Nature Has An Amazing Way Of Inspiring The Creative Mind

As I write this, I am in a cabin in Big Bear Lake and I feel very blessed to be surrounded by beauty during my writing retreat.

I had to first feed my muse.  So I went on a hike yesterday (while listening to music through my pink headphones), read some books, and drank plenty of water (because this elevation of 7,500 feet is no joke).  I am in a very peaceful state and all of these activities have given me the fire to produce more inspirational stories.

Before I started this blog, I spent my day writing the last three episodes (including revisions) for the first season of my drama series I've created.  I wish I can be here all week and work on my new novel!

I advise every type of writer to go on a writing retreat, even if it’s your own.  I suggest this especially to the writers who have distractions at home, have writer’s block, or who just can’t find the needed inspiration to get those words rolling.  Prepare yourself with a list of writing tasks before going on your retreat and allow yourself to fully enjoy the environment you’re in.  I promise this will give you more energy to help you write easier, and ideas will just start flowing.

T.N. Suarez said it best, “Creativity bleeds from the pen of inspiration.” 

#PowerOfStory #ArtFilmWeekend

For the past three weeks, I have had the honor and privilege to work with some amazing people at the Sundance Film Festival, and it was a wonderful experience! Within these three weeks, I attended a panel titled, 'Power of Story: Art of Episodic Writing'.  The panelists included Issa Rae (creator of Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl and Insecure), Gina Prince-Bythewood (writer for The hit TV show A Different World as well as writer/director of Love & Basketball, The Secret Life of Bees, and Beyond The Lights), Larry Karaszewski (creator of The People vs. O.J. Simpson), Marti Noxon (writer for shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Grey's Anatomy), and Jill Soloway (creator of Transparent).


This was a panel that was definitely beneficial to any and every writer.  There was also a live stream viewing at the Festival Base Camp for those who couldn't make it into the Egyptian Theatre.  Therefore, anyone interested had the opportunity to hear the discussion on writing unforgettable characters and reaching large audiences in these changing times.


During the discussion, Gina Prince-Bythewood made a comment that I really admired.  She basically said that even though they say to choose your battle... when it comes to your voice... you have to fight every single battle.  I appreciated that advice because your voice is what makes you stand out and what makes your story authentic.  If you let someone change that about you, then (in my opinion) that story is no longer yours.  Let's use Issa Rae for example.  Her voice is bold and honest and represents the side of Black women that we haven't seen since the 90's.  That same voice is what helped her start from her hit webseries on YouTube to eventually creating a hit comedy series on HBO.  She kept her style of writing and her content has made such a huge impact on a large audience.


So with that being said, remember to always keep your voice and if you don't know what that is yet, do what one of the panelists recommended: "Write what you want to see."

As I always say, never give up on this interesting path you have chosen to take... no matter how long it's been.  If it's in your heart and you don't see yourself doing anything else... KEEP WRITING!    

    

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!!!!