Looking back on my life I realize that I have reinvented myself many, many times. I started my life thinking that I would become a housewife and mother. Neither of these things ever occurred. Because I needed to support myself from the time I was 19 years old, I worked as a messenger, receptionist, secretary, office manager, rental agent and a myriad of other jobs. Luckily found a career in the entertainment field as a literary agent. When I began this work there were very few women in the business. I guess I am considered one of the pioneer women. It's a nice title but what it means is that becoming an agent and staying in business was fraught with difficulties, trial and tribulations. I never faltered. It was the career of a lifetime and I loved it.
When the time came for me to end that part of my life I took some time off and re-evaluated. What I discovered was that I still loved being a part of the creative world. That's why I became a screenplay and novel coach. It's really a natural progression from agenting.
After a couple of years as a consultant I realized that there were so many writers who didn't have a clue about the inner-machinations of Hollywood. I needed to share my years of experience and accrued knowledge. My book: "MIND YOUR BUSINESS: A Hollywood Literary Agent's Guide To Your Writing Career" was my effort to teach writers what to expect and how to get into the business of entertainment.
Many people look toward having a writing career at various points in their lives. It's never too early and it's never too late.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
The Importance of Being A Writer
Just heard that the Mayor of Boston is banning the sale of sugary drinks. On the face of it that may sound reasonable and/or sensible since Boston reports that 23% of their citizens are in the obese category.
Now wait just a minute. They are banning cokes but not booze. Hummm, that's a bit odd. Sodas can make you gain weight but alcohol can kill you. Don't misunderstand me, I'm certainly not in favor of outlawing liquor (again). I am against any government office that tries to limit my freedom of choice.
If someone wants to have a cola, that should be their decision, not that of the government.
Have people forgotten what civil liberties mean to us? Has the Mayor of Boston forgotten that this government was founded upon the notion that the people must have personal freedoms? This is about a much larger issue than ordering a Pepsi with lunch. This is the slow but insidious erosion of America's raison d'etre.
The responsibility of writers is to be aware of this and all other important issues that face us all today. Writers need to read and study and learn about what is happening it the world. They have the unique ability to bring those issues to the public in their books, movies, poetry and missives of all kinds.
You are the voice and heart and mind of the people. Pay attention. Use this in your writing.
Don't allow the fascistic minded noisemakers to get the only words out in the universe. Your writing is your voice and it is an important one.
Now wait just a minute. They are banning cokes but not booze. Hummm, that's a bit odd. Sodas can make you gain weight but alcohol can kill you. Don't misunderstand me, I'm certainly not in favor of outlawing liquor (again). I am against any government office that tries to limit my freedom of choice.
If someone wants to have a cola, that should be their decision, not that of the government.
Have people forgotten what civil liberties mean to us? Has the Mayor of Boston forgotten that this government was founded upon the notion that the people must have personal freedoms? This is about a much larger issue than ordering a Pepsi with lunch. This is the slow but insidious erosion of America's raison d'etre.
The responsibility of writers is to be aware of this and all other important issues that face us all today. Writers need to read and study and learn about what is happening it the world. They have the unique ability to bring those issues to the public in their books, movies, poetry and missives of all kinds.
You are the voice and heart and mind of the people. Pay attention. Use this in your writing.
Don't allow the fascistic minded noisemakers to get the only words out in the universe. Your writing is your voice and it is an important one.
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