Turning Doubt Into Triumph
How I Wrote My Best Screenplay in a Shifting Industry
Photo by Dawid Liberadzki
Let’s face it: the entertainment industry has changed dramatically. The pandemic and the writers' strike have revealed a troubling reality—networks and studios are moving away from trusting the voices of screenwriters to craft their stories. Instead, the shift leans toward pre-packaged, formulaic content, threatening the creativity and authenticity that writers bring to the table. As the demand for original, writer-driven content dwindles, it can leave writers questioning: what's the point?
It's even more alarming to know that we're on track for the fewest number of movies and TV shows being greenlit in the past fifteen years. This impacts everyone, from big-budget blockbusters to indie films, and the opportunities for screenwriters to showcase their work are shrinking. With gatekeepers becoming more reluctant to invest in new and diverse voices, it's easy to feel a sense of frustration and uncertainty.
But here’s the thing: I refuse to let fear take over, and you shouldn’t either. The answer is not to stop writing—it’s to write with more boldness and authenticity than ever before. Audiences still need unique voices that bring fresh perspectives and innovative narratives to the screen. Now is the time to step up.
That’s exactly what I've done in my own work. In fact, I’m creating a screenwriting workshop for writers eager to elevate their craft and find their authentic voice. Together, we’ll dive deep into the work that unlocks the themes, characters, and storylines that AI simply can’t replicate. By embracing your distinctive storytelling abilities, you can stand out in an industry that’s becoming more homogenized every day.
Here are five things I’ve done that transformed my approach to screenwriting:
Stay Away from Social Media Social media can wreak havoc on our mental well-being as creators. I used to feel that sting when another screenwriter would post an announcement of their latest project, sending me into a spiral of self-doubt. The best thing I did was take a step back from social media. Three months away felt like the healthiest thing I could have ever imagined.
Read More Books by bell hooks At first glance, bell hooks might not seem directly related to screenwriting—she’s an anthropologist, after all. But diving into her books, especially All About Love and The Will to Change, helped me let go of toxic ideas I was holding onto and embrace my flaws. Those realizations fueled new inspiration in my scripts.
Stop Worrying About the Audience It’s natural to want your work to resonate with audiences, but writing to please everyone is a mistake. I’ve learned that trying to appeal to everyone ends up appealing to no one. Write the story you want to tell, and the right audience will find it.
Turn the Music On One of the most unexpected strategies I adopted was listening to movie scores while writing. Somehow, the music unlocks creativity in ways I can’t explain. It frees the mind, and the words start to flow.
Focus on Obstacles I used to focus on my lead character’s overall journey, but shifting my attention to each step of that journey changed everything. The more difficult I made each step, the higher the emotional stakes became. Keep your protagonist off-balance until the very end.
These strategies have revolutionized my screenwriting, but knowing a few tricks is only part of the puzzle. Truly understanding and applying the craft is what takes your work to the next level. And don’t worry—you’re not alone in this. I’m here to help.
I know the challenges that come with being a writer in today’s industry. I know what it’s like to spend six months on a pitch for a TV show, only to hear the dreaded words, “We’re going in a different direction.” It’s disheartening, but it’s also part of the journey.
That’s why I’ve created this space—because I wish someone had guided me through the tough realities of this career path. I’ve fought through it, and now I’m in the Writers Guild of America, staff writing on a network show, getting paid for first drafts and rewrites, and yes, I’ve even been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Screenwriting.
I love this industry, and I can’t wait to share everything I’ve learned with you so you can create the best possible version of your story. Let’s turn your doubt into triumph.
