too well. 

So as I laid there on my couch, covered with two big fluffy blankets, it dawned on me: I'm not being TOTALLY lazy; I'm only being PARTIALLY lazy. There's a difference. Okay, maybe not, but I would like to believe that maybe, just maybe that while watching episode after episode of CHUCK I'm storing away valuable information for a later time. Like maybe, I'm studying character development, body movements, and expressions. I'm doing freakin' research, okay?


Actually, it took eight episodes before this idea even came to me, but still. No, I'm not writing anything spy-like at all, but that doesn't mean I can't learn something from this show that I can apply to my own writing. I think that every time, as authors, we watch a television show or go to the movies or watch a live play, we should not only enjoy ourselves, but we should be studying the craft as well.

Every show has writers--screen writers, which is a pretty tough job--and actors that we can gleam valuable information from to apply to our own projects. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about stealing. HECK NO. Do not do this. Very bad. What I'm talking about it is looking for ways to improve our own writing in small ways. How can I describe the way that Sarah expressed her sadness without saying anything to Chuck? How can I take what I see on the screen and paint that same picture with words? Those are the things I'm talking about.

Will I learn a lot from watching CHUCK? I don't know, but that doesn't mean I can't try--or SHOULDN'T try. Yes, I'm in my PJ's and yes, CHUCK is playing on my TV in the background while I write this blog to justify my great desire to lay on my couch, snuggled in warm blankets as I eat dry fruit loops from the box. But don't you dare judge me. DON'T YOU DARE. Who knows what I may retain and apply? No one, that's who!

So here I go, I'm off to do research. I may look lazy, but I swear to you, I'm only being partially lazy. I will learn something from watching CHUCK. I will lock it away in my little brain for future use. That's a promise.

And you know what? Sometimes authors just need a break too, and what a better way than with a little NETFLIX an a whole lot of justification?

Leave a comment and let me know what you're thinking and that you stopped by. Every month I run a giveaway where I pick a random commenter to send a little thank you prize. Last month was a zombie tee. So don't miss out. This month's winner could be YOU! 
9 Comments
Carla Cullen link
3/4/2014 01:46:46 am

No judging here! I have been binge-watching Scandal recently (thanks to Netflix), and I'm so impressed by the writing. After watching Season 2 I've learned a ton about cliff-hangers, plot twists, slow reveals, gradual development of characters, and so on. I think some of the smartest writing today is in TV shows, and those of us who write books can learn a lot from them!

Reply
Angela Scott
3/4/2014 01:50:24 am

Sweet, Carla! Thanks for not judging but encouraging me. We should so be friends :) I agree with everything you said. After going to watch some terrific movies, I always want to get back to writing--they inspire me.

Now, I'm going to have to check out SCANDAL. *scoops Fruit Loops into mouth*

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Tracy Haidle
3/4/2014 01:49:43 am

Well when we read about one of your characters eating fruit loops while watching Chuck, we will think back fondly to this blog post! :)

Reply
Angela Scott
3/4/2014 02:08:05 am

Tracy, I do have a character that enjoys Poptarts. That's pretty close (and somewhat true to my own life as well).

:)

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Sharon Ricklin Jones link
3/4/2014 05:16:55 am

I totally get what you're saying...I mean totally.
And speaking of Netflix, have you seen House of Cards yet? I mean, OMG, it's fantastic. Kevin Spacey is phenomenal...and talk about learning from a show!!! Yes! It is possible. The surprises are what get me...completely amazing things happen in Season 2, like on the first episode. All I can say is Go Netflix!! And thanks for the inspiration!!
:)

Reply
Angela Scott
3/5/2014 02:24:42 am

I've seen most of season one except for the last couple of episodes. I need to revisit that show :)

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Lori Parker link
3/4/2014 09:45:44 am

Can't. Write. Must. Read. It's like I'm obsessed or something. I'm voting "or something," b/c there isn't yet OCRD (Obsessive Compulsive Reading Disorder). Did I mention that I'm not a "TV person"?

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Lara Dunning link
3/4/2014 10:15:30 am

Netflix has a way of sucking me in too. But, I agree, it can be very good. Listening to the dialogue, noting the plot, watching the facial and body expressions, all help with the process of writing. Dexter was one of my favorite shows to watch just for that. I haven't seen Chuck, but I'll check it out.

Reply
Angela Scott
3/5/2014 02:26:16 am

LOVE Dexter... except for the last couple of seasons and what was with the VERY last episode? I will not spoil it for you if you're not there yet, but be warned.

In essence, all this couch potato business can be beneficial IF we make it so :)

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