Category: Resources

40 years worth of TV writing experience and info, yours for the taking.

Time Now for a Short Lesson in Reality TV Writing from Troy DeVolld

NOTE FROM LB: Troy’s article today is on four key written elements in today’s “reality” TV world. (They’re also key elements in “fictional” TV shows, but most of the time the networks take them out of your hands, whether you want them to or not.) You may not know the following terms:

Superteasers. Teases. Next Ons. Prev Ons.

Look these up! Master them! I know people who’ve had huge careers based on their handling of what Troy’s talking about right HERE: read article

Allie Theiss: 3 Steps To Creating Over-The-Top Characters That A-listers Will Love To Play

by Allie Theiss

What do Kramer from ‘Seinfeld,’ Goren from ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent,’ and Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren from ‘Orange is the New Black’ have in common?

All three are characters created with a little bit of crazy and a dollop of extreme.

Characters on TV are rarely like real people. If we wanted to watch real, we’d stare at our neighbors. read article

Why is This Writing Thing So Hard?

by David Perlis

I doubt this one will be brief, but it will have to be quick, because I’m about four weeks behind on a deadline, and I thought writing something, anything, would be better than nothing. So I’m writing this. Single draft, quick bang, brain to screen, let’s do this.

Right now, this is me:

For four weeks this has been me. Writing, scrapping, starting over, writing, scrapping. I took a five hour drive up to Mountain View last week just to clear my head and see what the open road would do for me. Long drives always inspire me. This one was no exception. I probably had ten great ideas come to me, and they’ve each been scrapped for the subsequent better idea. Listening to writers online helps. It’s how the above clip made it onto this post, as I’ve been listening to a lot of Charlie Kaufman. I writer who says he knows nothing. And I believe him—yet he still makes it happen, and does it brilliantly. read article

Dennis O’Neil is Watching Netflix’s ‘Defenders’

Team-Ups!
by Dennis O’Neil

So it’s a ball boiler inside the Manhattan office building because although I’m pretty sure air conditioning existed it did not become ubiquitous until after the war that the good ol’ US of A was sliding into. What we’re looking at is an open window on an upper floor and somehow (are we pigeons?) we get inside and behold!

Three middle-aged men, suit jackets draped over chairs, ties loosened, discussing the comic books they edit. They have had solid successes with characters a couple of young guys named Bill Everett and Carl Burgos brought in. The topic under discussion: more! More of Burgos’s Human Torch, of Everett’s Sub-Mariner: and yes, of course, more profits, and maybe this year’s Christmas bonus will be worth more than a subway token.

Then one of the three (wise men?) has The Idea: Combine ‘em! Put them in the same issue…no, put ‘em in the same story. read article

How to Survive Writing Conferences

by Heather Weidner

I love writing and book conferences. These are good ways for authors to network with readers, writers, fans, bloggers, and others in the publishing industry. I learn so much at each one. Here are some hints that I’ve picked up along the way that can help you navigate events and networking.

  1. Wear comfortable shoes. My Fitbit always gets a workout.
  2. Keep emails about events (with the contact information) that you’re scheduled to attend. I always keep a folder with emails and receipts. It makes it easier if you have to remember a name or a time.
  3. Plan out your day of panels, workshops, and activities. Know where the rooms are. I went to one conference where the events were in two different hotels.
  4. Wear layered clothes. Conference centers are often too hot or too cold.
  5. You’re going to get a lot of books and swag. Make sure you have room to get it all back home. Many conferences have mailing centers to ship items.
  6. Carry bookmarks and business cards with you. You’ll network everywhere, and it’s a good idea to have items to share.
  7. When you do panels, workshops, or signings, bring a copy of your latest book. It creates a visual for the audience. I bought some portable book stands, and they work great to showcase the latest novel.
  8. Have your supplies handy (e.g. bookmarks, give-aways, business cards, pens, etc.) I have an emergency box with extra pens, scissors, and tape.
  9. Take lots of pictures for social media posts. I learned years ago from a social media guru to post regularly during conferences. Use the event hashtags and tag people that you network with.
  10. Bring a notebook or paper. Even if I’m on a panel, someone says something that I want to jot down. These events are a great exchange of ideas.
  11. If you’re doing an event, make sure you have give-aways. Candy is always good (especially chocolate)! Many conferences have hospitality rooms where authors can leave bookmarks or postcards.

Heather Weidner is a mystery author know for the Delanie Fitzgerald Mystery series as well as many other fine works. This post first appeared on her very informative, most excellent blog. Thanks, Heather!