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Tom Derrington’s Diary on what a writer does beyond actually writing.
Having laid out how he saw in the new year as he balanced his writing with the rest of his life (you can read the first entry here), Tom Derrington is back to update us on his February exploits.
4 February
I submitted my latest play to the Papatango prize with just a few hours to spare – I was always the kid doing my homework on the way to school.
It’s a strange feeling, sending a piece of writing in to be judged. There is definitely a sense of accomplishment, typing ‘The End’ and then clicking ‘send’. Whatever happens, I’ve created something. I’ve told a story and put it out into the world.
Then come the bubbles of excitement and hope. What if…? What if, this play is actually alright – good even? No, what if this play is actually the best thing that has ever been written before in the history of writing things? It’s a masterpiece! It’s destined to be put on. Rave reviews, a transfer to the West End, Broadway – Stephen Graham will likely want to be involved but we’ll obviously have to audition Cumberbatch too. Maybe Netflix might buy the rights and adapt it for the screen…
Of course, then I re-read it and instantly notice the unnecessary exposition, plot holes and countless spelling mistakes. And that’s when the old self-doubt takes over. It’s absolute dog shit! Why did I even bother sending that in? I feel exposed. That’ll be lucky to get past the initial 10 page sift! I’m actually embarrassed with myself. I’m gonna give up. I should give up!
But, wait, I suppose I could work on it…
And so, the cycle continues.
I’ve found, for me, the only thing that helps after submitting anything, is to immediately start on something new. A new play, a short story, some free writing, whatever it is. So that’s what I’ve done. I’ve started a screenplay…
10 February
Put that screenplay down! Got a completely unexpected Whatsapp message today from a director friend of mine who I’d sent an early draft to, hoping for some feedback. Said, she liked it. Said, she could see it going on for a short run at a London pub theatre. Said, should we try? Said, no, she’s not joking! Said, she’ll send out some emails!
Fuck…I don’t think it’s ready yet.
11 Feburary
Slept on the idea. It’s definitely not ready yet, but maybe this is exactly the pressure I need to get it ready. I could actually have a play of mine going on in London! It’s a two-hander, minimal set, it’ll be dead cheap. I can’t pass up on an opportunity like this, can I? I text back – Yeah, let’s do it!
15 Feburary
Things are moving fast… talking with venues, weighing up dates, hire costs/box office splits etc. This is weird.
17 February
This is weirder – I’ve managed to rope my own mum into playing the lead role!
I should probably point out that my mum has acted before. In fact, she was happily pursuing a successful acting career before she gave birth to me and thankfully, now in retirement, has recently taken it up again. So, it wasn’t like, “Mum, reckon you could watch the kids on Saturday? And oh, by the way, do me a favour and make your acting debut on a London stage for us.”
Thinking about it now, I reckon I had probably written this character with her in mind all along. I just never actually thought I would be in a position to see her playing it. My mind is blown.
24 February
Just finished a table read, round my mum’s kitchen table, with a director and two actors. Surreal, exciting and terrifying… (that’s not their names).
Dates are locked in.
Looks like we’re going to London.
June 2023.
Aghhhhhh…
Thanks again to Tom for sharing his thoughts with us. He will be back in April, when hopefully he’ll have great news about the London play. We wait with baited breath.
If you are a creative and would like to get involved with our diary series, please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you and share with our readers what goes on in the life of people within the fringe theatre scene.
