Creativity is precious. It needs to be cherished and nurtured. I encourage writers to put their hearts, issues, beliefs and voice into their writing. I help them find their gifts and their messages for the world. I believe each person has a unique perspective that needs support to shine.

In order to get hired in the industry, a writer needs to know their brand and have amazing samples.

I teach writers how to create a great hook, make protagonists active, forge a character driven story, build intriguing act breaks, and write in the expected format. Additionally, I help writers find their tone and themes to create a message, which gives insight into our lives, our culture, and our world. I tell my students to go deep in their writing and like my CAA agent once advised me, “Open a vein.”

I support writers through this process treating their project as I would a developing child. I create a real writer’s room to teach them how to give and take notes. I help them brainstorm to get the highest stakes possible while remaining grounded and believable.

Writing is rewriting, so, I demonstrate how creating a great script is a process, how it requires patience and fortitude, determination and letting go of pride. I help them with every step — focusing not just on the work, but on the creative process. Finishing a script is great, but loving the process, learning about oneself through writing and getting positive feedback from the industry are better.

I suggest they rewrite their script as many times as it takes to get industry attention through fellowships, competitions or connections.

On the business side, I stress the importance of networking and help writers identify their brands. I tell them about my personal experiences and suggest ways to avoid making social and political mistakes on staff.  I keep my material relevant to what is trending in the industry. Finally, I provide encouraging support through all aspects of the art and business of television writing.