Teaching Writing or How I Became "That Guy"

I have new classes starting soon!

Teaching wasn’t something I ever wanted to do. Not because I don’t respect it. On the contrary, the teachers who guided me along my creative path are heroes to me. I didn’t want to teach because I considered it a huge responsibility and felt like I was still learning and probably would be for the rest of my life. Plus I didn’t want to be that guy. Or worse, THIS guy.

Then in 2023, someone asked if I would teach a one-time virtual workshop. And when I asked, “Me? Um, why?”, they said it was because I had decades writing and working in Hollywood and some folks might benefit from my sharing what I had learned. And it suddenly occurred to me that 1) I was old AF and 2) maybe it was true that I had a brain full of experiences from this insane industry. Some crazy, some challenging, and, just maybe, some that could be useful to new writers trying to figure this whole thing out. So I nervously agreed.

That first class was partially a mess and partially revelatory. It was revelatory in that it made me think deeply about my creative process and those of the amazing writers I’ve gotten to work with over the years. And it forced me to analyze what I’d learned about creating stories and how to plan and write them. It was a mess because I was really nervous and sweaty. So sweaty. But I was kind of hooked.

Over the next year and a half, I created a slate of three classes designed to bring someone from a wee shred of an idea to a finished draft of their TV pilot. I’ve gotten the chance to work with a few dozen students who brought their ideas to our class and dared to trust themselves and the creative process they were developing. Watching this amazing, frustrating, exciting, enraging, and satisfying process over and over has taught me a lot. It’s taught me that coaxing out the crazy shit in people’s brains is where the real excitement is. And how, with a plan, some hard work, and imagination, anyone can learn to craft that stuff into a satisfying story. I’ve been amazed over and over at my students’ creativity and commitment. And it’s all taught me to be a better writer too.

I’m still out pitching shows and writing stuff (the struggle continues), but I can’t imagine a world where I don’t get to go to class every week. It really is just the best.

Oh… and wouldn’t you know it… I have some classes starting this month! HA! I’m continuing to work with the amazing CLASS ACT STUDIOS who you should check out.

Here’s what’s starting soon:

Level 1 TV Writing - 4 weeks/virtual - This class covers the creative process, pre-writing (planning), story structure, and more. It’s the first of three levels, all of which are designed to help you finish your TV pilot. It starts January 30th and there are still spots available! ENROLL HERE

Pitch Workshop - 3 weeks/virtual - This is a new class for me, and I’m very excited about it. There are a lot of writing classes out there but not many that deal with selling your show once you’ve put in all that work. In this class, we’ll go over pitch structure and how to build a visual deck, discussions about what’s currently happening in the development world as well as tips for success, and landmines to avoid. Students will also get a chance to pitch their project to pros and get feedback. This one is filling up, but a few spots are still available. It starts on January 26th. ENROLL HERE

NOTE: There is a gap between classes 2 and 3 of the pitch workshop because nobody should have to miss the Super Bowl. That’s just a core belief.

It’s a supportive and fun environment and we laugh a lot. If this interests you feel free to join us! Or share it with someone you think might want to get their script finished.

Hope to see you in class.