Gratitude Post
Another short and sweet post this month
How I’m Staying Sane
I’m doing a double post this month. I wanted to do a gratitude post INPO.
The WGA Agency/Manager list came from reps who were open to new clients. Out of 152 reps (agents & managers), 24 are looking for mid-level, 25 for upper-level, and 26 for showrunners. Lower-level and definitely mid-level writers are not shut out, even with this contraction. This is some hope.
Paid and free subscribers (you guys). Thank you for your support. It means the world to me.
Those who have already signed up for my pitching class. Also, I have another class with Roadmap in December that’s focused on Fellowship bio/essays. Below is the info for the bio and essay class, followed again by the pitch class. I recommend the bio and essay class even for screenwriters already working, because I also go over how to diversify your bio or essay for residencies, grants, etc., and if you’re a screenwriter hoping to diversify, don’t miss this class.
More info below on both classes.
1) Bio & Fellowship Essay Clinic
Two Saturdays: 12/06 & 12/13 | 1:00–3:00 PM PT
Whether you’re applying to screenwriting fellowships, grants, labs, or residencies, your bio and personal essay are make-or-break elements. This 2-week clinic helps you build a compelling, flexible personal narrative that works across opportunities.
Two ways to participate:
Clinic Tier - Get personalized feedback on your one-page bio or essay, plus a possible second round of revisions depending on enrollment.
Webinar Tier - Observe the process, learn from live examples, and take notes on instructor and peer feedback.
You’ll walk away with a strong foundation for a standout bio or fellowship essay, along with insights from real examples that have “won.”
Learn more and sign up here: https://www.roadmapwriters.com/products/fellowship-essays-and-bios
2) The Craft & Business of Pitching
Three-Part Workshop: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12 | 5:00 PM PT
(1.5–2 hours each, depending on Q&A)
This workshop explores both how to pitch and how the business around pitching actually works, specifically from the perspective of lower- and mid-level writers. Most pitch classes and workshops are taught from an upper-level perspective, leaving emerging writers without the practical insight they need. Unlike most pitch classes that focus only on structure, you’ll hear actual pitches from lower-level writers that sold in the room, as well.
Two tiers available:
Pitch Tier (limited to 10 participants): Receive personalized feedback on your five-minute pitch, with potential for a second round of notes.
Webinar Tier (unlimited): Observe, take notes, and learn from live examples, instructor feedback, and peer discussion.
In either tier, you’ll walk away with valuable insight into hearing pitches that sold, which is a rare opportunity.
Learn more and sign up here:
https://www.pagecraftwriting.com/pagecraft-online-programs/thecraftandbusinessofpitching/
Speaking engagements. I did my first paid one during the strike and have another one coming up. I’ll post about it when I know I can, I feel fancy (and a little bit
of a fraud).
A Friendsgiving I hosted out of town recently with my husband. We did surf-and-turf style with lobster and turkey.
One of my closest friends essentially got staffed again in two back-to-back rooms. Two rooms! I can’t say more than that as it’s not my story to tell, but this gives me hope because I really do believe that rising tides lift all boats.
Some days I feel grateful, and some days I feel fine, and that’s okay. I’m grateful that I’m not always grateful. It’s okay to just feel like you’re only surviving sometimes.
Taking a brief break from the novel because of screenwriting deadlines and such, and not beating myself up for not being able to balance a gazillion projects at once. Some days I only have time to do one thing, and that’s okay! I’m appreciative that I’m not trying to grind myself to dust.
Making progress on this new pilot, and the feedback is unlike anything I’ve gotten before. I’m not sure how I feel about people saying “this is most me” because it’s the darkest thing I’ve probably written and the most personal, lol. But I’m feeling grounded in it.
Resources
Today’s free resource is that Slate is looking for writers. So if you have an essay that fits, check out their BlueSky post here:
Behind the paywall are two resources. One is a discount link to the pitch class I’m teaching behind the paywall, and the other is a free marketing Zoom for writers tomorrow by Headliner House.
