Ode to Joss by Lucy Clark – fanatic extraordinaire

It's quite common to admire movie stars, sports stars and singing stars but for me – it's all about the writing stars. There are many writers I would love to sit down and chat with, to ask them questions like “how did you come up with that idea?” and “explain how your departure from conventional structure works so well?” I have many writers I admire – Steven Moffatt, Paul Cornell, Charlie Kaufman, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare and Nora Roberts – just to name a few. But my absolute turn-my-knees-to-mush-and-make-me-tinkle-in-my-panties favourite of favouritest writer is Mr Joss Whedon.

This man is incredible and for those of you who don't know who he is, allow me to enlighten you. This is the man who created Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Angel, Firefly & Serenity just to name but a few of his accomplishments. He wrote Toy Story, Twister and Speed amongst other hit movies. He has written a musical for Buffy as well as an episode where there was basically no dialogue at all!!! In short, he is not only a writing phenomenon but a creative genius.

I am often asked by journalists - “where do you get your ideas from?” and indeed the gorgeous Emily Forbes addressed this issue a few weeks ago. But the question which I rarely get asked by journalists but is more the question I would love to answer is “who inspires you?” Although, in some ways, I'm glad I “don't” get asked this question too often otherwise the article would turn me from sophisticated writer (ahem) to a drooling, gushy fan as I waxed rhapsodic about Mr Whedon.

My first step into the Whedonverse was in 2004 (I know, I am totally a late bloomer) when I read a Buffy script book I'd borrowed from the library. I had never watched a single episode of the show and yet, in reading the scripts, I was overcome by the emotions I could feel emanating from the page. I was invested in the words which had been written, held captive by the turn of dialogue and very eager to actually see the episode to see if it lived up to the majesty that was the script. It did.

Over the years, I have watched the DVD's of Joss's shows. I have listened eagerly to the audio commentaries he's done about how he structured certain parts of the plot to elicit a specific emotion from his audience. I would study on-line scripts of the episodes, I would watch and re-watch certain parts to see how he had manipulated characters to show us how they were growing. I would then apply these newly learned techniques to my own writing, to layer it more effectively, to engage my reader on a deeper, more invested level with my protagonists.

In 2005, we flew to the States to attend a conference where Joss was one of the main guest speakers. William Goldman, Tim Minear, John August were amongst the other writers who were speaking but it was Joss we'd really flown half way around the world to see. When we were sitting in the packed-to-the-rafters convention room, it was amazing. I remember texting my friend to tell her I was “breathing the same air as Joss”. Gushy fan? Me? You betcha!!

Joss imparted wisdom, made us all laugh with his natural wit and charmed us all just by being himself. But the best thing of all was after his talk – he was mobbed. (although I'm sure he wouldn't share my enthusiasm at the mobbing!!) There were so many people wanting his autograph, so many wanting a photograph, to get him to sign their “Joss” merchandise. He was a movie star, a sports star and a singing star to us mere mortal writers.

Joss getting mobbed!

It was fantastic to see a writer getting the credit that other stars usually get. Movie stars wouldn't be movie stars without the words of a writer. Singing stars wouldn't be singing stars without the words of a writer. Sports stars wouldn't be sports stars without... OK so they'd do fine without the words of a writer because all they do is grunt, groan and sweat.

My point is – and I apologise for being so long-winded – that studying Joss's work inspires me to become a better writer. It helps me to keep setting myself goals, to keep pushing the envelope, to keep striving for a deeper emotional level. Of course, there are days when I watch an episode of his work, or listen to a commentary and simply drop to my knees and chant “I'm not worthy” because I know I'll never be as brilliant as him but for the most part, it's all good, mate!

So my question is – who inspires you? Do you have a favourite writer you love to read over and over again? Have you had a book (tv show/movie) which has really spoken to you? Really affected you?

The prize this week is not one but two books (but no free set of steak knives – they're really difficult to get through the postal services without enduring a strip search and believe me, if the guys down at my post-office were cute, I'd gladly risk it). A copy of my latest book – City Surgeon, Outback Bride plus a copy of Her Very Special Baby – which contains all the names of Joss Whedon's Firefly/Serenity characters and the names of the actors who played them. (The two protagonists are called Nathan and Morena!!)

And I have only one more thing to say...

Grr Argh.