Monday, March 28, 2011

“WHAT DO YOU DO NEXT?” SEMINAR FOR WRITERS

“WHAT DO YOU DO NEXT?”
Michele Wallerstein’s Seminar on how to move your writing career into the world of Hollywood
Join me on May 14, 2011                                                                      3:00pm – 6:00pm              
At:               13907 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 101, Sherman Oaks, CA          (upstairs)         
Class fee:     $70 in advance---------------------$85.00 at the door
YOU WILL LEARN WHAT TO WRITE:
1.     Plot
2.    Budget
3.    Characters
4.    What does the Hollywood studio look for in a spec script?
5.    What do studio executives look for in a new writer?
6.    Q & A

YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO GET YOURSELF & YOUR MATERIAL TO THE HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY:
1.    How to find an agent
2.    How to get an agent to want you
3.    How to network at writers events
4.    What does an agent expect from you
5.    The difference between managers and agents
6.    How to Follow-up
7.    Using and finding  “contacts”
8.    The “Hollywood” attitude and how to work it
9.    Q & A

Purchase a signed copy of Michele’s Book titled “MIND YOUR BUSINESS:  A Hollywood Literary Agent’s Guide To Your Hollywood Career” and her CD’s at a discounted prices.

This class includes a $50.00 discount on my consulting services (within one year of the course).
Mail your check payable to Michele Wallerstein at:  4314 Matilija Ave., #105, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 or use PayPal via Michele’s web site at:  www.novelconsultant.com on the bottom of the “Rates” page

Friday, March 11, 2011

WHY WE DO IT

A couple of days ago I had a meeting with a new client.  We discussed his work and chatted a bit about our lives.  Near the end of the meeting he asked me a question that has stayed with me.  He said:
  "Why do you do what you do?"  It was actually quite easy for me to respond.  I do it because I love writers.  I also loved being an agent and this work that I now perform is the perfect off-shoot.  I get to meet interesting a bright people, I get to travel to present my seminars, I get to share information about the most fascinating business in the world and I get to read. 

What about all of you?  Why do you write?  If you are doing it for a big payday, then I suggest you give it up now and get a real job.  If you do it because you think it will be glamorous and exciting in that you will get to hang out with fabulous movie stars, then forget about it.  Those aren't good reasons to go through the trials, tribulations and very hard work of writing.

Become a writer because you have to, because it is your calling.  This isn't a choice, it is something that is inside of you that prods you forward to tell your stories.  There is nothing else. 

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE NOVEL OR SCRIPT IS FINISHED

It just dawned on me that writers may not know when and why to use professional consultants.  If you want to be a professional writer and you are out there in the universe with a couple of completed screenplays or novels, you must be wondering: "What do I do now?"  The answer is actually quite simple.  Get those scripts or novels read by someone who knows the ins and outs of publishing and/or Hollywood.


Writing is not a hobby, it's a business.  It's born of a creative mind, but it lives in a world of commerce. These are the realities of your life.  You can not ignore this side of your life.  I maintain that writers are quite lucky to have so many choices of professional consultants to choose from.  We come in all sorts of price packages and backgrounds.  Just be very careful to vet these people.  There are some who will offer coverage of your project.  You do not want this!  You want a consultant who is connected in the mainstream of your chosen field.  You want someone who will find any problems you have in your work, and who will help you find a way to repair those problems.  You want someone who can guide you and advise you. 

In a way, we are the best writing teachers you will ever have.  This is a one-on-one situation for your work.  No classroom or seminar, just you and your consultant.  What could be better?

The time to hire someone is when you think your project is perfect.  When you have taken it as far as you can and now want to know if it is ready for the "real" world.

Get those projects out and take the next step toward a writing career.


Any questions??