5 . DON ’ T SPEND TOO MUCH TIME AT YOUR COMPUTER !

Reading manuscripts and PDFs on a screen is kind of an abstract process . We can ’ t touch magic ebooks ! That ’ s why I always print every ebook I purchase . I like to work with the text : Mark it , make notes and visible connections between the paragraphs .

Scripting our tricks and routines is the alpha and omega of professional magic business . Just ask Pete McCabe , he knows for sure ! ; - )

I can only talk for myself but scripting a new routine is exhausting and it causes me to spend several nights in front of my computer - and away from the physical actions ! We must not forget that we need to feel our body while performing a certain routine . That physical part has to be scripted too . There are just so many things to keep in mind which are easily forgotten while justsitting at your desk . Relating to this , the most important questions are : Where does a certain prop come from ? Where does it go when it ’ s not needed anymore ?

Further evolving questions could be : When I need a Thumb Tip for the first routine in my show , shall I wear it from the very start ? Whatcan I do to hide the TT ? Wehre is the focus of the audience during my opening monologue ? Whatdo I do with ma hands to draw attention to them ? What about during the routine ? When can I ditch the TT unnoticed ? Where do I ditch the TT ? If I ditch it , do I need a second one for anotherroutine later on in the show ? Where can I get it from ? Is there still space inside one of my pockets ? I need to have the Thumb Tip on my body , so is there another prop inside my jacket right now that could also be retrieved from my case ? I ’ m right handed , is it wise to position the case to my left ? How should my stage setting look like so that I never turn my back to the audience ?

Back to the topic :

A lot of magicians love using the app “ Evernote ”. And to be honest , I use it too ! I have my iPhone with me most places I go . No need to actually carry a notebook with me . But as soon as I ’ m back at home , I copy the digital notes in my touchable magic notebook . I currently use two notebooks : One from a company called STORAGE . it whose cover is a zip-pocket where you can carry all different kind of things in . Inside are just blank pages .

The second notebook is a very small and handy one called “ Only Ideas - The Magicians Notebook ” and was published by Rory Adams , author of the highly recommended book by the same name . Each double page is pre-printed with magic related sections . From “ Trick Name ”, “ Description ”, “ Method ” to “ Notes ”. This one is great when you have a routine in mind you want to work on . Not sure if these are still available though .

VANISH MAGAZINE www . VanishMagazine . com

69