The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

In Part 1 of our deep dive into imposter syndrome, counselor and healer Madaline Blau helps us understand where creative insecurity really comes from - and why so many writers feel stuck between confidence and collapse. We unpack instinct, how insight shapes character and story, and the early experiences that form our creative identity. This episode ends at a powerful emotional pause, with Part 2 picking up next week as we move into grounding, embodiment, and a guided visualization with Madaline. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside ⁠TSL Workshops ⁠- your first 5 days are free. Episode Links: Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. --- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melissa Rosenberg - creator of JESSICA JONES, head writer of DEXTER, and screenwriter of the TWILIGHT films - joins Lorien to talk about what it takes to stay grounded as a storyteller. From building creative communities to rediscovering her artistic voice after decades in Hollywood, Melissa reflects on the evolving balance between ambition, authenticity, and healing through story. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside ⁠TSL Workshops ⁠- your first 5 days are free. Episode Links: Bennington College's new MFA in Screenwriting Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. --- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Han, a New York Times bestselling author and showrunner, dives into the intricacies of adapting young adult fiction for the screen. She discusses balancing the demands of showrunning with the solitary nature of novel writing. From managing fandom expectations to crafting authentic emotions, Jenny shares her insights on writing love stories and first experiences. She also reveals the joys of visual storytelling and the significance of character growth, especially in her series about coming-of-age and self-discovery.

Join director Justin Harding, co-writer Cheryl Meyer, and star Peyton Elizabeth Lee as they dive into the making of the campy slasher film Carved. Justin shares insights on practical effects and the film’s evolution, while Cheryl discusses crafting an engaging script that keeps emotional stakes high. Peyton highlights the importance of three-dimensional characters for actors. The trio also reminisces about their first horror films and the fun dynamics of balancing humor with genuine terror, revealing the creative joy behind writing impactful horror.

So you want to be a screenwriter… now what? In a rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes, we dig into the essential questions every writer should ask before jumping into a draft — questions that are just as valuable for seasoned pros as they are for those starting out. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside TSL Workshops - your first 5 days are free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sheila Hanahan Taylor, a seasoned film producer known for the Final Destination franchise, shares insights on crafting the essential 90-second elevator pitch. She emphasizes the pitch's role in capturing character arcs and building genuine connections. Alyssa Alvarado, director of the Austin Film Festival’s Screenplay Department, explains the pitch competition format and its significance for up-and-coming writers. They analyze several compelling pitches, offering invaluable advice on clarity, tone, and character stakes, ensuring each story resonates with judges.

Joined by Emmy-winner Jeff Hiller, known for his role in Somebody Somewhere and his heartfelt memoir, Actress of a Certain Age, the conversation dives into the myth of the 'big break.' Jeff shares insights on finding your authentic voice, tackling rejection, and the challenges of midlife creativity. He highlights the importance of honesty in storytelling, both on and off screen, and discusses using improv to enhance performances. With humor and candor, he inspires listeners to pursue their dreams at any age.

Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, talented directors from Sony Pictures Animation, dive into their latest project, K-pop Demon Hunters. They explore how they balanced heartfelt story elements with humor and music, revealing the emotional center of their narrative. The duo discusses the character sacrifice that shapes the plot, their collaborative songwriting process, and the importance of intimate character moments. With insights on how specificity can unlock universal themes, they share the creative journey behind crafting a vivid, interconnected world.

Akiva Goldsman, an Academy Award-winning screenwriter known for A Beautiful Mind and I Am Legend, shares invaluable insights on making writing a sustainable career. He emphasizes treating writing like a job with set hours to reduce anxiety. Akiva discusses the importance of knowing your story's ending, crafting first drafts as a form of seduction, and using dialogue that resonates emotionally. He also tackles the myth of writer's block, encouraging writers to keep producing. Plus, he reveals how to embed personal truth into adaptations.

Dive into the essential elements that fuel a feature film's story engine. Discover the vital difference between situation and story, as well as the eight core components that drive your narrative forward. Gain insights into the importance of your main relationship and how it serves as the emotional heart. Learn to differentiate between external wants and internal needs, plus strategies for escalating conflict. Finally, get practical tips to diagnose and refine your story engine through the drafting process.