A couple of weeks ago, one of Phoenix writers gave a fascinating workshop on screenplay and Love Actually. Our writing task consisted on selecting two characters from a box and then making them talk to each other. We were meant to then expand the conversation into other scenes so that the ‘spillage’ brought new scenes to the story. I have signed up for my second writing course with Curtis Brown and find the course inspiring. It helps to cement ideas and the forum and standard of teaching is superb. We worked on some ‘pure dialogue’ recently so I attempted to make the Phoenix writers’ exercise pure dialogue too. At least I have a rather strange scene! And maybe makes you realise how much we rely on props for our dialogue? Interesting to decide what is really necessary.
Do you know you’ve parked on the white lines.?
Thank you. Am sure I’m ok. No one cares. It’s too early.
Your front wheels are right over the lines. Both of them.
Well, they’re slightly over the lines. Marginally. Look, I’m in a hurry. My gym class. Thank you for noticing.
I will wait whilst you reverse. I’ll stand here. I’ll guide you in.
That’s kind, But I’m okay. Clever girl though. You’ve guessed I hate parking, haven’t you?
I’m not clever. And I hate school.
I hate parking too. But don’t you have to get to a lesson or something?
Yes. Double French. But I noticed your car. I like that colour red. It matters to me.
Really, I see. You like red cars. Maybe you’ll learn one day?
No need to learn. I can drive already.
Ah. Amazing! Shame you’re about five years too early though.
My father taught me. Just in case. We drove everywhere. He made me learn. So I could help him.
I see. A Practical education.
No, you don’t see. You just think you do.
Ok, I don’t. It’s early. But good story. So, Gears, brakes and clutch too?
You don’t believe me, which is okay. Now let me park your car.
Look the car is fine. I’m off to my class now. But thanks for your care. You’re smart.
Tell me what your registration is without checking.
Haven’t a clue. Doesn’t matter.
It’s APH 572
Is it? Excellent. You can read.
I can read.
Clever girl.
Not clever. It’s my father’s car. Alan Patrick Hurst.
Never heard of him.
Then park the car again.
Why?
Proof.
Of what?
Tell you when you park properly.
