My Best Articles
• 3 Essential Steps to Writing a Killer Logline
• How to Create Great TV Bibles & Treatments
• My Number #1 Tip For Writers: Self-Compassion
• 6 Ways to Turn Your ‘General Meeting’ into a Job Opportunity
• How To Give Good Meeting... And Get the Job, Part One
• How To Give Good Meeting Part Two: Four Key Strategies
• How to Write a One-Pager that Gets Traction
• What is a “Leave-Behind” & When Do You Need One?
• Get your Sh*t Together! 10 Ways to Organize Your Creative Life
All Articles & Blog Posts
How to Network Painlessly Even If You’re an Introvert
The business side of Show Business can be tough for writers, because I know many of you are introverts. But networking is a necessity if you want to have a successful career.
4 Ways to Start a Script that a Reader Can’t Put Down
It’s heartbreaking, but it’s true: many decision makers (agents, producers, and executives) will decide if a writer is good or a project is compelling after reading only the first ten pages of a script. And in TV, it could be as little as the first threepages. This is why the beginning of your script is so important: its life or death often depends on its first few pages.
How to Write Better Dialogue
Writing great dialogue is what makes your story come to life. Some of the most beloved writers are revered for their masterful dialogue, like Nora Ephron and her iconic character banter in WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, or Aaron Sorkin’s rapid-fire dialogue style in THE WEST WING and THE SOCIAL NETWORK.
5 Common Mistakes First-Time Indie Filmmakers Make
Finally producing your first movie is very exciting. You’ve nailed the script (which can take years), you’ve secured financing, and you’re ready to finally (finally!) shoot and sell it. You’ve crossed many difficult hurdles to make it this far. So why do so many first-time filmmakers fail? Read my tips below to avoid common first-time filmmaking mistakes that will help set you up for success.
What Successful Screenwriters Know About Using Social Media
If you’re hoping to build momentum in your writing career, social media can work in your favor. But it can also be a double-edged sword. Read on for the good, the bad, and how to do it right.
4 Classic Scripts that Deliver on their Promise
Every script makes a promise, and it’s inherent in its genre. If you’re writing a comedy script, it must be funny. If you’re writing horror, your script must be scary. This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many writers fail to execute the promise of their genre on the page.
What Does True Success Look Like?
As a writer, your days can fill up quickly. As you spend your time not just writing, but prepping for meetings, navigating notes calls and hustling to get ahead, the bigger picture can become smaller and smaller until you forget what you were looking at in the first place. It’s important to take a moment away from the everyday business of writing to remember why you started, where you’d like to go, and what true success looks like to you.
It's Hollywood! What Could Go Wrong?
Execs that love your project leave their jobs. Companies get bought and dismantled. Your showrunner gets fired. YOU get fired. The network gets a new President with entirely different taste. A project just like yours gets sold or picked up first. This is why you need a Hollywood Game Plan.
5 Ways to Get an Agent
The one question I get asked most often from up-and-coming writers is how do I get an agent? Most people will tell you not to worry; if your work is great, the agents will find you. Frustrating, but true. But there are other strategies you can use to land that all-elusive rep.
The #1 Thing You Should Be Doing for Your Career
This may seem obvious, but it’s worth making the point emphatically. The most helpful thing you can do for your career is to practice your craft. If you're a writer, write. If you're a director, grab a camera and direct something.
Keep Your Writing Chops Up! Some Top Writers' Workshops That Can Help.
If you feel like you’re continually delving into the same tired bag of tricks while crafting your scripts, consider taking a workshop to breathe new life into your writing routine.
Understanding the Broadcast Network Selling, Buying & Producing Cycle
People say the broadcast network system is on the way out, overtaken by cable, streaming and digital platforms. But trust me, it’s not dead yet.
How to Stay Sane While You Wait for Answers from Decision Makers
Hollywood moves at lightning speed, or so it would seem from the news. The truth is that behind every new hit television show or award-winning movie are years of hard work, and years of waiting. Here are my top tips for staying sane when the wait is maddening.
5 Smart Ways to Market Yourself as a Writer – Even If You Don’t Want To
There are countless digital platforms to make use of today, which means countless platforms to market yourself as a writer.
3 Ways to Stay on Track with Your Writing Goals
If you’re an aspiring screenwriter, sometimes the hardest part about living your passion is sitting down and actually writing. Here are some tips on some writing goals you can set that’ll get you into the right/write mindset for tackling your next screenplay.