The Bechdel Test (revised & illustrated) now featuring the Angry Black Woman
It’s practically 2015 and gender representation in media is still not nearly equal. In your own spec writing at least, do the world a favor and give your ensemble… The … Continue reading
Turn It Up, Over and Out at the LA Writers Clinic: Aug. 16 & Sept. 6
Focus, unblock or (re-)energize your book, script or pitch at any stage of the process: * Rewrites * Outlines * Stuck mid-draft * Can’t find the funny * Strategic re-alignment … Continue reading
Step Away from the Deck Chairs: 4 Different Kinds of Rewrites
When writers send me a rough draft of a book or script for notes, they really really want me to tell them all they have to do is rearrange some … Continue reading
8 Kinds of People Who Can Give You Feedback on Your Draft
I highly recommend that you have every draft (including rewrites) read by a spectrum of readers that include at least 3 of these categories: Someone enthusiastic and supportive who will … Continue reading
LA Writers Clinic – June 12 & 26
LA Writers Clinic – 2 Thursdays, June 12 and 26th, 7-9pm Focus, unblock or (re-)energize your project at any stage of the process. * Rewrites * Outlines * Stuck mid-draft … Continue reading
The Shaula Evans Comedy Punch-Up Method (from the Blacklist)
The Shaula Evans Comedy Punch-Up Method 1. Comedy needs a story spine to hang on. Fix up structural, character, and plot problems before you start your punch up. (See also: … Continue reading
The Feedback Loop: How to Use Readers for Your Rewrite(s)
Ask ten writers for their opinion and you’ll get at least a dozen different opinions – and yet… After you’ve written a draft of your book or script (much less … Continue reading
Generic Script Rewrite Note #1: Too Many Characters
I recently gave a client notes on the first draft of a screenplay. Among my biggest notes was that the central emotional storyline was getting diluted because it was spread … Continue reading
3 Criteria of the Bechdel Gender Imbalance Test (from Alison Bechdel & Liz Wallace)
1. Does [your project] contain two or more female characters who have names? 2. Do those characters talk to each other? 3. Do they discuss something other than a man?
7 Tools for Critical Thinking (from Philosopher Daniel Dennett)
As I say in my book, “How To Be A Writer Who Writes”, (a phrase I love saying and really should say more), different phases of the writing process call … Continue reading
THE OTHER NETWORK WRITER'S ROOM 