Back To The Writing Board

It's an odd feeling; the idea of returning to something that is such a constant. But writing a new project, any new foray into creative pursuits of writing always brings twin senses to my mind. Excitement and fear.

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." A powerful quote, attributed to Franklyn D. Roosevelt, but adopted forever after by U.S. Presidents, Prime Ministers from any country going, and anyone who steels themselves against what is to come. I think what we also fear at times is the successes we have disappearing. They say rich people only fear the loss of their money; that's what makes them greedy, stingy and mean. Well the creative mind fears the lack of imagination, the possibility that the inspiration will dry up or the ideas will cease to come. I know I do, even if at present I have two ideas to work on.

Returning to script-work whilst writing a third novel is daunting, but challenging. That kinda goes without saying, I know, but balancing those twin emotions is what keeps me going. It's all about learning to love the blank page, not fear it. Each page gives me the chance to write something that will thrill people, bring them to the edge of their seat, not think of switching over. Writing for television has its additional thrills and demands, of course. The script essentially needs page-turning moments regularly.

Where a novel (my novel, I hope...) can come together slowly, building the imagination of the reader, the viewer is a different beast, and requires a very different kind of feeding. Action, drama, plot and suspense, all in three separate hours (at least until I pick up my editing scalpel!) - it's going to be juggling I've not done since March, when I wrote a screenplay that is currently in production. I'd be dishonest not to admit that payment for that project is an inspiration for new material, but not the financial aspect, more the feeling of earning my way in life through work that is close to my heart. It's an amazing feeling, and one worth going after with all of my effort.

To that, and the possibilities of another week at the desk of choice...