The Screenwriting Life

12/18/2025

🎉 NEW EPISODE! 🎉

How do you make fearless comedy at a studio scale?

THE NAKED GUN writers Doug Mand & Dan Gregor talk structure, emotional arcs, big swings, and why committing fully to the dumbest idea might be the smartest move.

🎧 LISTEN HERE ➡ https://rb.gy/7ukq4p

12/17/2025

On a scale of 1-10, how good is your main character at avoiding VULNERABILITY?

🎁 Use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% your first month of TSL Workshops ➡ https://tslworkshops.circle.so/

12/15/2025

12/11/2025

Holiday movie fans: this one’s for you. 🎄

Writer Maggie Lane (HOTEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS) and producer Eric Jarboe (FALLING FOR CHRISTMAS) break down how Christmas films are pitched, sold, budgeted, and shot - plus what networks REALLY want.

It’s festive, funny, and packed with real industry wisdom. ✨

🎧 LISTEN HERE ➡ http://tiny.cc/40bw001

12/09/2025

What are the poles for your main character from Act 1 to Act 3?

12/09/2025

The best antagonists think they're the hero of the movie 🦸

12/04/2025

🎉 NEW EPISODE! 🎉

How do you write action that actually means something?

JOHN WICK creator Derek Kolstad joins us to talk character, tone, world-building, and the emotional engine behind great action writing.

🎧 LISTEN HERE ➡ https://shorturl.at/GBeMs

12/01/2025

Act Two doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

The trick?

🤜 Beat up your characters! Give them challenges that force them to choose, fail, and try again.

🎁 Use HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month of TSL Workshops ➡ https://tslworkshops.circle.so/

11/28/2025

Female characters often fall into the trap of being victims.

How can you get them out?

✨ Get insights inside TSL Workshops - pre-recorded lessons + live Zooms every month with Meg & Lorien.

🎁 Use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month ➡ https://tslworkshops.circle.so/

11/27/2025

🎉 NEW EPISODE! 🎉

Last week, we explored the roots of imposter syndrome with counselor/healer Madaline Blau.

This week, we move into the body - grounding, instinct, and how to come back to yourself when doubt feels overwhelming.

🧘‍♀️ PLUS: a 10-minute guided visualization from Madaline to help you reconnect to your creative center.

🎧 LISTEN HERE ➡ https://shorturl.at/AH144

11/26/2025

THEME. The thing everyone talks about but no one defines.

Get clarity inside TSL Workshops - pre-recorded lessons + live Zooms every month with Meg & Lorien.

🎁 Use HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month ➡ https://tslworkshops.circle.so/