Hi, I’m Lindsey. I love helping people discover their superpower, create compelling content, and feel excited about pitching and networking. I teach people how to pitch like a boss, network like a VIP, and write like an Oscar winner. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for actionable creativity and career tips.
Love What You Write!
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Hi Over the holiday break, I listened to a podcast where an author was unhappy that he wrote thrillers instead of literary fiction. This man has written 7 novels, both traditionally and independently published. He writes entertaining, well-written books. Success by any measure. But he feels like they're not important because they are not Art. He's fighting against his author brand, which is funny thrillers with heart. That is a great brand to write; it's fun to read and easy to sell. Lots of writers think entertaining people has less value than fancy, often erudite Art. I disagree. (I'm capitalizing Art here because people put it on a pedestal, making it more important than it is.) One of my mantras is stories matter. Entertaining and moving people is an important part of the human experience. Just because you think the kinds of stories you write are not important, doesn't mean they're not important to some people. Unfortunately, as writer we rarely know the impact our stories are having on our readers and viewers. Maybe someone is reading your cozy mystery while they get their chemo. Or someone is binge watching your sitcom as they grieve the death of a loved one. If you are feeling like your stories aren't important enough, I encourage you to watch the old movie Sullivan's Travels (1941). It's a comedy gem about a film director during the Great Depression who wants to make important movies, so he runs away from Hollywood to live life as an ordinary person. During his adventures, he gets to see the impact his frivolous movies are making, and it changes his perspective. Whatever kinds of stories you gravitate to telling, embrace them! Your stories are delighting your audience. And maybe changing their lives, even for a moment. Happy New Year! And happy writing! In Case You Missed ItTwo Real Life Examples of Screenplays Turned Into Novels: A screenplay A pilot How to Make the Most of the Holiday Slow Down Cheers, Lindsey Thanks for reading! You can share this article here. Was this week's newsletter useful? Help me to improve! Click on a link to vote: 👍Super! - 😐 Meh - 👎 Not my jam |
Hi I'm Lindsey Hughes
Hi, I’m Lindsey. I love helping people discover their superpower, create compelling content, and feel excited about pitching and networking. I teach people how to pitch like a boss, network like a VIP, and write like an Oscar winner. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for actionable creativity and career tips.
Hi Reader, Ever watched a movie or read a book where the dialogue crackled with so much wit, you wished you could steal it for your own conversations? Whether it’s sparks flying between love interests or hilarious jabs between best friends, witty banter adds charm, tension, and rhythm to your story. But how do you write witty banter that feels natural, sharp, and downright addictive? Conflict = Chemistry Banter thrives on opposing forces—it’s a verbal sparring match, not a polite tea party...
Hi Reader, Once upon a time… (See? You’re already hooked!) Fairy tales aren’t just bedtime stories for kids—they are the storytelling secret weapon, a treasure trove of narrative wisdom that has been enchanting audiences for centuries. Whether you’re penning the next Hollywood blockbuster or crafting a novel that will keep readers up all night, fairy tales offer a foolproof blueprint for crafting compelling, emotionally charged stories. Here’s how fairy tale magic can transform your...
Hi Reader, Right now, there are no words for what Los Angeles and the entertainment industry are going through. It feels like the world is ending. Everyone is nervously watching the skies, hoping the fires go out and smoke clears. Maybe you have experienced the unthinkable and lost your home. If you’re feeling like writing is the last thing on your mind right now, I get it. Life’s challenges—especially ones as big and immediate as wildfires—can make it hard to focus on anything else. But...