the write approach » examiner article

screenwriting from the sticks, an interview with jeanne bowerman

Admin — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 05:22:31 +0000

Jeanne Bowerman, unhappy with her career, decided to make a mid-life change and officially titled herself, Writer. While writing had been a hobby of hers, Jeanne recognized her passion for it and without a formal education in writing, taught herself the ins and outs of screenwriting. After only one year of making this decision, Jeanne hosts a popular Twitter group called Scriptchat, has recently taught her first screenwriting class, and is currently shopping her most recent screenplay that she co-wrote with Douglas A. Blackmon based on his Pulitzer Prize winning book, “Slavery by Another Name.” She’s come a long way from reading “Screenwriting for Dummies.” In this second part of an interview with Jeanne Bowerman, she talks about her screenwriting experiences, writing partners, and getting help when you need it.

TM: How many scripts have you written?
JB: I am on my fourth right now, and I’ve had four different writing partners. One person, I wrote two with. I wrote “Slavery” with Doug Blackmon, and one writing partner we ended up not actually writing a single word together because all he wanted to do was talk about the marketing of it and selling it. I kept saying to him, there’s nothing to sell. We have to write it. So we went our separate ways. And now I’m writing with my teenage daughter. It’s like a “Little Miss Sunshine” kind of comedy. I’m really proud of the writing and after the subject of ”Slavery,” I wanted to follow that heaviness with something light and comedic so I can show my range.

To read the entire article, go to www.examiner.com

working in your underwear: writing as a home-based business

Admin — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 03:56:38 +0000

Few careers lend themselves to working from home as well as writing. If you are a writer or even have an inkling (pun intended) for writing, then you might consider working as a freelancer and setting up a home-based business. Of course, this applies to all kinds of writing: copy writing, articles, journalism, blogging, screenwriting, teleplays, poetry, fiction, and stage plays. The best part about working from home is deciding when, where and how you work–even if that means working in your underwear!

For the rest of this article, please go to www.examiner.com

new examiner article: building your business through your chamber of commerce

Taura — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:56:57 +0000

Knowing the importance of networking to build business, last week I attended the L.A.’s Largest Mixer event at the Shrine Auditorium. This event was attended by over 2500 people streaming through the aisles of over 225 exhibitors. Not only was it a great opportunity to meet prospective clients, but also it proved an excellent resource to build partnerships and for business development…

For the rest of the article go to www.examiner.com

new examiner article: writers get out there! networking ideas for writers in los angeles

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:09:46 +0000

For writers it is common to work in a very isolated environment. Many of us need peace and quiet to get our work done. We usually have our own methods that work for each of us to undertake the task of putting word to paper (or monitor, as the case may be). However, this can be problematic if you are trying to make a living as a writer. Finding the balance between writing time and networking is critical for the success of a professional writer.

(For more, see the article at http://www.examiner.com/)

tomorrow’s leaders are writing their own future

Taura — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:11:10 +0000

An incredible group of Los Angeles kids attending Environmental Charter High School in Lawndale are taking charge of their futures by participating in a program called In True Fashion. The program combines cause and commerce and challenges them to work in teams to design a handbag for the high-end bag company, Jamah. The final designs will be marketed by the students in a competition for votes and the winning bag will go into mass production.

Taura Mizrahi from the Write Approach with Nancy Gale and Jacquelyn Weischadle from In True Fashion

Each team has a student in charge of marketing: writing press releases, creating web content, putting together collateral materials, and generally getting out the buzz on their team’s bag. These students, boys and girls alike, are actively taking part in the project. Today’s lesson included a conversation with Taura Mizrahi from The Write Approach about press releases, media alerts, identifying the audience, use of language, and finding the hook.

To read the full article, please visit examiner.com and subscribe to my page. Thanks!

writing for non-profits, a satisfying opportunity for everyone

Taura — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:11:35 +0000

According to GuideStar, there are over 17,000 non-profits in Los Angeles alone. Most of these organizations are in need of writing services for marketing purposes, campaigns, events, and any host of communication pieces. Working with a non-profit is a great way to build your portfolio while finding a sense of satisfaction in the work we do as writers.

Read the full article at examiner.com.

what recession? freelancing is a viable option in a down economy

Taura — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:34:40 +0000

Los Angeles is a city that is comfortable with the term “independent contractor,” thanks to the large mechanism called the entertainment industry. Cast and crew are often hired on a temporary basis during production and then released to tackle the next project. Come tax time, many L.A. mailboxes are stuffed with 1099 forms.

We’ve all read the headlines about job lay-offs, foreclosures, and businesses struggling to survive. What we don’t see, are the numbers of independent contractors who are thriving right now. As a freelance writer in Los Angeles, it behooves you to take advantage of the abundance that this city has to offer. Not only are Angelinos comfortable with the concept of the independent contractor or freelancer, but our economy is ripe for this type of business relationship. It’s the perfect storm of opportunity.

Read the full article at examiner.com.