Television to the Rescue! Camille Acker on the Craft Potential of TV
This first appeared in Lit Hub’s Craft of Writing newsletter—sign up here. I have always loved television, but as a kid, television was the “idiot box.” According to experts, this device could rot my brain, influence me to commit immoral acts, and
Television has long been considered an "idiot box," capable of rotting the brain and corrupting morals, according to past experts. However, as an adult writer, Camille Acker found inspiration from the medium that once seemed a guilty pleasure. Her journey from a literary short story writer to crafting a biting social commentary and satire revealed the potential of television as a craft tool.
By incorporating character tropes, sitcom hijinks, and "very special episodes" from 1980s and 1990s TV shows, Acker was able to develop a novel that was both intellectually engaging and entertaining. She utilized cliffhangers and unexpected character introductions to keep readers engaged, much like the format of a binge-worthy TV series.
Moreover, Acker introduced commercial breaks within her novel to provide a momentary respite from the turmoil of her characters and enable them to showcase their multifaceted personalities. This technique allowed her to seamlessly blend the roles of a "serious" writer and a fan of visual storytelling. The result was a unique work that combined her personal experiences, taste, and perceptions, proving that television was not a hindrance, but rather a valuable asset in her creative writing process.
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