lwalsh

You know that fantasy we all have as writers—that the first draft will be so brilliant, so inspired, so raw and true that it barely needs editing? Yeah. That’s a lie. The real magic? It happens in the rewrite. Whether you’re writing a pilot, a screenplay, a novel, or even a Substack post, the difference … Read more

Discover exactly what network execs are looking for—and what scripts are getting tossed. Stay ahead of the curve with this essential guide.Shows AmazonWANT: big, sci-fi, supernaturalAVOID: N/A CBSWANT: animation, character driven, grounded sci-fi (not mentioned if other types of sci-fi are OK)AVOID: politics FXWANT: animation, comedy forward (progressive politics), ensembles, tonally similar to “Archer”, taboo … Read more

In a saturated industry, branding as a writer isn’t optional—it’s essential. At its core, branding means finding your niche and mastering it so completely that you’re no longer just a writer in that genre—you’re the writer for it.Your niche should be more than a market category; it should be an extension of your lived experience. Look at Lena Waithe. … Read more

Eighty percent of all TV and Films bought in Hollywood are based on Intellectual Property (IP). As a working writer you will be asked to adapt short stories, books, newspaper articles and 80’s films. You will need to be faithful to the expectations of the series/franchise and also be true to the fans who know and … Read more

Emotional writing is all about set up. There is nothing intrinsically powerful about a large girl dancing, but the set up of this story, the obstacles this girl had to overcome, makes us emotional when the large girl succeeds.  From Quora What is the most courageous thing you have seen somebody do? Originally Answered: What is … Read more

Part of the reason we want to be famous is to be acknowledged and respected. (Also, to make money). Many of us feel or felt that we have not been acknowledged by the world. We have not been respected by our parents or our peers. We yearn for this. We WANT this, but we don’t … Read more

Trying to get work or representation before you are ready is a mistake that many writers make in the early stages of their careers. The initial connections you make in this industry are vital. You don’t want your first impression to be that of unprepared, or worse, the notion that you are incapable of meeting … Read more

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/top-tv-execs-grapple-covid-19-script-changes-were-not-going-be-shoot-it-dont-write-it-1297752 Showrunners are being asked to cut extras, reconsider sex and fight scenes and, in some cases, shorten page counts. In late March, when Robert and Michelle King convened the writers room for their supernatural drama Evil, they plotted out a second season premiere in a haunted New York City subway station. Now, more than two … Read more

As I prep to go out with a law show pitch, I reflect on all the pitching lessons I’ve learned along the way. 1. From a coach, I learned to visualize the meeting and see the outcome I want. 2. From a fantastic pitcher who has sold 26 projects (including one with me), I learned to speak to the … Read more

During this time of upheaval, some of us can get lost in the pain and irrational chaos. The brutality feels too overwhelming to engage with. Who are we to speak up and support racial equality if we aren’t of color? But every person standing for equal rights and liberties helps. You can make a difference … Read more