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JC Blair

@jc-blair.bsky.social
72 followers 104 following 78 posts

Aspiring (failed/failing) writer scribbling wastes of your time.

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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
A little aside for 2nd/3rd act "surprise" characters. Please don't pull the handbrake on the #plot to explain what's going on or state the #theme for the cheap seats. If that's all you have to offer... Please stay at home. #writing #author #novel #film #tv
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Greys Anatomy Teddy Altman
ALT: Greys Anatomy Teddy Altman
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I'm going to go for Fight Club. Slimming down the novel really works in this case and makes it almost a fever dream (appropriately). The more hopeful ending, and performances really give it a lift too. #booksky
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
A quick shout-out to @saranaidinecox.bsky.social: Thanks so much for the feedback. The detail you gave has given me a fantastic idea for editing my #novel and changing the reader experience. What you're doing is awesome, and will make my #book more mysterious and tense! #booksky #writing
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Keanu Reeves Says Thank You
ALT: Keanu Reeves Says Thank You
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Discovered my nasty social horror didn't progress to the Final Draft #BigBreak semi final... You know what? I'm bloody chuffed. It was my first screenplay and making the QF inspired me to write a high concept feature. Thank you @finaldraftinc.bsky.social #screenwriting #writing #scriptsky
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Stitch Says Thanks!
ALT: Stitch Says Thanks!
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Quick note for all heroes: Please get on with saving the day. Your insistence on taking a cross country drive or fixing your personal issues first is infuriating. It's almost as bad as monologuing villains... #writing #film #tv #novel #book #author
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Sonic the Hedgehog: Still Waiting
ALT: Sonic the Hedgehog: Still Waiting
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Another amazing short #novel What is life? What is it to be human? What defines us? Humans look back on life & machines push their limits in response to some mysterious objects, an officious employer squares the books. #TIL How much emotion can be wrung out of so few words #book #booksky #read
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
A random note for the #cool and tough guys: Cigarettes will not light petrol. Bullets will not light it. The odds on a ricochet causing a spark that will are vanishingly low. Imagine giving your cool kiss off line and the fuel not lighting. #writing #film #tv #novels #author #scrernplay
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Nicolas Cage Smoking
ALT: Nicolas Cage Smoking
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This was brutal, cruel and yet not nihilistic. The system may have been cruel and evil but redemption was there all along. It was also short and punchy, over far too soon. #TIL don't overstay your welcome, leave them wanting more. #booksky #novel #writing #book #read #author
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Quick note for antagonists and villains alike. The sudden, "we were relatives all along" reveal is pretty eye-rolling on its own... But the required efforts to then retcon events to fit the "reveal" are particularly painful. #novel #books #writing #film #story #tv
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Lol
ALT: Lol
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
This one flew by. Riley, in particular, gripped me. It was speedy, an unrelenting series of reveals shared by some intriguing characters. A fun, twisted take on Peter Pan. #TIL the impact pace can have on holding plot elements together. #novel #booksky #read #writer #author
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Note to protagonists everywhere: That total beginner, the novice who knows nothing that you have to keep stopping and explaining the plot and world to, who knows how nothing works? You, the expert, probably don't need them around. They're boring. #writing #book #novel #screenplay #tv #author
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Sml Junior: What Are You Doing Here?
ALT: Sml Junior: What Are You Doing Here?
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Stunning. The magic, the history and family drama were all gripping. Exceptionally well weaved together. #TIL magic, mortality and the weight of history are nothing next to relatable, sympathetic people. #booksky #novel #writer #book #read #author
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
#random note to protagonists everywhere: Taking a projectile in the upper/outer chest isn't a "shoulder wound". Either you've got a hole in your lung or your chest cavity is filling with blood. Also, your shoulder is f###ed You're not saving the day, you're dying. #writing #film #book #tv
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Monty Python And The Holy Grail Just A Flesh Wound
ALT: Monty Python And The Holy Grail Just A Flesh Wound
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
A #random note for villains everywhere: When you tell me the world/(multi)universe/existence is at stake... I yawn. X10 if a sky laser is involved. When you tell me THIS person/family/cat are in trouble I'm hooked. #Lessismore when it comes to #stakes. #writing #author #film #novel
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Girl's Yawn and Eye Roll
ALT: Girl's Yawn and Eye Roll
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
#firstpagefriday, #scriptsky My first, first page post! The opening of my social-issue monster-horror TV pilot (that's a mouthful) Streetcleaner. As the destitute and desperate get their heads down for the night, something worse than the cold is coming for them...
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
This was a really good time. For so much of it Ndiaye creates an atmosphere of something being slightly off. The magic, the familial and social issues at the heart of the tale all become one. #TIL: How powerful narrators doubting themselves can be. #book #booksky #reading #novel #author
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
So my writerly friends... Buoyed by a recent listing for the Big Break comp I'm looking to focus a bit more on #screenwriting. Where do people with a little more knowledge and experience share and submit their #writing? I only know about as much as Google will tell me so far.
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John Travolta Looking Around Confused
ALT: John Travolta Looking Around Confused
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Run a #writing or #editing course offering #agent reads? In offering some the chance to jump the queue, you limit the odds that poorer writers ever get an agent read. Even meaning well you are gentrifying #literature. Your courses do help, but spare a thought for those that can't afford it.
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Guy Pearce: Perhaps It Is You?
ALT: Guy Pearce: Perhaps It Is You?
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
#Random note to all beloved #characters... The moment you come "back from the dead" the story has no stakes. No threat is interesting, no achievement satisfying. BUT, if you come back altered and sinister.... I'll hear you out. #writing #novel #TV #film #author
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Well, this is a banger. A perfect encapsulation of a too real community finding its way through fear and danger. Reads like a literary character study, while a very funny crime thriller creeps up on you. #TIL the power of smuggling genre in great character work. #novel #writing #book #author
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
#Random note for pro/deuteragonists: Failing to share key information with each other is the most infuriating, artificial, false-reading source of conflict in #fiction. Be better. #writing #author #book #novel #tv #movie
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Man Shushing Another Man
ALT: Man Shushing Another Man
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Random note to any/all protagonists erroneously trapped in asylums: Please stop acting #crazy. Screaming that there's been a mistake and you're not supposed to be there never has and NEVER will work. Seriously... #writing #book #TV #film #tropes
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Snow White in a Padded Cell
ALT: Snow White in a Padded Cell
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
A well intentioned writing "event" reminded me we live in a pay to play society. With a queue so long it can feel the only way to get to the front is to pay (1000s) for a shortcut. To hell with that. I'll back myself and hope quality wins out. #writing #unfair #author #books #literature
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Had a great time with Flesh. A brilliant, rich & almost allegorical life story told by a terse narrator with poor emotional literacy. #TIL: How powerful dramatic irony, knowing something the narrator doesn't, is. #book #writer #read #literature
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
A huge thank you to everyone I've forced to read my stuff over the last couple of years. I won't win. I won't. BUT if I did, having a TV show would be fantastic. #writing #screenwriting #writer #tv #script #screenplay
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Concept to rejection 16: Looked for advice on pitching and queries... WOW is there an industry of people with their hands out. Got to suck it up, pretend to be confident and politely tell them all to jog on. #book #writing #author #lit #novel
media.tenor.com
bart simpson from the simpsons is sitting on a couch with his mouth open and groans .
ALT: bart simpson from the simpsons is sitting on a couch with his mouth open and groans .
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
Concept to rejection 15: Missed out on a shortlist. Read the winner... Realised that this was NOT the competition for me. 😂 They absolutely were not looking for my weird, weird manuscript. Next time I guess. #writing #author #book #novel
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a close up of a man with his eyes closed and his mouth open .
ALT: a close up of a man with his eyes closed and his mouth open .
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
Concept to rejection 14: Got my first comp #novel feedback. It's SO HARD to pay attention to all the positives... That one negative stings. They even stressed how compelling it was but all I can see is the note. #writing #author #book
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a man in a white shirt is sitting on the floor holding his stomach and laughing .
ALT: a man in a white shirt is sitting on the floor holding his stomach and laughing .
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
#Question for any writerly friends: My manuscript is 'finished', edited (by 3rd party) and now in a bunch of comps with my query docs waiting. Would you kick off the next project? Query before comp results come in? Touch grass? #writing #author #novel #books
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elmo from sesame street is looking at the camera while standing in front of a wall .
ALT: elmo from sesame street is looking at the camera while standing in front of a wall .
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
This one totally sucked me in. I was wary of the hype, the length... I needn't have been. Totally. Addictive. #TIL Multiple narrators are only fun and worthwhile if they disagree. That gap creates tension, mystery & illustrates theme. #book #novel #writing #literature
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Concept to rejection 13: Going BROAD in my desire to get qualified opinions on the #book. Competitions, writing circles... And now #TheBlackList. I'm sceptical but prepared to take a punt. The right quote or exposure will really give queries some punch. #writing #author
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a drawing of a mouse with the words " all in " written on it
ALT: a drawing of a mouse with the words " all in " written on it
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Need I say anything about this banger? If I have to... What a melding of magic, sociopolitics and the way love can drives us to good or ill. It just rules. Enchanting. #book #reading #writing #literature #novel
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Concept to rejection 12: Asked by a kind coworker if I'd consider self #publishing. Calling myself an author is less important than knowing I've created something quality. Getting pros onside is a key part of that. How to tell them when they've self published previously... #book #writing
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a close up of a black dog 's face looking at the camera
ALT: a close up of a black dog 's face looking at the camera
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Concept to rejection 11: Received a PAID comp "feedback". It was a general form to "all participants" rewording the submission guidelines. Disappointing understates it. Shrug it off, keep polishing, keep working. Remember that you enjoy this. #writing #author #books
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a brown puppy with a funny face is being held by someone
ALT: a brown puppy with a funny face is being held by someone
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Hilarious, heartfelt, devastating. The fictional history is absolutely bursting with feeling. #TIL: not to take myself too seriously. If anything it makes the drama more powerful. #book #reading #writing #literature
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Concept to rejection 9: Entering the competitions. ALL of them. It's HARD. Each sub raises the hopes, the heart rate, but then comes the dread. What if they hate it, you missed something in the edit, or didn't follow all the comp guidelines? Hope and fear #writing #author #book #novel
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a man in a denim jacket is holding a cell phone in his hand .
ALT: a man in a denim jacket is holding a cell phone in his hand .
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
LOVED this one. Often sits in the shadow of ...Goon Squad but it shouldn't. Mystery, murder, prison, surprises. #TIL: A cracking twist only matters if you care about the characters involved. #book #reading #literature #novel #books #read
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Now this is brilliant. A cracking mystery, top POV work, heartbreaking themes. A great twist. #TIL the best twist is one you'd have guessed if it was delayed any further. Just out of reach. #novel #reading #literature #book
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Concept to rejection 8: While the submission sits in competition intrays, don't sit back. Work on the next stage; query letters, sub packages. Synopsis. If the manuscript gets the slightest buzz, a long list or hon mention, you'll be ready. #writing #novel #book #literature
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
I was quite late to the party on this one but WOW. #TIL: A real lesson in how multiple personable narrators can come together like a magical jigsaw puzzle. Also the way it finds hope and joy amongst the sadness really picked me up. This book is sorcery. #book #reading #literature #novel
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Concept to rejection 7: Enter all the competitions. No one knows you, no one asked. Build some interest. Prove the editor wasn't wrong. It is good. At the least, force someone else to read the thing 😂 #book #author #writing
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Moving, spooky, infuriating... Awesome. #TIL: Narrators, even when they're being honest, are telling THEIR truth. Shriver didn't write a narrator, she wrote a whole person. #books #literature #reading #book #novel #writing
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Concept to rejection 6: Editor asks me if I want a note about the ending. YES. I want it to be perfect, not finished. "It's a big shift though..." [Long pause] Spill it, let's do this. #book #author #writing #novel #literature
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Concept to rejection 5: Does (everything) feed into the theme? Screenplay segments: is the camera objective? Does it hide/reveal? Book excerpts: what's the author's POV, what's their bias? Narration: What's lies does he tell himself? Editing... Urgh. #writing #writer #novel
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
MY FAVOURITE thing in novels is when literary ideas and techniques are applied to genre frameworks... ... And it doesn't get much better than the birthday party. Take a bow Mauvignier #TIL Genre isn't dumb, Lit isn't boring #book #novel #literature #writing #read
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Han Kang rules. Full stop. BUT if I had to expand on that I'd go on (and on) about the way that small actions speak to the psychology and history of a character. #TIL: THEME THEME THEME, in the biggest row or the tiniest gesture. #book #books #reading #literature #read
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Concept to rejection 4: Write it, rewrite it, and re-rewrite it... Friend: Your narrator is a filmmaker, thought he'd have a more visual focus... Me: [Sighs] I guess he will now 😂 #writing #write #book #books #author #literature
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
Concept to rejection 3: Let the characters talk. They have voices, points of view, biases. They REACT. "Declan had gone up like the fifth of November and I hadn’t heard a damn thing about it. The announcement came overnight..." #writing #books #literature #author #novel #book
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
This was a cracker. Mesmeric descriptions of a life, a world so distant... Yet mired in the concerns of our own. #TIL That it doesn't matter if the magic is real, it matters that your characters believe it. What does it tell us about them? #books #literature #reading #writing #book #read
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JC Blair @jc-blair.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Now THIS is my cup of (unsettling, watery) tea! Julia Armfiled smashes it. Perfectly interwoven theme, mystery, a pointedly human & flawed narrator. #TIL the power of leaving the reader with questions. #book #books #reading #literature
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