Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale ("Doctor Who")
Product Description
When The Writer's Tale was published in autumn 2008, it was immediately embraced as a classic. For this extensively revised and updated paperback edition, Russell T Davies and Benjamin Cook continue their candid and in-depth correspondence to take in work on the last of Russell's 2009 specials - and the end of David Tennant's era as The Doctor - while also looking back to the achievements of the first three seasons. With over 300 pages of all-new material, including new photos and original artwork, The Writer's Tale is a fitting tribute to Russell T Davies' phenomenal achievement in bringing Doctor Who back for a new generation of fans.
★★★★☆ Despite the Doctor's downfall, the story behind the story remains intriguing
I first read "The Writer's Tale" 2+ years ago when the first edition came out, and thought it was fantastic. Russell T Davies' in-depth revelations about his writing process are inspirational, and made this writer feel a lot less crazy to learn that the genius behind the 'Doctor Who' revival is just as mad.
As much as I loved the insight into and intrigue about my favorite television program, I hesitated to buy this "Final Chapter" edition, due to what I felt was a severe decline in quality for the Tenth Doctor's final five episodes, especially his finale. I think the book itself actually explains a lot about what went wrong. It consists of a series of emails between Davies and Doctor Who Magazine writer Benjamin Cook, in which RTD talks at length about the writing process and shares ideas and script drafts with Cook. Since Davies admits that he's never shared his in-progress work with ANYONE before, I fear this might be why they turned out the way they did.
However, I decided that it was worth the purchase to get the extra 300 pages of info, and to maybe shed some light on What Exactly Went Wrong. I was disappointed to find that the paperback "Final Chapter" edition is nowhere near as cool as the original hardcover. The formatting was better on the other, and had full-color pictures and drawings spaced sporadically throughout.
Despite all this, I do still recommend the book, at least to other writers. It's the frank, honest, no-holds-barred look at writing that you don't often find. It's not an instruction manual or an idiot's guide. It's the story of how it feels TO write something. And that alone makes it worth reading.
As much as I loved the insight into and intrigue about my favorite television program, I hesitated to buy this "Final Chapter" edition, due to what I felt was a severe decline in quality for the Tenth Doctor's final five episodes, especially his finale. I think the book itself actually explains a lot about what went wrong. It consists of a series of emails between Davies and Doctor Who Magazine writer Benjamin Cook, in which RTD talks at length about the writing process and shares ideas and script drafts with Cook. Since Davies admits that he's never shared his in-progress work with ANYONE before, I fear this might be why they turned out the way they did.
However, I decided that it was worth the purchase to get the extra 300 pages of info, and to maybe shed some light on What Exactly Went Wrong. I was disappointed to find that the paperback "Final Chapter" edition is nowhere near as cool as the original hardcover. The formatting was better on the other, and had full-color pictures and drawings spaced sporadically throughout.
Despite all this, I do still recommend the book, at least to other writers. It's the frank, honest, no-holds-barred look at writing that you don't often find. It's not an instruction manual or an idiot's guide. It's the story of how it feels TO write something. And that alone makes it worth reading.
★★★★★ Dr Who. The winters tale
have been enthralled by this book--- and enjoyed putting the chapters with the programs I
watch ---- woould highly recommend this book
watch ---- woould highly recommend this book
★☆☆☆☆ The best book I'll ever say not to buy
Don't get me wrong - The Writer's Tale is absolutely fantastic. First rate, worth every cent, I loved the book. You should absolutely read it.
BUT. The fact of the matter is, at $30, it is not a cheap book. And there's a new edition coming out in January with 300 added pages of material. And you'd probably be foolish to drop $30 on this right now when you could wait and spend probably the same amount of money on a 300 page longer book.
So my one star review should not be taken as a knock against the book - just a knock against this edition.
BUT. The fact of the matter is, at $30, it is not a cheap book. And there's a new edition coming out in January with 300 added pages of material. And you'd probably be foolish to drop $30 on this right now when you could wait and spend probably the same amount of money on a 300 page longer book.
So my one star review should not be taken as a knock against the book - just a knock against this edition.
★★★★★ One of the best books I've ever read!
Despite buying tons of items from Amazon over the years I have never felt the need to post a review - until now.
And all I want to say about "The Writer's Tale" is: buy this book. For it's enthusiasm and passion and honesty alone buy this book. It's a priceless look into the world of Doctor Who and the writing process from one of the best in the business.
For anyone with a passing interest in writing and/or Doctor Who, it's a must-read. Thoroughly enjoyable.
And all I want to say about "The Writer's Tale" is: buy this book. For it's enthusiasm and passion and honesty alone buy this book. It's a priceless look into the world of Doctor Who and the writing process from one of the best in the business.
For anyone with a passing interest in writing and/or Doctor Who, it's a must-read. Thoroughly enjoyable.
★★★★★ Fantastic
A unique view into the mind of the man behind the BBC's recent revival of Doctor Who. Basically, email and sms correspondence between Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies and magazine editor Benjamin Cook. We're privy to Russell's inner-most thoughts as he drafts scripts for the 2007 Doctor Who Christmas special and key episodes of the 2008 season of Doctor Who, as well as the search for his replacement as showrunner for the 2010 series. This tale is big, intimate, fascinating. And includes entire scripts of several episodes, which you can see evolve from first draft to final draft. For more of his scripts see the book's official website at http://www.thewriterstale.com
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