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Post by Rob Morris on Feb 25, 2017 23:04:54 GMT
Dear God. This is a really strong release (I am obviously excluding myself from this). Agreed, everything I've heard of it so far (3/4 of it) is some brilliant writing and performing. Don't exclude yourself, though - you came up with such a strong story even for it being about a generally very unpopular character that it made a fantastic opening to the set, no less. (I think also that your story has increased my appreciation of Harry Johnson considerably, which is another very impressive thing about it). Thank you! But for the record I'm not trying to be falsely modest. I genuinely feel the other stories on this set are much better. Ian, Ian and Penny have done amazing things for Phantom Melodies which I am frankly in awe of. After Shurafa I listened to London's Burning and realised I had a massive problem in the way I wrote villains, which slightly fed into Last Orders. This time I'm analysing what they've done in their stories and will learn from it too. I love working alongside such talented writers because it really makes you up your game. These guys (and gal) are just brilliant.
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Post by Zagreus on Feb 25, 2017 23:11:29 GMT
Agreed, everything I've heard of it so far (3/4 of it) is some brilliant writing and performing. Don't exclude yourself, though - you came up with such a strong story even for it being about a generally very unpopular character that it made a fantastic opening to the set, no less. (I think also that your story has increased my appreciation of Harry Johnson considerably, which is another very impressive thing about it). Thank you! But for the record I'm not trying to be falsely modest. I genuinely feel the other stories on this set are much better. Ian, Ian and Penny have done amazing things for Phantom Melodies which I am frankly in awe of. After Shurafa I listened to London's Burning and realised I had a massive problem in the way I wrote villains, which slightly fed into Last Orders. This time I'm analysing what they've done in their stories and will learn from it too. I love working alongside such talented writers because it really makes you up your game. These guys (and gal) are just brilliant. Don't sell yourself short, you're brilliant as well On a related note, if I had a story I wanted to pitch for one of these short readings, a) would I even stand a chance, and b) how would I go about such a thing?
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Post by Trace on Feb 28, 2017 3:41:39 GMT
OK, I've just started "Last Orders...." Liz is recently deceased? between eps 669 and 670? I'd better keep listening before jumping to conclusions. So far, a lovely start!
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Post by omega on Feb 28, 2017 4:11:26 GMT
OK, I've just started "Last Orders...." Liz is recently deceased? between eps 669 and 670? I'd better keep listening before jumping to conclusions. So far, a lovely start! It's not addressed in any great detail during Last Order, but during that time on the show Liz was under an influence to make others think she was dead when she was in fact in a coma. When Joan Bennett got back from a Broadway job Liz shook off the condition.
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Post by gregm on Feb 28, 2017 10:12:08 GMT
OK, I've just started "Last Orders...." Liz is recently deceased? between eps 669 and 670? I'd better keep listening before jumping to conclusions. So far, a lovely start! It's not addressed in any great detail during Last Order, but during that time on the show Liz was under an influence to make others think she was dead when she was in fact in a coma. When Joan Bennett got back from a Broadway job Liz shook off the condition. The whole story contains references to the complicated situation in the show at the time - there are references Liz, the children (David and Amy), Adam and Nicholas Blair, and other stuff (Barnabas, Julia, Quentin's ghost and the lycanthropic Chris Jennings) don't even get a passing nod!
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Post by omega on Feb 28, 2017 10:26:42 GMT
It's not addressed in any great detail during Last Order, but during that time on the show Liz was under an influence to make others think she was dead when she was in fact in a coma. When Joan Bennett got back from a Broadway job Liz shook off the condition. The whole story contains references to the complicated situation in the show at the time - there are references Liz, the children (David and Amy), Adam and Nicholas Blair, and other stuff (Barnabas, Julia, Quentin's ghost and the lycanthropic Chris Jennings) don't even get a passing nod! At that point though Barnabas and Julia aren't really involved in either the Werewolf or the Quentin's Ghost storylines, and Carolyn wasn't aware of the werewolf either. Indeed, when Carolyn first learns of it by encountering it (she doesn't learn it's Chris) is when Liz wakes up! I don't think Chris has moved into the cottage when Last Orders takes place, as it's the day after Harry and Mrs Johnson cleaned the cottage for him to move in. I do love how the Nicholas Blair reference affects the story.
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Post by Rob Morris on Feb 28, 2017 22:50:40 GMT
On a related note, if I had a story I wanted to pitch for one of these short readings, a) would I even stand a chance, and b) how would I go about such a thing? Joe and Davy are always interested in cultivating new writers. Best bet is apparently to email enquiries@bigfinish.com with a sample of your writing. But probably ask for it to go the Dark Shadows producers - I guess BF get a lot of Who stuff. Writing sample I guess is key. Don't pitch a specific storyline - it might not fit with where they want to go, after all - they kind of just want to know if you can actually string sentences together in the right style. Also bear in mind there will be limited slots available so don't be offended if you don't get through etc etc. This is all assuming there are other releases beyond the announced ones. That is by no means ever guaranteed. In fact I think they did well to get this lot through!
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Post by Zagreus on Feb 28, 2017 23:08:31 GMT
On a related note, if I had a story I wanted to pitch for one of these short readings, a) would I even stand a chance, and b) how would I go about such a thing? Joe and Davy are always interested in cultivating new writers. Best bet is apparently to email enquiries@bigfinish.com with a sample of your writing. But probably ask for it to go the Dark Shadows producers - I guess BF get a lot of Who stuff. Writing sample I guess is key. Don't pitch a specific storyline - it might not fit with where they want to go, after all - they kind of just want to know if you can actually string sentences together in the right style. Also bear in mind there will be limited slots available so don't be offended if you don't get through etc etc. This is all assuming there are other releases beyond the announced ones. That is by no means ever guaranteed. In fact I think they did well to get this lot through! I've gotten an Iris short published over in one of the Obverse Books anthologies, do you think that would be an adequate writing sample?
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Post by Rob Morris on Feb 28, 2017 23:08:31 GMT
The whole story contains references to the complicated situation in the show at the time - there are references Liz, the children (David and Amy), Adam and Nicholas Blair, and other stuff (Barnabas, Julia, Quentin's ghost and the lycanthropic Chris Jennings) don't even get a passing nod! "The whole story contains references to the complicated situation in the show at the time." And don't I know it. It actually turned out to be a massive continuity nightmare. There are scenes from that era of the show I never want to see again, because - believe me - I went over them and over them and over them... I made a small change to the timeline with regards to Roger, but one which I think is logical. And easily explained away. Quentin's Ghost is in there, though. It, and the cottage, are Mrs Johnson's reason for throwing Harry out in the first place. jbmasta's other points are pretty much in line with my reading of events, though. If I cocked anything up it wasn't for want of trying, trust me...
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2017 23:11:18 GMT
On the Line by Ian Farrington
Really strong. Carolyn at two stages of her life was really well portrayed by Nancy Barrett and Ian. 9/10. Going to wait on In a Broken Dream as it has been mentioned it takes place after Bloodline and I want to remain as spoiler free as possible.
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Post by Rob Morris on Feb 28, 2017 23:14:33 GMT
I've gotten an Iris short published over in one of the Obverse Books anthologies, do you think that would be an adequate writing sample? I haven't seen it but if it's gone out in the wilds in a properly published book that's definitely a step in the right direction! Maybe attach it to the BF email just to be sure - J&D haven't got time to read every Who-related book that comes out after all...
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Post by Rob Morris on Feb 28, 2017 23:16:34 GMT
On the Line by Ian FarringtonReally strong. Carolyn at two stages of her life was really well portrayed by Nancy Barrett and Ian. 9/10. Going to wait on In a Broken Dream as it has been mentioned it takes place after Bloodline and I want to remain as spoiler free as possible. There are honestly no spoilers - beyond what you could predict of a relationship in Collinsport.
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Post by Zagreus on Feb 28, 2017 23:18:47 GMT
I've gotten an Iris short published over in one of the Obverse Books anthologies, do you think that would be an adequate writing sample? I haven't seen it but if it's gone out in the wilds in a properly published book that's definitely a step in the right direction! Maybe attach it to the BF email just to be sure - J&D haven't got time to read every Who-related book that comes out after all... Been out for some years now! tardis.wikia.com/wiki/Samsāra_(short_story) That's my story there on the TARDIS wiki, which is still weird to see something I wrote being listed like that haha. Thanks for the advise, I'll see how things go
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2017 23:26:55 GMT
On the Line by Ian FarringtonReally strong. Carolyn at two stages of her life was really well portrayed by Nancy Barrett and Ian. 9/10. Going to wait on In a Broken Dream as it has been mentioned it takes place after Bloodline and I want to remain as spoiler free as possible. There are honestly no spoilers - beyond what you could predict of a relationship in Collinsport. Appreciate the answer, but I think it will be more rewarding if I listen to Bloodlust first.
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Post by Rob Morris on Feb 28, 2017 23:32:51 GMT
Oh, definitley listen to Bloodlust first! God yeah, do that! And tell your friends!
But Bloodline won't be out for a bit (probably... what do I know?) and I'm serious, you won't lose anything from listening to In a Broken Dream before it.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2017 23:51:51 GMT
Oh, definitley listen to Bloodlust first! God yeah, do that! And tell your friends! But Bloodline won't be out for a bit (probably... what do I know?) and I'm serious, you won't lose anything from listening to In a Broken Dream before it. Cool, thanks again. It's really great to have you here on the boards!
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Post by Audio Watchdog on Mar 1, 2017 23:06:31 GMT
I'm a story in and let me join the chorus of praise for Last Orders at the Blue Whale. It passed my patented, It's-so-good-I-sat-in-my-car-in-the-driveway-of-my-home-for-10-minutes-so-I-could-finish-it test. Top marks Rob and hats off to Mathew.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2017 11:02:22 GMT
Wasn't quite so enamoured of 'On The Line' as I was the first two stories in this collection, but it still contains a terrific premise and some very interesting ideas. Nancy Barrett as ever is EXCELLENT. A really clever performance considering the situation. It was only whilst listening to this that I realised Nancy is the only original cast member in this anthology - that's how well the others have been integrated. 'In a Broken Dream' next ... I don't like it when I reach the end of these Dark Shadows collections. Can't we have a new release every week, please, BF? Please?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2017 13:25:39 GMT
Well since I do do the overall of the release every time each come out, but am saving the last for later. I want to say the first three have all been 10/10's.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2017 16:25:58 GMT
'In a Broken Dream' is terrific and yes - a Dark Shadows dream sequence! It's impossible not to imagine swirling video effects and vaseline filters over the camera when visualising this. I like very much the way these stories have tiny links to one another. Just as Amy is facing challenges in France, Carolyn is experiencing hers elsewhere at the same time! Just a reminder that characters in Dark Shadows never have long to be free of supernatural troubles. Stephanie Ellyne is a fine reader, and has a very pleasing (and very reassuring) take on both Elizabeth and Roger. The only problem is that this hugely enjoyable tale brings me the end of another DS audio collection, which means I'll have to go back to start again. Life's tough isn't it?
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