Drinking in the Pen

Imposter syndrome and self doubt are jerks. That's why you have to remember your superpower: no one sees the world the way you do. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

While they seem like totally different worlds, there is a lot to be learned from editorial work: deadlines, structure, impact, ROI, marketable story, presentation, and more. If you can apply those concepts when you write for stage and screen? You'll have an edge. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Writing is one thing, but learning how to express dialogue that sounds natural is another thing altogether. Be social, strike up conversations with strangers, engage in the discomfort so you truly grasp the art of conversation. Give your characters the life and respect they deserve … --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

As writers and storytellers we have a responsibility to bring the world together, bring it to its knees, or open its eyes to social injustices and humanity's failings. Story is our bond to one another. Make yours count. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ahh the days when we first gained independence as a “real” adult. The world was ours!! Let's remember that, shall we? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Sometimes it happens. Our brains just calls it quits. And that's okay. It might be time to take a week off to give your creativity a chance to recover. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The second part of my live read of “Spiraling” — and sharing a big regret about getting it produced. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Talking about hard things is one of the benefits of writing. Utilize it. Be responsible with it. And note that my mistake with this story was not using “V.O.” and “O.S.” correctly. Remember that when on a phone call, use V.O. to indicate we don't see the person. Also note that O.S. should be used in film versus O.C., which is used in television. #LessonsInWriting --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We are starting this new season by getting real about writing. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

People ask how I stay inspired and get so much done. The answer? By knowing I have to be consistent with writing - and recognize I need to ask those that know more than me for advice. The key to writing is to WRITE. There is no magic way around it. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

No matter what we do, we can't lose our passion to write. We have to love it and the worlds we create. It matters. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This is an honest podcast about being scared to fail, being in a perpetual state of learning and growth, and keeping story at the forefront. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

A short check in and reminding you that a great outline is everything. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I'm stuck and this is my way of breaking the creative block! It's not normal and a little outlandish but it works for me. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Launching the new season by sharing the things I've learned now that I'm writing a TV Series for a major studio --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Hi everyone! Drinking In The Pen is back next week for a whole new season. This time you'll be on the real time journey of writing with me! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

A visit to the Academy Museum is essential for writers who love the art of film. Plus? You can read a little Hitchcock! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Why do we watch scary movies? Or psychological thrillers? There are so many reasons but my theory is so we can control our response to fear. Also … there aren't many women let alone women of color writing horror films. That is a gaping hole I'd like us to fill! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

While accomplishments are great, sometimes knowing the struggle behind them helps make sense of why we still do what we do. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I'm a little under the weather but I still have a comment about “Squid Game”! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We all do our best not to expose too much of ourselves, but the best writing; the greatest stories - they come from the most vulnerable places of honesty and grit. Take risks. Use. Your. Voice. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Things I had to re-learn this week: 1) OUTLINE. 2) You don't know everything. 3) Tell self doubt to F off. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Having an agent is a great thing but it isn't right for everyone. This episode we explore the ins and outs of getting an agent, setting realistic expectations, and your job of checking your ego. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Time to change things up.

Finding our creative community is a challenge these days, but it matters. Be grateful AF you can write, challenge yourself, and support other creatives in the process. Remember that our bond is our superpower. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week I get into why challenging yourself to write a powerful commercial is a great writing exercise. Understanding how to write an unforgettable commercial will really test your writing chops! It will also make you a better storyteller in any format. Apply these tips to webisodes, half-hour or hour-long episodes, shorts and features … and KNOW WHEN TO STOP OVERWRITING! There's also a new “Choose Your Own Adventure Scene” and this week's song is by Kool & The Gang. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Art is important to understanding ourselves better as writers. This week I touch on why art influences how we write and tell story, and I assign a new “Choose Your Own Adventure Scene”. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I will be publishing a nee podcast episode tomorrow but tonight I am going to swim in the world of other artists. Next episode we will discuss why art is so imperative to the writing process.

So you've written a pilot and it's gaining recognition—and you've landed a pitch call with studio execs and producers! GO YOU!! But now you have to present. You'll need to put together something aesthetically pleasing, and concise, that tells the full story of your series (or film). Remember, you're selling yourself as a writer too! This episode I give you some tools abs tips for what needs to be in that presentation. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Don't be hesitant to adapt when something crazy is thrown your way. And challenge your view of story because that's the sweet spot of writing.

The magic of words, whether in screenplays or teleplays or journalism, allows us as writers to paint a picture for viewers, listeners, and audiences everywhere. We see the world through a more romantic lens and we aren't meant to apologize for that. The normal world can bore us and so we exist in our imaginations or deep within our research. That is where our power lives and breathes. Honor that. AND—this week's “CHOOSE YOUR OWN SCENE” we go to Neverland by way of Ruth B.‘s song “Lost Boy”. Your character choices for your scenes: Wendy, Shmead or the Songwriter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Let's get this kicked off with truth and a new segment called “Choose Your Own Scene Adventure”!! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Thank you for joining me for this first season. SEASON TWO launches on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The title says it all.

HOW we relay our stories matters. This week I talk about struggling with writer's block, how to process feelings and put them down productively, ways to get out of the funk, and why listening to a vinyl is my favorite thing. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

See you next week for Episode 13!

Correction and two things you should do BEFORE submitting your work anywhere.

This week I actually give you an exercise to help your visually see how your story breaks down. How well do you know your story? How about your characters and their motivation? (NOTE: I was saying don’t compromise the integrity of your but sounds like something else! HaHa!) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Let’s face it. Covid has been brutal, but now it’s time to accept where we are, embrace validation, and honor the struggle.

We get caught up in not writing as much as we want and that’s when you gotta cut yourself some slack. Unless you’re on deadline, then GET TO IT!

Recognizing that Lip Service isn’t enough. Also, painting your first scenes!! #NoExcuses --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Some quick writing tips, book + music suggestions

Let’s talk about getting into a writing routine, and the difference between film and TV, teasers and openers. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I forgot I already read from Spiraling in Ep2 so I’ll read from the RomCom + Drama Series next werk

Tapping into creativity on your terms. Be open, daring, honest--know your story, don’t dumb it down, give yourself self imposed deadlines to avoid procrastination. Trust yourself. AND—trust the audience ... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Aside from pitching your stories, you’re pitching yourself, do you know who you are and how to convey that? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week I’m sharing some darker parts of my story that led me to writing, and WHY writing our stories and honoring our creativity through pain is so important. #trauma #loss #writer --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I had the numbers wrong so just wanted to clarify that Netflix is investing $100million NOT $1.8biillion. #WishfulThinking --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Women make up half of the global population and yet our stories are told at a nominal rate at best. It’s time for Hollywood to change that. | Tomorrow, join me on Clubhouse @maryfnsunshine (3/23/2021 at 10a.m.) for a live convo about precisely that. And writing ... would love to answer questions, get deep, whatever. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today is about inspiration. To return to the very fundamentals of how we as humans learned to communicate in the first place. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode I read (for the first time publicly) the first 2 pages of my short film and the teaser and page one of the pilot episode for my project, “Spiraling”. We will discuss why writing is so important and why finding your words matter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app