Encouraging writers with Kenya Barris, Creator/Writer/Executive Producer of the ABC family sitcom 'Black•ish'...

In my mission to Help Writers Write Right, I have asked Kenya Barris (Creator/Writer/Executive Producer of ‘Black∙ish’ and Co-Writer/Co-Producer of ‘Barbershop 3’) to help me out by answering a few questions that many writers have asked me:

D. Patrice: Thank you so much Kenya for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help me encourage other writers during their journey. 

So, I’ve been meeting a lot of writers who have joined the Web Series community in hopes to get some type of development deal.  Especially after “Money & Violence” on YouTube was picked up by Jay Z’s Tidal.

Kenya:  I think a Web Series is a great opportunity for a Writer or Director to present their voice and find an audience.

D. Patrice: Definitely.  Are there any Web Series that you find yourself watching in your spare time?

Kenya:  I haven't found myself watching many Web Series of late, but I really enjoyed Broad City and I feel that Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, the two stars and creators of the show, did a really good job creating fun and honest characters with a specific voice.  And it's a funny show. 

D. Patrice: Yes, it is funny.  And the fact that it started as a Web Series on YouTube and then was later developed  into a TV show on Comedy Central, with the same main actresses who’ve written a lot of the episodes now for three seasons… that’s pretty damn awesome and inspiring.  It inspires writers and directors to want to keep creating great content.  What do you feel we need more when creating a Web Series?

Kenya:  I think we need more creative people to find their voice. 

D. Patrice: Definitely.  As a writer, your original writing style is what makes you stand out from the many writers who are trying to get produced or published.

I always say that as a writer, when you decide that’s the career path you’re going to take, you really have to put your heart into it and really want it.  We all know it's not easy to get that one door to open up for us.

So, how did that door open up for you? Was it extremely challenging before landing your first writing gig?

Kenya:  I'm not sure my struggle is different than anyone else's.   It's basically about working hard. I started off as a P.A. and managed to work my way up through being an assistant to finally getting staffed. I also think finding a really good mentor to help you navigate through the industry can really be helpful in nurturing your career. 

D. Patrice: Having a mentor really helps.  Or even just words of encouragement or some advice does the trick.  Years back when I first met you, when I was an intern, there was a piece of advice you had given me that I still remember to this day... it helped me as a writer.  There are some writers I work with now who get really disappointed at times and feel like they’re not on the right path.  What advice would you give to a discouraged writer?

Kenya: Read any and everything. Watch movies and TV shows and most importantly write.  I think it's very important to find your voice.

D. Patrice:  Yes!  That’s the best way to master your craft.  So what makes a script good to you?  And what should people avoid when writing one?

Kenya:  I think what makes a script good is when it jumps off the page and you find yourself lost in the world.  I think writers should write what they know, and tell their story from an honest place.

D. Patrice: Okay and last question… what do you look for in a script when reading someone else's work?

Kenya:  Originality.  A voice.  Dialogue that's interesting and unique. 

D. Patrice:  Awesome.  Well thank you so much Kenya and congratulations on all your writing success!

If you would have asked me two weeks ago what's been the highlight of the path I have taken of 'Helping Writers Write Right', I would have told you: the great feedback I've received and especially the feedback from my Screenwriting workshops. Which by the way, the workshops were very successful (I will post the reviews next week). 

But last week, I found someone on social media who I used to mentor (when she was about 17 years old) and what she told me reminded me that no matter how challenging this entrepreneurial life is... I have to keep in mind that you never know who you are inspiring.

"It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness."- Seneca

Last year I decided I no longer wanted to have a personal Facebook account. So I deleted it. A few months ago, I got back on social media for business purposes. When I found the young lady (who is now in her late 20's) she basically told me how she's been looking all over for me because she has decided to write a book, and before I deleted my account I was her inspiration to not give up on her goals. She brought up the conversations we had, when she was a teenager, about her wanting to go to college and she remembered my goals of wanting to be a successful Writer. I was shocked and I found it amazing that she even remembered the discussions we had over 10 years ago. She was looking up to me after all these years and I had no idea. Now I will be editing her book as she writes it and I couldn't be more proud.

Needless to say... that right there would be the highlight! I am so honored to be able to empower others.

2 dates left! First class is on Monday, June 20th. Space is limited and it's almost full... Don't miss out!


To register, click the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screenwriting-101-workshop-tickets-25467376609?aff=eandprexshre&ref=eandprexshre

Also, to check out what's been keeping me busy these past few weeks check out my instagram (@dpwrites), where you will find pictures of the Web Series I am working on. I am responsible for revising the scripts of all 10 episodes. 


Have a great week and... Happy Writing!

Screenwriting 101 Workshop Admission

Happy Monday!!! 

So it's finally official... you can now reserve your spot for one of my one-day workshops by clicking on "Screenwriting 101 Workshop Admission" above.  I am so excited to be able to share my gift with you.  My goal for anyone who attends my workshop is to leave them feeling more confident about their script and great about their skill.

We will go over character development, formatting, structure, and plot. I will also give one-on-one assistance with the outline and the script of your original story.  So make sure to bring your laptop along with your creative thoughts.   I am looking forward to being a part of your amazing journey!


For those who are new to my site, here's some information about me... I have received my Masters Degree in Screenwriting from California State University- Northridge in 2007.  Since then I have worked in Development for Features and TV projects alongside Writers and Producers such as Felicia D. Henderson and Mona Scott Young. I have previously written and directed short films and is currently providing Script Coverage and Script Editing services to Film/TV Writers.  In addition, while attending graduate school at CSUN, I had the privilege to teach two of Professor Eric Edson's (very successful Screenwriter and book author) undergraduate film courses.

If you are ready to go to the next level of Screenwriting, make sure to click the link above.  There are three dates available with limited seats.  So make sure to reserve your spot soon.  See you there! 

Script Coverage... Is It Worth It?

Whenever I receive reviews like these, my heart just melts. If you haven't guessed it by now... being a Script Reader & a Script Editor is more than just a career for me, it's something I am very passionate about.

I know it's not easy being a Writer, it can be very emotional. Sometimes you want to quit, sometimes you don't feel successful, and sometimes (because you may not be trained or you may not know the importance of certain elements) you make mistakes that you don't realize you make until you get that Script Coverage. And most of the time, that (well written) Script Coverage is exactly what you need to get you going.


Knowing all of this, I have to be ready as an Editor or Reader to have difficult discussions. But because my goal is to make sure that Writers feel confident and great about their skill, it comes natural to me. I love being able to share my gift with Writers. And you know what? I am especially excited to be able to share my gift this summer at my Screenwriting workshops that I'll be teaching at Boob Tube Studios. It even has a "Writer's room" feel to it. So not only will it be educational, but it's also going to be epic. Check out the room:

If you would like to find out more information about my Screenwriting 101 workshops, please contact me at https://www.facebook.com/WriteMePink or you can find me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dpwrites.

And as always, feel free to leave a comment or contact me via Facebook or Instagram if you would like to inquire about my script coverage, script editing or proofreading services.


Have a great week... and HAPPY WRITING!!!!

I meant to write this sooner, but these past couple of weeks have been filled with meetings, writing script coverage for feature length scripts, proofreading scripts, and a few days of being a Scripty on an independent production.  But I wouldn't have it any other way! I'm so thankful for the opportunities. 

(where all the magic takes place ;)

One thing that I love about being a Script Supervisor is that I get to utilize my keen eye for detail in an environment that I consider home... #setlife.   When you are passionate about your craft, like I am, you aim for perfection by all means necessary... even when we know nothing is perfect.  ;) I believe that's why my clients who have used my Script Editing and Script Coverage Services keep coming back for more.  Because it's evident that I want their scripts to be perfect and I want them to believe in their skills as much as I do with mine.

Additionally, my 10 years of Production experience in California has really helped me identify the do's and don't s in this industry and specifically what is expected on any set from a Script Supervisor and from a production as a whole.  Right now, I am in Atlanta where film and tv is still growing and I am so excited to see where it will be in the next few years.  

I appreciate the young filmmakers who are making a way for themselves in this industry and taking advantage of the platforms we have now.  I recently worked with a couple of awesome Production Assistants who found my job to be very interesting.  I admired their curiosity to know what exactly it was that I was writing in my script daily logs and also the notes on my scripts.  I excitingly shared my knowledge with them in hopes of them becoming the awesome filmmakers they aspire to be.  I remember how challenging it was as a PA to get some one-on-one time with some of the crew I worked with.  I look back and laugh at how I used to run around like a chicken with his head cut off, just so that I could perform my PA duties while at the same time finding ways to shadow Directors, Scripties, etc.  So it's only right for me to turn around and help those willing to learn.

Speaking of "willing to learn"... I will be teaching Screenwriting 101 this summer and I am super excited about it.  I love love love helping my fellow Writers! As soon as everything is finalized, I will post the details.

In the meantime, here are some tips for those who are looking into Script Supervising:

1. Sit down with the Director beforehand to establish the communication that is expected by each party during production.  Communication is key.

2. If anything doesn't look right, remember (no matter what) the continuity falls on you and your name is attached to the project.

3. Writers have different styles of writing.  So read the script(s) way ahead of time, in case you have to meticulously break-down the script.  This is important so that you and the Editor will clearly understand what you are logging.

Have an awesome week... and HAPPY WRITING!!

To help start off your week, I’ve added some writing quotes below that I have found to be very motivating over the years.  A couple of them I recently found, and hopefully they can encourage my fellow writers who may have some difficulty writing. :)

But before I get to that… if you’ve checked out my Instagram, then you may know that I assisted adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities for 4 years.   They have a special place in my heart and I want to do all I can to spread the word about April being Autism Awareness Month.  If you would like to support, make sure to rock the color blue and research the facts about Autism.  Many people don’t know that Autism impacts 1 in every 68.  And like I wrote on my Instagram, it doesn’t mean someone with Autism doesn’t have abilities… it just means they learn things differently and they should still be accepted in society just like anyone else.  #LightItUpBlue!

 #AutismAwarenessMonth on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Have a great day y'all, and be on the look out for my next blog when I share my Script Supervisor experience (with helpful tips for Writers who plan to shoot their scripts) on a new Web Series I am working on this week.  Stay tuned!

“If you wait for inspiration to write, you’re not a Writer, you’re a Waiter.” – Dan Poynter

“You don’t start off writing good stuff.  You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it.  That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.” – Octavia Butler

 “The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.” – Maya Angelou

“You fail only if you stop writing.” – Ray Bradbury

Happy Spring Writing! 

  

I think most Writers would agree that we all pretty much have the same goal: for our hard work and creative talent to be published, sold, filmed, or heard.  But what makes our individual goals unique are the different paths we have taken that has led us to proclaim, “I want to write” or “I AM a Writer.” 

Just this past week, I met a Screenwriter who needed me to edit her script.  I read it, and I thought the story line and the characters were simply amazing.  After finding out the story was written based on some of the Writer’s past experiences, I became intrigued and asked her if she wouldn’t mind sharing her full background with me.  What she disclosed to me was so powerful, and I commended her for the strength she had to create a story from her past situations.  She gained a reward from it.  Which is, she is finally being heard and getting her power back.  Since the day she made the decision to write, many doors have opened up for her.  And we Writers know how difficult it can be to make a career out of our passion.

    

So I say all that to say… My fellow Writers, if you ever feel like quitting on your dream, I want you to pause that thought and start thinking about why you started writing in the first place.  DON’T GIVE UP!  If you work hard at it, SOMETHING will come from it.  Whether it is something monetary or spiritual, your determination will be rewarded. 

I started writing over 20 years ago.  It was therapeutic for me.  It was the only way I could vent or release the pain I was secretly going through at the time.  Eventually, writing became a habit.  I wrote to live.  The first script I ever read was an episode of Family Matters.

This week has been very exciting for me.

I went to a BWFN event in Atlanta and met some very creative women. I am enthused about working with the Writers I connected with that evening... they are so dope.

Also, I received some great reviews from my clients, this past week. You can check them out on my new instagram: www.instagram.com/dpwrites. One was from a Web Series Creator that I have been so blessed to work with as a Script Supervisor. His episodes are so much fun! I enjoy reading his scripts and making sure the continuity is on point. I also received a review from a new client who is a Screenwriter. I am now her official Script Consultant and I am grateful for her sharing my company's info on her Facebook and on her Twitter page! Thanks Ms. Lewis! 😊 😊 Keep writing those great stories!

Oh and btw, I started a Facebook page for my company Write Me Pink Productions. Please feel free to check it out! 😊 And it would be so kind of you to like the page and share it with your friends.

Last but certainly not least, I have made more new clients this past week. I've been on my grind promoting my services, and the reward from it is more opportunities given to me so that I can continue Helping Writers Write Right! ❤❤❤ I really love what I do and I am excited about what the future holds for Write Me Pink!

Before you leave, check out this old review I received when I first started my business #IamGreatAtWhatIdo...

If you are looking for someone who has an excellent reputation for conscientiousness and precision, then look no further!


I have been providing script coverage and proofreading services to Film/Television Writers since 2008. As one of my clients has stated, I “have an incredible gift that has helped Writers deliver outlines, treatments, and screenplays (to networks and studios) with a great deal of confidence about their level of professionalism.”


I welcome and value constructive feedback from my clients. Which, many have stated they “appreciate my quick turnarounds, competitive prices and useful feedback on structure, format and plot.”