The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna 278 | The Screenwriting Life: Joy, Frustration, Advice & Pride (TSL 2025 Supercut)
Jan 1, 2026
This special supercut dives into the joy and frustration of writing, featuring insights from a variety of guests in film and TV. Writers share their happiest moments, like character surprises and the thrill of collaboration. They also tackle challenges, discussing perfectionism and the struggle with deadlines. The guests emphasize the importance of connecting with audiences and the satisfaction of 'having written.' There’s plenty of wisdom on navigating the creative process, encouraging resilience and gratitude along the way.
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Writing Feels Alive When It Comes Through You
- Joy comes when the work feels like it's coming through you, not from you.
- Treat screenwriting as an oral tradition, not a mini-novel, to free pacing and voice.
Do The Work: Practice Over Perfection
- Don't be precious; approach writing like a craft and make lots of work.
- Read lots of screenplays and lean into quirks that become your voice.
Final Mix Highs and Frustrations With Colleagues
- Glen Mazzara loves the final sound mix and seeing collaborators' work come together.
- He gets furious at writers who 'phone it in' and at bad behavior in the writers' room.