The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna 248 | Working Writers Ask Us Questions: An Industry Mailbag
May 8, 2025
In a special mailbag installment, professional screenwriters share their real-world struggles. They tackle the challenge of balancing plot and character, emphasizing the need for honesty and collaboration. Zoom pitching techniques are discussed, focusing on engaging audiences effectively. The emotional crossroads of decision-making in projects are explored, revealing the delicate balance of self-worth. They also blend humor with media insights, touching on the unique challenges of motherhood while pursuing a creative career.
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Trust Your First Instinct
- Lorien McKenna shares how she overcomplicates pitches and returns to her original, simpler idea.
- Trusting initial instincts often leads to better creative outcomes for her.
Plot vs. Emotion Focus
- Pro writers tend to focus heavily on plot due to frequent room meetings and notes.
- Emerging writers focus more on emotional connection and character backstory, revealing two distinct writing mindsets.
Balancing Writing with Other Jobs
- Taking another job outside writing is valid if you can still write alongside it.
- Set deadlines to reassess if the new path aligns with your passion and writing goals.