C.K. McDonnell, author of 'The Stranger Times' - Comedian and writer talks about how stand-up comedy made writing easier, about jokes getting in the way of the story, and why he annoys his characters.
Use comedy as a style, not a genre, to enhance storytelling.
Origins of 'The Stranger Times' from sitcom script to novel concept in Manchester.
Character development through dialogue and conflict reveals nuances and personalities.
Deep dives
Influences from Stand-Up Comedy on Writing Style
The insights shared revolve around how stand-up comedy influences writing style. The author emphasizes the importance of respecting the story above all else and using comedy as a style, not a genre within a book. The discussion highlights how the comedy reflects character interactions and supports the narrative rhythm.
Inspiration for The Stranger Times
The author discusses the origins of the novel 'The Stranger Times,' mentioning how the idea stemmed from a sitcom script written years ago. The shift towards a more contemporary setting in Manchester is explored, detailing the rapid development of the initial idea into a novel concept.
Character Development through Dialogue and Conflict
The importance of character development is emphasized, focusing on how characters evolve through dialogue and conflict. Anecdotes of characters engaging in arguments to reveal deeper insights and nuances are shared. The strategy of letting characters converse to discover their personalities and annoyances is highlighted.
Writing Process and First Draft Efficiency
The author describes a streamlined writing process, detailing how the first draft is completed with minimal rewriting needed. The initial draft is polished through revisions by a trusted reader before undergoing further editing. The efficiency in completing the first draft is attributed to consistent self-review and feedback.
Balancing Comedy and Drama in Writing
The conversation delves into balancing comedy and drama in writing, drawing parallels from stand-up comedy's need to engage and entertain consistently. Insights from editing feedback underscore the importance of maintaining a balance between humor and serious storytelling elements for impactful narrative delivery.
Caimh McDonnell used to be a stand-up comedian, gigging all over the country and writing for television. Now, he's a full-time storyteller working out of his own office in his garden. His new novel, 'The Stranger Times', investigates life in a newspaper which reports on the weirdest stories... which sometimes turn out to be true. It's the start of a brand new comic supernatural thriller series from C.K.
We talk about the post-it notes all over the office that let him know when he's taken a wrong turn, how jokes sometimes get in the way of the plot and why he watches out for that constantly. You can hear about a writing year for Caimh, and why he's been so productive since stopping stand-up, and also about the difference between craft and inspiration.
You can grab a copy of 'The Stranger Times' here - https://amzn.to/3pRMZcz
Also, please have a look at the wonderful book 'The Pink Coffee Shop' by podcast fan Ellie Barker. She's acknowledged this show in it, so it'd be nice if you checked it out - https://amzn.to/2MV692w
AND, support us on Patreon.com/writersroutine, if you can!
