TV: Scribbling (2002)

#tv #writers #authors 

Scribbling was a 2002 documentary series following the lives of four authors as they wrote their most recent works. Produced by Wall to Wall for BBC 2, it consisted of four one hour episodes, each focusing on one author per episode. The subjects ranged from Booker winner AS Byatt to comedian Robert Newman, and from crime writer Minette Walters, to science fiction writer Geoff Ryman.

The insights gained in a series of interviews and vlog-style talking heads were varied, as you might expect. Each writer had their own processes which they used; AS Byatt, a veteran author, would write longhand from her home in the south of France and fax them to an assistant who would type them up. Robert Newman however, embarking on his first 'serious' novel about globalisation, had differing methods, including painting the walls of his bedroom black in order to create a giant blackboard to cover with notes. The documentary showed his numerous methods of work avoidance, including moving rooms for better light, and assembling a flat-pack desk. Newman's episode was by far the most entertaining of course, given his natural ability to create humour.

The episodes were illuminating too for the way that the writers support themselves. AS Byatt of course has numerous novels to her name and lives off the proceeds, while Newman still had a 'day job' in touring his latest comedy show, which would impact greatly on his productivity.

On a brief tour of the YouTubes I was unable to find any clips, but would welcome any links in the comments. 

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TV is a series of posts looking at writing on television, old and new.

image: Wall to Wall TV - http://www.walltowall.co.uk/program/scribbling_42.aspx#