Sarah Phelps, a talented writer, shares her writing rituals and inspirations. Topics include exploring brutality in Agatha Christie's work, the intersection of heritage and social change in farming, creating authentic characters, and navigating the complexities of crafting coherent narratives. The struggles of King Arthur's rule and the importance of individuality in writing are also discussed.
Personal writing routine includes frenzied panic, tea, and superstitions.
Two approaches to storytelling: adaptation of classics and creation based on contemporary themes.
Character adaptation involves authenticity, challenging stereotypes, and collaboration with living authors.
Deep dives
Writing Routine and Process
The writer describes her writing routine as starting early, getting stuck in notes, and then feeling a frenzied panic to write through the night. She associates routines with tea, cigarettes, swearing, and panic, highlighting her unique approach to writing. Additionally, she shares her superstition of feeling the need for cigarettes to write, illustrating a personal connection between her habits and productivity.
Inspiration and Story Creation
The writer discusses her process of coming up with ideas, stories, and characters, highlighting two distinct approaches. One involves adapting existing works like Agatha Christie's and J.K. Rowling's novels, emphasizing the reinterpretation and contemporary relevance of classic stories. The other approach involves developing original stories based on preoccupations and contemporary themes, reflecting on the universal nature of storytelling and human experiences.
Adaptation and Character Development
The writer delves into the intricacies of character adaptation, using examples like Oliver Twist, The Casual Vacancy, and Great Expectations. She emphasizes the importance of portraying characters authentically without relying on traditional portrayals, challenging stereotypes and exploring the complexities of human nature. Additionally, she shares insights into her collaborative process with living authors, highlighting the balance between creative interpretation and staying true to the original works.
Striving for Originality in Storytelling
Creating a story involves more than replicating a template. It's crucial to capture the essence of a narrative rather than slavishly following its structure. The process of adaptation or creation requires an understanding of the story's spirit rather than just mimicking its elements. This approach, though challenging, allows for a unique interpretation that breathes life into the narrative, steering clear of predictability and monotony.
Overcoming Creative Challenges and Self-Doubt
Navigating the writing process entails facing self-doubt, writer's block, and the pressure of deadlines. The struggle to find the right words, scenes, and character motivations can be daunting. Despite moments of despair and frustration, maintaining resilience and pushing through these obstacles is essential to delivering a compelling story. Embracing imperfections and persisting through uncertainties are integral aspects of the creative journey.
Join the UK's leading television drama writers, including Jed Mercurio and Sally Wainwright, as they lay bare their writing habits, habitats and career paths for the BBC's Abigail Gonda. A series of up close and personal interviews with the UK’s most brilliant writing talent inside the room where each of these writers actually writes.
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