You can't write a good story without a good idea first... but why are ideas harder to find than a new TV during the Black Friday sales? We explore how to come up with original and unique ideas and where to find inspiration.

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

Show Notes:
This was recorded at the end of August, when the Powerball was obscenely high.
Writer Emergency Pack by John August
http://amzn.to/2yD9oQO

Writers Group Therapy Podcast

Session #1 - Ideas

It all starts with a good story... which means a good start, a strong finish, and knowing how to get there. We discuss how to develop an absolutely awesome, totally kick ass plot that your audience will love.

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

SHOW NOTES:
Big Ideas for Screenwriters - Writing Consultant Barri Evins
http://bigbigideas.com/

Session #2 - Plot Development

Got a script and don't know what to do? Welcome to Writers Group Therapy, a new weekly podcast featuring discussions on topics relevant to writers. We're happy to share our thoughts and experiences to inspire you on your path to writing awesomeness! Ready for your session? The doctors are IN!

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

Writers Group Therapy Promo

If your audience doesn't care about your characters, you've lost the game. We discuss the best ways to create characters that people will care about.

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

Session #3 - Creating Strong Characters

Actors are the ones that bring your finished project to life, but it's surprising how little writers understand an actor's world. We discuss the importance of trying out the #actorslife so you can be a better writer.

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.
Twitter & IG: @wgtherapy

SHOW NOTES:
LA On Camera Training Center - www.laoncamera.com
The Big Four in Improv:
Groundlings: http://www.groundlings.com/school/classes.aspx
Upright Citizens Brigade: https://losangeles.ucbtrainingcenter.com/
Second City: https://www.secondcity.com/courses/hollywood/adult/
IO West: https://www.io-west.com/classes/
Bonus! ComedySportz LA: http://www.cszla.com/adult-classes

Session #9 - Writers as Actors

If you want to be a great writer, you have to be a great... producer? If you want to sell your script, you do! Learn what producers are looking for so you can write a script that stands out.

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

SHOW NOTES:
Current SAG Rates – Go to www.sagaftra.org for current TV, commercial, music video, etc. rates

Session #7 - Writing with Production in Mind

Once upon a time, there was a good, beloved king and an evil witch... until they wanted to switch places and cause havoc in the way audiences view the world. We discuss the evolution of good guys and villains in media, then and now. 

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

Session #8 - Good v Evil

Your English teacher made you do this all the time in school. You hated it then, you hate it now. But now at least you realize the importance of a good outline. Or is it just an antiquated exercise? We discuss how and why outlining (still) matters.

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

Session #6 - Outlining

The bane of every writer's existence... the dreaded case of writers' block. We discuss how to climb over, dig under, go around, or just blow up your biggest writers' block hurdles.

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

Session #5 - Writers Block

We discuss the newest developments in the world of streaming TV and films, and the implications for writers looking to break in. 

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

Session #4 - Streaming

We discuss the how, what, when, where, and why of creating a show bible. Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

Show notes:
https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/bibles

Session #10 - Creating a Show Bible

You're ready to quit your job and be a professional writer! Great idea...or is it? We discuss when you know it's time to take that leap of faith.

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

Show notes:  My apologies, I misspoke. It's Damien Chazelle, not Chapelle.

Session #11 - Are You Ready to be a Pro Writer?

No man is an island. Well, except for maybe writers. We're known for being solitary creatures. But if you want to be successful, maybe you shouldn't go it alone. We discuss the pros and cons of being in a writers group.

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.
 
Show notes: Patricia C. Wrede's blog post about her writers group, as mentioned in the show: http://www.pcwrede.com/a-group-of-ones-own

Session #12 - Do You Need a Writers Group?

Happy holidays! You've bought the tree, you've sung the carols... but you still have to buy the presents! We talk about some things to give the writers in your life.

Visit http://writersgrouptherapy.com/2017/12/session-13-christmas-2017/ for show notes with links to great gift ideas.

Session #13 - Christmas 2017

Happy Hanukkah! Keep those creative juices flowing with these fun writing prompts for the holiday (8 of them for the 8 days of Hanukkah).

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

Session #14 - Hanukkah

Do you write what's popular and hot? Or write the passion project you can't stop thinking about? In this week's session, we debate the pros and cons of writing what you like versus writing what sells.

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

Writers Group Therapy

Session #15 - Write What Sells or What You Like

Do you have your new year's resolutions ready? Yeah, neither do we -- We have something better! We discuss some great ways to kick off 2018.

Visit www.writersgrouptherapy.com for more info.

Session #16 - New Year's 2018

You have the ideas. Now what do you do with them? We discuss how and why to keep an idea file.

SHOW NOTES:
Google Keep: keep.google.com - I (Tom) just discovered this free note keeping app from Google. 
Evernote: www.evernote.com - Evernote syncs all your notes between all your devices and computer.  Free basic or premium upgrades available.
Writer’s Journals – http://amzn.to/2jPSoA0 Planners and journals to keep your ideas in the old fashioned way

Session #17 - Keeping an Idea File

What is coverage? Is it necessary? Why do you need it? We discuss the pros and cons of getting your scripts covered.

Show Notes:

Articles on Coverage
GoodInARoom.com: Script Coverage - Is it worth it? https://goodinaroom.com/blog/script-coverage/

Inktip.com: When is the right time to get analysis? https://www.inktip.com/tips-analysis.php

Scritpmag.com: Why You Shouldn't Use a Script Coverage Service - http://www.scriptmag.com/features/primetime-why-you-shouldnt-use-a-script-coverage-service

The Value of Good Script Coverage: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/value-good-script-coverage-scott-baron/

Session #18 - Coverage

***WE'VE MOVED*** The show is now hosted on ShoutEngine at http://shoutengine.com/WritersGroupTherapy/. Also available on iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn and Google Play Podcasts. All the links are available on www.writersgrouptherapy.com.

A weekly show for anyone who writes or wants to write. Each episode will explore different topics relevant to writers, including tips and techniques and current industry issues. The show is hosted by screenwriter and award-winning songwriter Rachanee Lumayno and screenwriter Tom Loveman. Follow the show on Twitter or Instagram @WGTherapy.

Writers Group Therapy

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