It’s a cold Thursday morning in November 2020, and I’m sitting in front of my computer waiting to join my first Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Writersroom Writers' Access Group Zoom session. I’m nervous, of course I am, but I’m also excited...
I think I’ve always been a writer. As a child I wrote pantomimes for my family to perform at Christmas. When I began to lose my sight, I went from using a biro to a felt tip, then to a marker - as the words on the page got bigger and bigger. Until no matter what size magnifier I used, I could no longer see the words.
Losing my sight didn’t stop me writing, in fact it spurred me on. My world had shifted so dramatically, that I had endless material to draw on. I just had to find different tools to write with! I learnt braille, then became a touch typist and adapted to using screen-reader software. So now the technical side was sorted, I just had to learn the craft!
Fast-forward several decades to March 2020 and I’m finally making some inroads into the profession. I’ve co-written a radio play, written and performed a solo theatre show, and my first TV drama Second Sight for series 11 of Jimmy McGovern’s Moving On is being screened, I’ve given up my day job. This is going to be my launch pad into a career in television.
But then because of the pandemic everything stops. Agents close their lists. Producers stop producing. Writers are furloughed and studios are shut.
As the months go by, I have to confess that I begin to feel a little dismal. My ‘golden moment’ is slipping away and I haven’t managed to capitalise on my success. Then one of my writing friends asks me if I’d be interested in the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Writersroom Writers' Access Group. I wasn’t sure what it was, but sent in a script, undertook an interview and amazingly was offered a place!
The Writers' Access Group (or WAGs), had been set up in recognition of the fact that Disabled Writers experience access barriers in the industry. It aimed to create a space where we could engage on our own terms. In 2020 we were the second cohort and because of Covid19 we were to operate entirely over Zoom. Hence me sitting in front of my computer.
There are thirteen of us in our group. All talented writers with various backgrounds in fiction writing, theatre and screen. All of us have different access needs, and all are relatively new to the industry. We immediately set up a WhatsApp Group – and we haven’t stopped talking since! It’s been a great way for us to share ideas, support each other and generally stay in touch.
And the course – well it’s been amazing!
The Writers' Access Group 2020/21
We’ve had workshops with John Yorke (producer, script editor and writer) who helped us grapple with structure. Sharon Sefton (audio producer) introduced us to the possibilities of sound. Chris Head and Holly Walsh (comedy writers and performers) gave us a glimpse into the world of comedy writing, shared their practice and have been so supportive.
(series producer of award-winning continuing drama Doctors) took us through the writing process and invited us to pitch. Several of the group are currently under commission to write their first episode. Gretta Mullany (script editor) took us through the process of pitching. We all pitched to her and she gave us feedback – this was such a helpful session to me as pitching is something I used to dread. Who am I kidding – I still dread it, but at least now I know what I’m supposed to do!
Emma Green (agent) took us through the "dos and don’ts" of how to get an agent. She was amazing, and those of us who weren’t represented had one to one sessions with her. Andrew Burrell (writer and producer) ran our final session where we got to work together to storyboard an episode of Danger Mouse. Andrew and us WAGs working collaboratively was great fun!
We have also had "speed-dating" sessions with indies (Independent Production Companies) and with agents, where we’ve been able to pitch our ideas and ourselves.
Perhaps the biggest game changer for a writer in this business, is getting the opportunity to develop a new spec script with a professional script editor. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Jeremy Page, who has helped me develop a script that I’m really proud of.
And so what’s next for me?
During the course we have had plenty of opportunities to pitch for various programmes, both with the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and other companies. As a consequence, I’m currently on the EastEnders Shadow Writing Scheme.
I’ve also written one episode for the new CBeebies series of Biff and Chip which is available on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer, and have been asked to attend a two day Story Conference to pitch ideas for series two.
I’m sad that we’ve come to the end of the course. I’ve enjoyed all the hard work and the camaraderie. Most importantly, I’ve learnt a lot. I now feel better equipped to make my way through the daunting labyrinth of the TV industry.
Thank you Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Writersoom. Thank you to the WAGs team for all your help and support. And thank you to all my fellow WAGs – for just being WAGs!!
Meet all 13 writers who took part in the latest Writers' Access Group