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!