The View Up Here

Just submitted my Fifth Doctor radio drama outline and sample script pages to Big Finish 's call for pitches. Thanks again to Andrew, who tipped me off to this wonderful opportunity to submit a Fifth Doctor and Nyssa story pitch. Even if my submission goes nowhere, I'm happy to have had the chance to formalize my story idea (Golggothar and the Hunter).

WOW. I've been asked to collaborate on a Space: 1999 novel for the small press that has the franchise license. I am in shock. I hardly thought my writing breakout would be in prose, nor that the show I worshipped as a kid would provide the opportunity to write, get paid, and have fun. Don't get me wrong, I realize Space: 1999 had multiple flaws as a television production (not the least of which is a physics faux pas at the root of the show's premise), but it captured my imagination when I was seven years old, as it did for many. In most ways, the books are more intelligent than the show ever was, deepening the characters and exploring things that let's face it, ITC didn't have a budget to create in 1975. I am honored to be a part of that universe, and I am excited to take on this challenge.

Writing a spec for Big Finish Production's unusual and totally fantastic general invite to pitch an original 5th Doctor audio drama. Peter Davison's Doctor remains my favorite, with David Tennant's 10th a very close second. I think Tennant feels the same way:

Even though writing retreat has been over since Sunday, I've managed to continue some of that momentum. Just finished the last bit of revision on "Beauty Is...," along with the log-line, and sent it off to my manager. It might be a bit off-beat for them, but I think she'll at least have some good feedback for me. I've started working on the next few projects, and have made some decisions for Korea DreamBus as far as structure is concerned. This is a major development, because I've been struggling and going all wishy-washy on how to push that baby out into the world. Not feeling terribly well, though. Headache and general woozeyness. Tomorrow I'm back to work, and by end of next week, the semesters at I.C. and TC3 will be in full swing, so I better be ready! Last night I watched (on-line) the pilot of " Spartacus: Blood and Sand ," a STARZ production. It's "300" meets "Gladiator," Exec. Produced by a handful of people incl...

I'm a little more than half way through this Winter's writing retreat at Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts , and I have to say it's been a productive ride. I finished "Arapata'an," the feature length SF screenplay that's become a saga both on paper and in my mind, I've updated a series pitch for a TV pilot, and I've started the works on that Space: 2099 project (which may very well go nowhere, but at least I'm giving it a go). Next up on the docket: "Beauty Is..." heavy revisions, and then scripting for "Korea Dreambus!" Way to go, 2010! The view outside my window at Saltonstall. My workspace. Deep in thought...posing for the picture.

David Tennant's Doctor didn't want to go, and we didn't want him to go, but as with all things in this Universe, change is inevitable. It's hard not to compare, but I hope that DW fans won't be too harsh on Doctor #11 (as the BBC News clip below already suggests). I, for one, am willing to give him his fair shake at making the role his own. My initial impressions: a little reminiscent of Peter Davison's Doctor (#5) with a smattering of Patrick Troughton (#2). We'll have to wait unil the spring to see him and his new companion, Amy Pond, in action.