The Writer's thread (Authors, Screenwriters, playwrights, etc.)) - Part 1

[Rodrigo90]

It's actually for a TV script, not a book If Amazon won't take it, then it's off to blacklist

The scenario is sort of pivotal to the overall ending of the story, though I can look for alternative scenarios.
And it's also heavily tied to the idea of comic book characters influencing a group of youths. But if I can't say, for example, that it was Batman who inspired the characters to be do-gooders, or if I can't say that the Joker was an influence on the bad guys, then I'll revert to my own original ideas I have created as alternatives for that theme.

 

[ComicChick]

do you have to specifically call them Batman? or can you visually create a character that's so similar that people who know who it supposed to be?

i know other shows have done episodes or used references that had comic cons or characters. Big Bang Theory, Chuck and Bones come to mind. i'm almost certain Bones had an episode during a Con

 

[Rodrigo90]

I've seen that usually done in comedies under the comedy/parody laws. I was thinking of things along the lines of Son of Rambow, but then I discovered that was actually a comedy film parodying First Blood, which didn't cause it any problems.

I think to use such an intellectual property in the context that I'm thinking of, would require me to uphold it in the esteem of its true representation. For example, I could mention Joker and what he represents in comics, but I don't think I could legally get away with stating that he is the main influence on a character who becomes a killer.
If I change things and call him "The Clown", change the purple suit to that of a common circus outfit, then I would probably be able to get away with it, I think.

 

[ComicChick]

yeah if you use a DC character by name and make him the blame for heinous crimes, i'm not sure DC would be ok with that, using your Joker example. defamation of character lol

 

[Rodrigo90]

Ah! Then that makes it all the more impossible!

I guess all I can do is avoid any copyrighted properties, for a number of legal and financial reasons, and just practice the ideas with original material... that doesn't obviously rip on existing properties

 

[Rodrigo90]

I'll reveal that the character of Kyle Madison carves an M onto his chest, which is in the vain of the common superhero fashion trope. Even though Superman was the first character to introduce the concept, I don't think DC could sue me for an initial on the chest, since it's only the S that is copyrighted and not the fashion statement

 

[KevanG]

There are ****tons of characters with a chest insignia. Making another one isn't a big deal as long as it isn't stated to be an already in use character.

 

[Rodrigo90]

Before the rewrite that I've done in the last couple of days, it was going to be lightly implied that Superman was an influence in the character's scarring of the chest. There was supposed to be positive influences as well, as the character of Kyle is inspired by Superman's morals and values.

The whole thing was to be an exercise on how influential comic book characters have become, as the whole world seems to be rooted into them in one way or another. But as we know, you can't legally get away with bringing any negatives into the equation, even though we've had cases on both sides of the spectrum in real life: vigilantes dressing up as Batman, to freaks dressed as the Joker, going on crime sprees.

 

[KevanG]

There are plenty of 'alternate' versions of characters like Superman. Captain Marvel/Shazam, Miracleman, ect. They all have similar 'Flying brick' power sets but as long as you don't get specific about names but just go general like

Everyone knows his story. Last of his kind from another planet, fights the good fight, chest insignia on damn near everything you can think of at this convention.
He inspired me and about a million others over the years.

It could be any number of Supers since 'last of his kind' isn't really an exclusive origin anymore.

 

[Iceman]

I got an ethics question:

Let's say you have an army commander whose daughter was kidnapped four years ago by some fanatics that think she is their deity reborn.

You've finally got an army of soldiers to march against your enemy.

Your march attracts camp followers from the people that hired you to help take out the fanatics.

Would it be unethical if the commander were to have his soldiers prodding and pushing the camp followers to throw themselves against the enemy's lines to break them up before sending in your trained soldiers?

A good tactic but as unethical as hell!

 

[KevanG]

Anyone ever use the Hemingway app?

Just found it and it's supposed to help you with self-editing as it points out various flaws like run-on sentences, adverb abuse or whatever. I'll be trying it out and seeing how it works.

 

[Iceman]

No but it sounds quite useful for the way I write. Will give it a go.

 

[KevanG]

According to it, my first book of 77,000+ words has 913 adverbs and it tells me to aim for 433 or fewer. 302 uses of passive voice when the maximum I should have is 885. 94 phrases have simpler alternatives. 633 of 4424 sentences are hard to read. 426 of 4424 sentences are very hard to read.

Hunh.

I'll take it's advice with a grain of salt but it might be pretty helpful.

 

[Iceman]

According to it, my first book of 77,000+ words has 913 adverbs and it tells me to aim for 433 or fewer. 302 uses of passive voice when the maximum I should have is 885.

These 2 sound a bit strange to me. I don't know why there'd be a hard limit on something like that over the course of a whole book.

94 phrases have simpler alternatives. 633 of 4424 sentences are hard to read. 426 of 4424 sentences are very hard to read.

That could be useful advice. Worth checking through all of those and see if you agree. I would like something that highlights this kind of thing for me.

Hunh.

I'll take it's advice with a grain of salt but it might be pretty helpful.

Yeah. I find it good to let people or apps look at your work and make recommendations and you then go away and amend as you see fit, rather thank taking anything for gospel.

 

[KevanG]

I forgot to mention, the readability is Grade 6.

 

[Iceman]

I forgot to mention, the readability is Grade 6.

Out of 10? Nice Maybe when you've got your adverbs under the legal limit it'll get boosted up to an 8. t:

 

[roach]

What are the possibilities of this scenario for a script I'm writing actually working, instead of being legally shut down?
It involves the character taking his original creation of a comic book character to a Comic-Con in New York, which obviously will feature people dressed as copyrighted characters. Soon enough, somebody comes in and starts shooting up the place, which our main character puts a stop to. Is any of that possible to get away with?

I'd be interested in reading your book when it comes out, Kev!

I don't think it's anything to worry about. Ernest Cline's books are loaded with pop culture references.

 

[KevanG]

So I'm a few days away from publishing my first book on Amazon KDP. Everything is finished about a week ahead of schedule and I'm just finishing up a few small things.

Mostly I need to head to the bank to get my direct deposit info and list the book itself on Amazon.

I was planning to have this be the book description:

Did you ever want to be a supervillain but couldn’t get the planning right? Do you want to get the groupies all the bad guys get? Are you looking to make all your dreams come true when you take over the world?

Then come on down and meet Mike. He’ll teach you how to be a better bad guy and it won’t break your budget. He’s helped gods that lost faith in themselves, werewolves with identity issues and he can help you too!

Welcome to Pragmatic Villainy.

I think it gets the general idea across while still being interesting.

 

[Iceman]

Sounds pretty interesting and a decent hook.

 

[KevanG]

Well, book's sent to Amazon and I'm just waiting for it to pass the review so it can be put online.

Feels kinda anti-climactic after everything I've done to write it over the past couple years.

 

[Iceman]

Well, book's sent to Amazon and I'm just waiting for it to pass the review so it can be put online.

Feels kinda anti-climactic after everything I've done to write it over the past couple years.

Will be worth it when you see it finally listed on amazon. Did you get cover art?

 

[KevanG]

Yep. I got a cover designed a few months back.

 

[KevanG]

And the book's out!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0764M3DCF/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1507080142&sr=8-1&keywords=geitzler

 

[Lobo]

Congrats Kevan! I bet it feels less anticlimactic now.

 

[KevanG]

I'm just kinda happy it's out and about now. Although I wish my father hadn't revealed to the family that I had it out already.

My sister is one of those 'if you aren't writing poetry/serious works then it's to be looked down upon' writers. I floated some ideas by her and every one she shot down with a sneer or acted like I was an idiot. I eventually just stopped talking about it to her.