When TV Becomes Less Interesting, I'll Start Writing

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Every time I sit down to write an article, I remember an amazing show I forgot to watch on Netflix or a video I needed to see on YouTube. Do you know what I do? That’s right, I get up and watch them both. They’re so good — and they help me write. A story idea could be in there or some exciting take on a concept to improve my writing. Other writers I know tell me to stop watching and start reading. Books are where you learn to write. Reading another writer’s words helps you grow. Who has time for that?

Yeah, sure, I want to become a better writer but, with so many fantastic shows to stream, reading is just going to have to wait. My writing ain’t good because I was not blessed with the same natural talents as Stephen King or Margaret Atwood. Those guys always knew how to write. Their whole entire lives. They get to watch all the shows they want and sit down to write whenever they feel the urge. Not me. I have to practice. Hold on, let me get back to you after I watch this video on writing tips.

You see, I love writing dialog. Listening to how actors say their lines and hearing how realistic and natural speaking sounds helps me improve. When I write, I’m thinking about how Aaron Sorkin would handle dialog. Wait, I should watch episodes of “The West Wing” right now to get my mind warmed up for writing.

Okay, I’m back. So, I also watched a video where Sorkin talked about how he used to drive a cab, or Uber I can’t remember, and he would listen to people he picked up talking in the backseat. His overhearing of their conversations was immensely helpful for dialog writing. Should I start driving for Uber?

Nah, then I really wouldn’t have any time to write. My Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Peacock TV, YouTube, and network shows are waiting. After I finally catch up on all my lists, I can think about another job, oh, and writing. Wait; this could make a great story idea. A woman who loves writing, but she has to drive for Uber all day to make rent. She could be all angsty about wanting to write the great American novel but not having time.

Is that a 24-hour marathon of my favorite show, “The Newsroom”? I’ll be right back.

I’m back and pretty tired. The things I do for my writing — taking time to watch old shows. Don’t get me wrong, there are new shows I love too, but the classics really pull me in. Especially if Sorkin writes it, sorry, I’d love to talk with you guys more, but I need to get back to the keyboard. My story awaits! Is that my phone? Oh, it’s an alert reminding me that a show I was waiting for is now streaming.

No. I shouldn’t watch it now. I must write. But, why create when there’s so much great TV to consume? I’m having so much fun. Writing isn’t fun, but I want to be a writer so bad. I’ll be a better writer when TV becomes less interesting. Perhaps when I retire?

For now, maybe I’ll start playing video games too. They’re fun, and I hear some of them have great dialog.