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02/01/2006: A Nugget


Here is a neat little thought experiment that can sometimes lead to a good jumping-off place for a spec. You might want to give it a try, just to see if it works for you.

Make a list of all the regular and recurring characters on your show. Pick two of them who rarely are in scenes alone together, and try coming up with a story that throws the two of them together (but don't trap them in an elevator). It’ll probably turn out to be more of a B-story than an A-story, unless one of the characters you picked is the lead. If you find an interesting and believable way to put these two together, you’ll have an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to write for existing characters, AND to write good chewy relationship material the show hasn’t already exhausted.

Remember on Buffy, when Spike and Andrew tackled a mission together? That’s what I’m talking about. Good stuff.

Lunch: turkey and vegetable salad from the gym.