Monica Beletsky
@MonicaBeletsky
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Creator|Showrunner|EP| MANHUNT limited series STREAMING now! @appletv Previous work: FARGO, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, THE LEFTOVERS, PARENTHOOD||Co-Parent/Optimist
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Had a parent/teacher virtual conference where I simply said to my son's K teacher she's doing an incredible job (w 19 students) AND her 4 yo at home. She teared up and then I teared up and I just will NEVER forget what teachers have done to accommodate & keep our lives going.
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When I was 4 my dad gave up his dream of being a cellist bc he kept coming in 2nd for orchestras & couldn’t afford to keep going. He took it up for fun a few yrs ago despite having an injured forefinger. This is him today playing 1st cello in a Philly winter concert at 74 yo 😭
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Mileva Maric was the only woman in the physics program w Einstein. She failed her exams a few weeks after discovering she was pregnant and then dropped out. They both were working on 2 papers each. A few years later he published 4 papers that became known as a miracle. No
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I wrote a screenplay about Mileva called EQUALS that will prob never get made but I spent 3 years researching/writing about her and Einstein and her story will always stay with me.
#WomenScienceDay
#WomenInScience
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1st time screenwriter reaches out about a deal they were offered for a low budget feature from a new producer. $100 option to write a screenplay. 🧐Told them to ask for Guild minimum. The next offer they got was 65k. It’s exciting to work, but always negotiate. Know your worth
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Basically there's two ways to be a star on a TV staff. Write outlines and scripts the showrunner barely has to rewrite. Pitch storylines, scenes, images, emotional payoffs, solve story issues etc, that keep landing in the show.
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15 yrs ago, wrote my 1st TV spec. 13 years ago was a writers’ asst. 12 yrs ago staffed on my 1st show. I helped break > 100 eps on staffs. Wrote drafts of my 3rd pilot May-Sept. TODAY I hired a DREAM team of 5 writers & 2 assts! Had my 1st casting meeting. Dream big. Keep going x
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If you want to sell your TV drama pitch here’s some questions you might as well know the answer to cause the buyer will wanna know you know—and if you don’t tell them, I promise you’ll almost definitely be asked.
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I told my sons I love them w all my heart and my 7 yo goes: “I love you too, but I leave a quarter of my heart for myself.” I approve this message. Leave some of your heart for yourself this week, folks. ❤️
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So, this happened… I’m making the series of my dreams with the best team I could hope for. 😭😊❤️
Apple Orders Limited Series About Hunt for John Wilkes Booth From Monica Beletsky, Tobias Menzies to Star via
@variety
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Love. 🙄 I should add that Einstein kept over 10,000 pieces of paper and ephemera of his work and correspondence but the original manuscript for the first theory of relativity is inexplicably missing. After their divorce, he never topped his achievements during their marriage.
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@franklinleonard
Shout-out to
#LivingSingle
creator, Yvette Lee Bowser, the 1st black woman with a prime time series - who was also the writing voice of Whitley on A Different World. She kindly mentored me on my 1st staff gig. One time she finished a
#LivingSingle
script when she was in labor.
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Oh, so there is $276 million extra dollars floating around for this nonsense, meanwhile, we have to fundraise out of pocket for basic services like school librarians, PE teachers, and copiers. Next time, let's invest in our schools, CA.
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Most of the hard work of writing is bringing yourself to focus again and again like a meditation where you clear your mind of all thoughts but the work.
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I didn't go to film school. One thing that's hard for me as a writer, is every time I write, i feel like I'm still figuring out my process. So I watched myself during this last script and took notes on what I do. The big headline
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physicist has had as strong a year in history. Their marriage suffered but she would not grant a divorce- until he promised Mileva the entire Nobel Prize if he were to win it. In 1922, he won for his work of the 1905 “miracle year.” In their love letters, Einstein refers to her
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having the “better topic” and “our work” on relative motion. John Statchel, the Einstein expert who almost single handedly erased academic open mindedness to believing in a co-authorship history took down the theory by insisting Einstein gave Maric too much credit bc he was in
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18 years ago, I moved to LA with a dream to create tv. No job or enough money to rent a place yet, I slept on a kind friend’s sofa for awhile. Yesterday, I was interviewed all day at a marathon press junket for the show I created at a hotel —a few blocks from that apartment. 🥹👩🏽💻
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My kid saw someone on TV without a mask on and asked: Was that in the past?
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2 yrs ago I researched the criminal justice system for a pilot. I met w a Public Defender who works in a major east coast city. I asked if black and brown kids were treated differently by the system than white kids that she represented. She said I’ve never represented a white kid
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It took me 15 years of tv writing to have the opportunity to create my own show. Believe you will get where you want to be, just might not be how you expect it to happen. And bet on yourself. Dream big. Keep going. xx
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If you are overdue for some good news, I am rooting so freaking hard for you.
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The writers you worked for or come up with are your community, not your competition.
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Also, the guy sitting next to him played in the same orchestra with him in high school and they haven’t seen each other in > 30 years. This is one reason why I will support Philly public music education till my last breath.
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Movie drama structure is a character seeks something they want very badly, all the things they face to get it, and as a result of getting it. (The MacGuffin we learn in screenwriting). TV season structure is a character seeks to maintain their core identity despite a life change.
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Someone I’ve never met who seems lovely,
@edithdrod
went out of her way & made a visual aid of my pilot writing thread. She shouldn’t have, but, gee, I’m glad she did. In case it’s helpful, here it is:
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At the Disney lot where my career began as a writers’ assistant on LOST S4 and where we picketed in ‘07 to ensure new media is covered in our contracts.
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Here's how I do a TV series pitch document (format):
TITLE
THE SERIES (what the show is, tone, why it's cool/relevant)
LEADS (character descrips w actor reading it in mind)
CREATOR'S NOTE (why I can write it)
PILOT SUMMARY
PILOT OUTLINE
SUMMARIES OF NEXT EPS (stories, arcs)
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If you’re feeling like writing is a frivolous pursuit, listen. My writing created 21 good jobs last month. I’m proud of this. And I’m just getting started.
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If you overwrite your scripts like me, here’s my checklist for cutting them down without losing story.
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Some professional good news. I’m thrilled and honored to create shows with
@AppleTV
. Tweeps, you’ve been so supportive & I hope to make you proud! xx
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My friend from middle school was hired for her 1st staff writing gig at 41 yo this week. Dream big. Keep going xx
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CA, hey. 76% of voters haven’t voted. Please take a few minutes and vote if you’re able to.
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My staff writer was feeling self conscious re: writing slower than the rest of the staff. Here’s what I texted them. To write faster: Jot down yr ideas & rewrite later. Don’t go back to rewrite till the next day. Don’t perfect sentences now you’ll prob cut anyway. Log off apps.
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One of my mentees took a class in 2018, wrote 10 scripts since. Got into two programs, placed a song on an HBO show, got staffed twice recently, got a feature assignment and now just got an overall deal. This last year he totally transformed his life. Worked so hard. Very proud!
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It took me 11 years as a professional tv/screenwriter to get my 1st green light & 3 years to develop, write, & produce my passion project limited series. Dream big. Keep going x
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I bent a rule because I'm a softie/sucker & then my 7 yo looked at me dead in the eye, knowing he pulled a fast one and said: Your weakness is your children.
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The biggest scam was being raised to believe the good guys win most of the time.
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Is there anything showrunners can do to expedite more Black hair stylists into the union? This is important
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I used to stand in the hallway to watch TV that was too grown for me on my mom's bedroom TV when she thought I was asleep. The writing on one of the shows floored me & blew my mind. Now I'm meeting with the writer & director of that show for something I wrote. Life is beautiful.
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Women writers in tv and film are still trailblazing in 2021. There is still a lot of glass ceiling to break especially in feature screenwriting, non network drama and non autobiographical comedy.
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WA promoted to staff writer. ✅ Writer who did their 1st staff job w me already on to their next show, w longer contract ✅ Room picked up for 10 more weeks ✅☺️🎉💓💪🏽
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Historians preserved more details about Booth’s horse than about Mary Simms.
Our show is not a documentary, so the question became, how to depict Mary without enough of her story? What we do have is her courageous testimony at the co-conspirators’ trial. And that was important
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TV writers: A heads up for your expectations. It seems a growing trend is needing your pilot plus the second ep script before your show is picked up. At least in limited. Are you seeing this in other categories, too?
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A lot of times your producers’ note about character arc is solved by rebreaking the 1st scene where they’re introduced. Showing who they are and what’s at stake for them or what their conflict is can do wonders for getting to the next draft.
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I promise you every writer winning awards this and every season stayed home a lot of nights like this writing. It’s lonely. It takes immense restraint from distraction. It can be demoralizing, mundane, seem impossible. The only way is through. About to do another lap. Who’s in?
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Giving notes to writers is a lot like being mindful in a relationship. Catching them being good, rather than just letting them know what you don’t like, soft starts, asking their intentions before making assumptions and collaborative problem solving.
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During a pitch today, my producer described me as 'the best writer no one's ever heard of' & that was one of the nicest things anyone's ever said about me.
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Unis not letting students defer and charging the same tuition is gonna radicalize a lot of young people and devalue the value of a college education
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Left Facebook around 2018, no regrets. Got addicted to Twitter instead bc I prefer knowing too much about people I don’t know more than I enjoy knowing too much about people I used to know.
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@RandyX
I understand the guilt you feel. But you shouldn’t have been forced by them to choose traumatic professional drama vs your well-being and job security.
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Showrunners raised 25k for groceries today. I hope the AMPTP offers writers and actors a fair deal soon. I ❤️ this community. We will win.
We had our biggest day today thanks to the INCREDIBLE generosity of an amazing group of showrunners and raised close to 25k just today!! I'm truly speechless and filled with so much gratitude.
I'll be spending the day tomorrow sending funds. Love and solidarity to all!
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Friend sent me an article in a psych magazine that reported uncertainty is as stressful as bad news or worse. Multiply that by everyone. Yup.
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My 5 yo already took a picture of himself ‘paying attention’ & set it up on zoom so his teacher thinks he’s there when he wants to leave or lie down. 🤦🏽♀️🤣
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I’ll be on a Television Academy panel about limited series: Why they’re so hard to make & how to make them anyway. Other panelists include Anna Winger (UNORTHODOX) and Craig Mazin (CHERNOBYL). Also, my producer, Layne Eskridge! Save the date: Feb 12, 11AM PST. Looking forward!
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I teach a TV writing workshop & mentor the writers who get into this. Apply!
Submissions are OPEN for the
@WomenInFilm
x Black List Episodic Lab! is Non-professional TV writers who are of an underrepresented gender (women, NB/GNC, and/or trans, and others) are eligible for this Lab.
Learn more and submit by 7/22/21:
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IMHO the Oscars shouldn't need to rely on ratings bc they're the inspiration for the next generation of filmmakers. Kids at home who for the first time learn what a sound mixer, composer, cinematographer, or screenwriter does, starts watching differently & sees - I could be that.
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Screenwriting’s an act of faith. Courage to believe in yourself. The gumption to assert you want to contribute to the conversation & culture. In a future not guaranteed. Writers use what they know of living, seeing & feeling what matters before others. Writing’s vulnerable, brave
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Can scene be cut? (story still makes sense) Without losing emotion? Without losing the journey?) Start scene later? Get out earlier? Show it visually? When do we get it? (Cut out there?) Said too many times? Needs to be said or just nice to have? Less characters? Make one point
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In 2012, Sundance let me know my spec screenplay made it through every round but the final selections for the Lab. It was one of the hardest rejections I had experienced bc I got so close. Six yrs later, I'm writing two screenplays with a major studio. Dream big. Keep going. xx
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I’ll be honest. For loglines I mostly google loglines from successful series or films in the same tone and genre as what im writing and just reword them.
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Been developing TV & features professionally for the past 8 years besides staffing, but nothing's been made yet. Some days, I really want to give up & feel terrible. But, I'm closer than ever. Dream big. Keep going. xx
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A lot of excelling at TV writing is having talent and strong work already. It's kind of true that the hardest part is breaking in. Even writers with a few seasons' experience are learning. Because a lot is learning on the job. I wish this for all of you who work hard to improve.
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I was feeling pretty blue waiting for a loooong time for good news and was giving up. Then an hour later I got some long awaited good news. Dream big. Keep going. Feel it coming. It might be a long ass block. But it’s around the corner.
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Writers (including myself) I've hired have dealt with/deal w diabetes, infertility, OCD, ADHD, cancer, chronic pain, sexual trauma, sudden loss of loved ones, food & housing insecurity, miscarriage, anxiety, & clinical depression. You can do this, too. Dream big, keep going. xx
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My room is working 11-1, 2-4 and it’s highly productive. Being on a screen sitting still for much longer than that seems really hard w diminishing returns and this gives everyone some time to get outside before sunset. Recommending this!
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A-list talent attached to my work every year since ‘18 but nothing’s been made yet. I joke my memoir will be titled It Could Happen. This week I hear if a recent feature pitch (co-write) sold & an Oscarswinning director’s reading my pilot. It Will Happen? Dream Big. Keep going xx
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Reading the Mariah Carey stuff. Is ‘high-maintenance’ ever used to describe men? Or do they mostly get to be ‘detail-oriented’? ‘Visionary?’ And “know what they want.” 🤔
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Before I wrote professionally, I’d watch TV and see about five writers in the credits on a show I loved and wonder how the Hell could I ever think I could beat those kind of odds and one day be one of five. But then I’d also say well why NOT me... and spend my weekend writing.
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The sweetest gift was when I was losing hope, 2 friends (married to each other) asked for my pilot, read it out loud to each other 'playing' all the roles, & then told me everything they laughed at, loved & why. Give writers positive, specific feedback. We put so much thought in.
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For anyone new to anxiety who might be confused—the exhaustion is probably stress.
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I'm enjoying being a boss. I could get used to it. I love creating jobs. I love leading a team. I love noticing strengths. I love increasing A games. I love the comradery. I love the surprising ideas & increasing quality that comes from a hivemind.
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I think the most meaningful thing you can do for a writer whose work you enjoy (besides giving them space to write & reading/watching them) is to tell them something very specific that you noticed & appreciated about their work. It happens so rarely at all levels & means so much
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When I was an assistant in TV, I’d sometimes sleep a few hrs & then have to wake up around 1 am to work on sending writers notes so they could write a script on a tough deadline. One night, I kept going bc I told myself: well, one day I’ll wake up @ 1am for my own deadline. Yep
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My unpopular opinion is if you truly believe in lifting up Black women you could start with supporting and voting for funding public schools throughout this country until there is no such thing as a neighborhood public school you wouldn’t send your own child to.
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You will write more drafts of your pilot- even after everything’s written-than you ever imagined possible. The script it was days ago is different now and will be different this weekend. It’s one of the great mysteries of life. It can almost always get better w time & smart ideas
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When I was starting out I used to think it was utter magic when I’d see showrunners come up w detailed scenes out of the blue that would remain in the episode pretty much exactly how they thought of it out loud. Also when they’d hear a pitch and know exactly how to improve it.
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Single for the 1st time in 11 years. In a pandemic. But still happier. Tomorrow isn’t promised. Pursue your happiness. xx
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Last year I gave up using the words ‘just’ and ‘sorry’ in emails unless it was an actual apology (after seeing someone suggest this on here) and it felt empowering, had no consequences, and I’m not going back. Still working on reducing exclamation points. 😉
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A lot of women at my level in tv are not seen as creators despite right handing on critically acclaimed shows. In fact I know more guys with almost no experience with series than the amount of women who worked on prestige shows I know who have shows. I’m picky as hell
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Get yourself a friend who has read your script 2 hours after you sent it & tells you it's great. I'm not that friend.
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Talked to a writer on here who was feeling less than for being a bartender to pay the bills. If you’re feeling discouraged this is what I said: This career is kind of like golf. You’re not really playing your peers, you’re playing against yourself. On your own timeline.
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Latest pilot script's done. Writing them since '09, 11 yrs. Still took me 4 drafts from notes from executives to get to the network Presidents. That's after 3 initial drafts on my own for the 1st draft. Started writing in April (pitch & outline). Sharing to normalize the process.
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1. Condense wordiness/descriptions to be active
2. Include Character descriptions & ages
3. Instead of just describing the scene PUT US IN THE SCENE
4. Try to solve logic bumps - point out to MB if you can’t fix.
5. Land scenes’ story or emotion- why we’re moving to next scene
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Congrats to the writers who are finalists in the WB writing fellowship! It’s a huge accomplishment. If you’re a finalist or recently won a tv writing fellowship, would you mind replying w your best guess as to what made the positive difference with your application/share a tip?
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I find out if I’m a boss soon. What are your fav qualities of them? Or, what have you learned works to get the best from a team when you were in charge?
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Finished writing two outlines this weekend and here’s how I did it. Deleted Insta and Twitter apps from my phone.
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Bc
@SenKamalaHarris
ran, my boys told me to run, assumed their mom could be President, too. So what I see is Harris putting herself out there & being such a contender impacted a generation of kids. She normalized that we can assume a brown woman is someone who might be President.
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I have some good news. (No pressure!) 👩🏽💻
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When I was first working, I was quickly very good at the second. I would regularly pitch stories that landed in episodes, scenes, emotional moments, funny lines, etc. I was much stronger in the room than on the page. Somehow I could improv the show outloud better than I wrote.
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I asked her why not. She said, because they’re always released. Always? Always she said. For the same accusations, same charges. I said but how? She said you get a phone call indicating they deserve a chance or a judge is told they have good parents and it’s over. This haunts me.
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Giving someone a huge platform like Meghan McCain who isn’t an expert in anything but being a daughter & isn’t elected to office is a huge mistake our culture keeps making. She & Dr. Fauci having equal audience is insane. She wouldn’tve even been taken seriously at my high school
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A writer I mentor came in 9th place in a fellowship program that takes 8 writers out of 3000 entries. HUGE bummer. Also, SO encouraging. Similar thing happened with me & Sundance in '12. The closer you are to success, the more painful the disappointments. Dream big. Keep going.
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Being real w ya’ll. Have the most important professional call of my career tomorrow AM. I’m recently divorced and my ex has to be on a flight to help a family member. The only way this is happening is bc my childcare worker stepped up and is coming over on a weekend for an hour.
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