ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXTo write or not to write
2 years, 7 months ago - Claudette FLINT
I've noticed, recently, that I have to be careful about what to write. The spirit of Voke is watching. There are subjects that are taboo today. About a stage play competition I was told not to use radicalisation, it is a cliché and too sensitive. I only mention it in two lines at the end. Also I am not supposed to say the word 'sexy' anymore, (even if it is a character who uses it, not me) it is discreminating for women. On the other hand, murder is not taboo, it is popular and successful in films, books, plays, series.
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2 years, 7 months ago - James McCann
This reads like you've had your work rejected and aren't taking it very well.
Maybe it's not that the world is now too woke, perhaps your work just wasn't good enough?
In what context was radicalisation tacked on at the very end of what you'd written? Maybe you didn't handle the subject correctly in the script you wrote?
Men can be sexy, too, so I don't see that word as a problem.
Without more context to the script, to what you've written and how you've written it, your post reads like an angry woman having a rant that her work didn't get picked-up.
If you give us more details then this site is filled with people with decades of experience who can help you in some way.
Response from 2 years, 7 months ago - James McCann SHOW
2 years, 7 months ago - Peter Spencer
Claudette I've read your work, you are a fine writer, I think it's possibly that the tastes of the readers who read this work differs from your taste. In just the way a script can be a finalist in one contest and not make the first round in another, or how a script can be rejected by a dozen companies but then loved by the the one company that wants to buy it. Don't be discouraged.
Response from 2 years, 7 months ago - Peter Spencer SHOW
2 years, 7 months ago - Hannah Lochhead
So sorry you’ve been branded as an ‘angry woman’ but please don’t be discouraged.
I can understand that perhaps writing about radicalisation from the perspective of fiction might not be hitting the mark if it perpetuates stereotypes. If you can back up your work with primary sources and lived experiences and it’s still rejected then you’ll know it’s a matter of opinion and not that a cliched.
And ‘sexy’ is still sexy, you don’t need to abide to every piece of advice you get. Keep the meat and throw out the bones.
Also to be woke means to be aware. It’s not a curse word. It has the potential to alienate writers from certain topics but it means that art is inclusive to those who are marginalised. Working within these parameters ultimately means more people can enjoy what you create.
Wishing you all the best! X
Response from 2 years, 7 months ago - Hannah Lochhead SHOW
2 years, 7 months ago - Marlom Tander
Why are you writing?
If you are writing to express yourself, you need to write without caring if anyone likes it.
If you are writing "to have my work on stage, paid for by someone else" then those people might love your stuff, but also not feel that they can risk money on it. They have a remit, and they want work that meets that remit.
Nothing is stopping you organising your own production and staging your work, and inviting the public to decide...
Response from 2 years, 7 months ago - Marlom Tander SHOW