Q&A with Richard Curtis

Nor me!

Have the responses been put into the archive yet? The link doesn't work for me.

When is this going to happen? Am beginning to lose the will to live.

Isn't spontaneity or near-spontaneity one of the web's attractions?

Cue tumbleweed.

ie it's all trash really and it needs to be quick......

Don't get me wrong

Nae problem! I enjoy the Q&As, please do keep them going

So it's not live like some other Q&As have been? Live seems better. Wasn't possible?

When is this Q&A? I can see no date attached to this thread.......

Do you think writers workshops are any good, or do they lead nowhere?

If you like them, can you suggest one that covers TV and radio comedy? I have a series idea and want somewhere to try out part scripts, hear my stuff being read and get feedback. Just sitting on my own at a computer won't get me going.

How do you set about writing?

Your new book looks lovely and Christmassy and I do like a tale of mischievous children <thinks of own DC and DGC> - were you a mischievous child? And actually what were your own childhood Christmasses like? I am keeping my fingers crossed I have won a copy of your book but if not I will definitely buy it

What gave you the idea for the book? Are you a big fan of Christmas and what does it mean to you and your family? PS I am a big fan of all your work

You are very funny <blushes because this sounds a bit stalkerish, but is true> Do you ever regret being a writer and director rather than an actor?

Is the process of writing a children's book very different from the process of writing a movie script? or do you have to plan and go about it in the same sort of way, basically?

Your work often shows an interest in fame. Do you think fame distorts people? Does it always have a bad effect?

What three songs should we be listening to at the moment?

Do you feel more optimistic for sub-Saharan Africa than you did when you started Comic Relief?

Presumably you get to hang around with movie stars and everyone wants to be your friend. What do you do to stay grounded?

In many ways you seem to have led a charmed life (I think you said as much on Desert Island Discs). Do you have any regrets?

This is SO exciting. <Aims not to stammer>

You've been writing for a long while - you were successful quite young, I think. Is your writing different now from when you started out?

I am trying to find the best way to ask whether there is any particular writing you did (film, book, script) that arose from other work? A female colleague learned to paint people's nails, and met her husband through a client. At my work, I have been able to use Census information (from the website) to enhance my reports which lead to being given much more interesting topics to research. Are there any parts of your working life that prompted other pieces of work?

I've often wondered - what is a joke, and what makes it funny? Or what makes a funny situation funny, or not? Does there need to be surprise in it, or shock?
One thing I hugely admire in your comedy is that you're not cruel. You get mocked sometimes for writing sunny benign, "British" comedies. I love them (esp 4Weddings and Blackadder). Actors must love being sent a Richard Curtis script. Do your scripts go through many revisions before they reach the screen? Or does what you write usually work first time??

Finally, have you written for theatre? I'd love to see a play by you. I don't think I ever have.

I applied for one of your books so I hope I am lucky.

Have YOU been good this year? And what do you hope father Christmas is going to bring for you?

Did you specifically set out to write a Christmas book? Are you a fan of the whole festive season bit? I confess to being a bit bah humbug

I do love your films - thank you for bringing so many people so much pleasure over the years

Did you base the story on things your own children had done? I think you have a son called Charlie? What made you decide to use his name but not your other children's? Were they put out or pleased? Sorry that's a few questions rolled into one so I hope that's ok.

Did you find writing a book for children very different to writing screenplays for adults? Or are the processes much the same?