Good Reads & Screenwriting Events

Good evening all!

Thought I would use the time spent watching BB10 productively by writing a blog post at the same time. It's interesting seeing what characters BB10 are throwing into the mix this year (great inspiration for screenplay characters!) but I shan't be watching any more after tonight's show. I'm far too eager to write and read and have far too little time to do that in as it stands. I'm afraid the only TV shows I watch religiously at the moment are Home and Away, Hollyoaks, Ashes to Ashes and The Apprentice.

Last weekend I finished reading Nicci French's The Safe House. I'd never read any of (his/her) books before (the name is actually a pseudonym for a writing team) and was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the setting up of the mystery and the unravelling of it, coupled with the believable protagonist, Sam. I personally didn't find it too predictable, but I was annoyed with the irony of Sam so willingly taking up water sports when the novel had already set her up with a fear of water. I also felt the ending was a little disappointing. After an exciting revelation, the antagonist was "let off" so to speak. Very unsatisfying. No explanations, no regret, no showdown, nothing...

I'm currently also reading Lolita (still) but that's my slow-read. The next novel on my list is Lisa See's Peony In Love. I loved Snowflower and The Secret Fan so this one is bound to be a treat also.

This week I joined www.goodreads.com. I have been using a similar book-logging thing on facebook, but I find it a bit annoying, especially having to log into facebook and find the application before posting my reads and reviews. So, upon lovely Kirsten's recommendation, I signed up. It certainly seems like a good site. I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'm actually tempted to import all the books I already had on my facebook application so that I don't lose that sense of satisfaction when you see the numbers stacking up! Miss Read and David Thompson became my first friends on there not long after. If you'd like to be my friend on Goodreads, feel free to add me. The name's Sofluid!

Now, this week via the ever-addictive twitter, Antonia informed us all of a fab opportunity to attend a Q & A session with the head of CBBC Drama Steven Andrew in conversation with Kate Rowland. Perfect timing for all of us who are entering the CBBC contest.

Being held in the early evening on a Monday, I felt I wouldn't make it to London in time after work. The lovely Piers Beckley was having none of it, though. "Can you not start work and leave work early that day?" Well, you can't argue with that, can you? So, I went a step further. I now have the whole shiny day off work to come and enjoy London - Let's hope the sun is shining, too!

The tickets are free and the event starts at 5pm (June 15th). Just send them an email to get your place on the guest list! Neil is also coming along, so I'm looking forward to meeting him properly at long last! Anyone else thinking of coming along?

This evening I also sent off my CV in the hope of being a volunteer at The Screenwriters Festival, which will take place from the 26th to the 29th October. Martin Adams told me about the scheme last year and how he enjoyed volunteering there. Unfortunately I can't afford to go as a paying guest, so I have to earn my keep - but I don't mind. It'll be worth it to meet some of you lovely bloggers, let alone participate in some of the fabulous events going on there over those few days! Fingers crossed they accept me!

Here are a few other opportunities that some of you may be interested in:

• Adrean Mead's The Screenwriter's Career Guide, July 4th, London
• Script TENacity workshop, June 27th, Wolverhampton

I'm also attending Collectormania in MK this Saturday! Personally, I'm hoping to see the gorgeous Nathan Fillion (of Firefly stardom) and the daddy of comedy quotes Philip Glenister (of Ashes to Ashes)! Lets hope I get a look in!

Last but not least, I had a light bulb idea today. Not one regarding my writing as such, but one which combines the day job and learning about screenwriting. Listen to the fabulous interviews conducted by Sally Brockway whilst you work! Find them at The Screenwriting Goldmine here. They really are very useful and inspirational!