The Writers Tale

[Aneurin]

Have many of you read this? Ive just finished it for a second time and I found loads of awesome stuff that I missed first time around, or just made more sense to me now. This is honestly one of the best books I have read in such a long time. The insider info that we are given is great and it just goes to prove all of the hard work and effort that goes into making the show, and the dedication of RTD. If you havent read it already, you really should. What are other peoples thoughts on it?

[MandyDuchovney]

I'm ashamed to say that I still haven't aquired/read the book in its entirety - so much of it has been posted in snippet/spoiler form all over the net that I'm sure I've got pretty much the gist of it.

However....I would like to read it as it was meant to be read...so will rectify the situaton as soon as

[Roranicus]

Mandy, I read lots of snippets from it as well before I picked it up, but you need to read it. You will love it I assure you. Its one of those can't put down, cover to cover books and worth every penny. Hysterically funny, moving, informative and full of amazing bits of behind the scenes info. A must read

[MandyDuchovney]

Mandy, I read lots of snippets from it as well before I picked it up, but you need to read it. You will love it I assure you. Its one of those can't put down, cover to cover books and worth every penny. Hysterically funny, moving, informative and full of amazing bits of behind the scenes info. A must read

I was already sold on the idea but now I want it.....RIGHT NOW Ordering as we speak 

[Aneurin]

It really is worth it. This is one of the best books I have read and I know so many people think similarly

[Peri-Peri]

I agree. This book is brilliant. I didnt get it until a few months ago when it was released with the extension, but I couldnt put it down. RTD's humour jumps off the page and the insights into the behind the scenes stuff is brilliant.

[Roranicus]

Mandy, I read lots of snippets from it as well before I picked it up, but you need to read it. You will love it I assure you. Its one of those can't put down, cover to cover books and worth every penny. Hysterically funny, moving, informative and full of amazing bits of behind the scenes info. A must read

I was already sold on the idea but now I want it.....RIGHT NOW Ordering as we speak 

Has your copy arrived yet, Mandy? I cant wait to hear your thoughts on it

[Hyacathusarillistad]

I didn't even know this book existed until I saw it on the shelf in my bookstore. I think I got it on sale, but I don't really remember. It doesn't matter, though - Roranicus is right, it really is worth every penny you pay for it. Not only is it incredibly informative, delightfully amusing, and [adjective]ly illuminating, but it also went light years towards restoring my opinion of Russel T Davies. Now, even if I dislike a few of his stories or the direction he took certain aspects of the show, I know why he writes what he writes, not just how; and you really do feel as if you're getting to know the man as you're reading, and he actually seems like a really great guy.

Definitely worth paying for, especially if you can get the Final Chapter version. If you only have one Doctor Who related book on your shelf (for some strange reason), make it this one.

[TheDoctorDonna]

I couldnt agree more. Its a brilliant read and whether you like RTD or not it gives a brilliant insight into how the show is put together and the overall writing process. I got my copy for about £12 I think, but that was the Final Chapter version. Brilliant bargain considering the final chapters is the same size as the original book so you get twice as much

[thefifthdoctor]

I just got this yesterday, at long last, but I didn't know there were two versions!!!
Can't wait to get stuck in & post my thoughts as I read.

[Peri-Peri]

You rarely see the two seperate versions now, its mainly the compiled volume which is probably what you got. Its an excellent read though so you should enjoy

[thefifthdoctor]

I think it's the first version I have.
It's blinding to read so far, loving it.

I truly find it hard to dislike RTD reading this, it's so clear how much he poured into the show, and I love seeing how he chucks things out there, which make so much sense to us having seen all of his work now; Penny becoming Donna, the old folks group with Wilf etc.

[Aneurin]

I need to give this book another read. I enjoyed it so much the first time around.

[thefifthdoctor]

I just came across a bit where I read about Helen Raynor going on the Outpost & reading her reviews of the Dalek episodes (or Daleks Take Manhattan, as I call it).
I absolutely detest those episodes, think they are utterly dreadful (though future Spider-Man Andrew Garfield is in there), but he mentions how she was in shock as if being caught up in a fight in a pub, then has a bit of a rant about, well, us really. The interwebs.

Thing is, is it wrong that I felt no sympathy for her, purely because I think she's a rotten writer?
I mean, I didn't wish ill upon her, I just kind of thought "meh" when I read that bit of the book.

[Roranicus]

In her defense, when those episodes aired the stuff that was being said about her personally on OG was absolutely disgusting. If a person hates the episode then they have every right to say it, but they were calling her all sorts, saying she would single handedly get the show cancelled, that she ruined the Daleks etc. And thats some of the tamer stuff. The names and stuff they called her was horrible and its stuff like that that made me decide to stop going on forums until I found this place. This place is perfect because The Doc runs a tight ship in that respect

[thefifthdoctor]

Whoa, well I had no idea it was that sort of thing - RTD just mentioned reviews.
That's just out of order. Say they are rubbish eps (preferably justified) but personal attacks are a bit much.

Like you say, much better here.

Currently at the writing of Voyage of the Damned, very interesting indeed.
Watching The Masque of Mandragora at the same thime though, so my brain is melting!

[thefifthdoctor]

Finished at last.
Really enjoyable, until it just....kind of stops.

I really need to get The Final Chapter.

Does it address DT leaving?
It doesn't get mentioned at all (legitimately at least) in the first volume that I noticed, yet Moffat being hired is, as well as Moffat saying he'd started writing series 5.

[Peri-Peri]

Yea its all explained and wrapped up in the next part. It goes right through to Matt Smith filming his first scenes. Even has pics of him and David on set together, like this:

[thefifthdoctor]

<NERDGASM!!!!>
I must have this NOW!

[Aneurin]

You should definately read the second part. Its better than the first I thought