We’re here for you!
Do you have a burning question about your TV career or need advice about anything from TV writers’ rooms to roommate etiquette for writers? Hit us up!
We’ll discuss your questions amongst our cohort of working TV writers with decades of combined career experience, alongside all the knowledge we’ve gained through TTIEs research and programs.
Responses will appear in future newsletters and on TTIE’S socials.
Please submit your questions below. All questions are anonymous. We’re excited to share our expertise and experience with you.
Responses will appear in future newsletters, on TTIE’s socials, and will be archived here along with additional community responses as we hear from you.
Q: Years ago, a former colleague besmirched my reputation. What can I do to move forward and put this untruth in my rearview?
“As someone who has been in a similar situation…for me, it was essential to take care of myself first and foremost. Find your support system and lean on them. While some aspects of this are beyond your control, it may be worth it to ask - if someone is willing to believe a lie from someone unreliable - is this someone I want to work with? Give yourself grace, Anon, and lean on the people who know who you are and how you work - this is how I was fortunate enough to find the next gig!”
Excerpt from Pre WGA writer
“If you have reps and trust them, talk to them about it… Build new relationships. Whether it’s through WGA activities, or volunteer work …foster genuine connections. While it takes time to build trust, these folks will eventually be able to speak to your character, and even hire you. Outside the support you may need from your existing trusted friends, try not to give the false rumor, or the person who started it, your time and energy. Focus on moving forward, on being the awesome person that you are, on bettering your craft. Go where the love is. Rise above.”
Excerpt from a Mid-Level Writer
Q: How do you keep yourself encouraged to stay in the industry during rough patches?
“I focus on writing things that I’m passionate about. I don’t care if it’s sellable; I just care that it reminds me why I love writing. Feeling that excitement of cracking the story, finishing an outline, or finishing a script really gets the adrenaline pumping and makes me feel positive about my skills as a writer again - the greatest thing for combatting imposter syndrome and the greatest motivator for staying in the game.”
Excerpt from Upper-Level Writer
“Let the hustle and work of your career – and it will take a lot of hard work – just be that. Your work. Not your life. Not your identity. Not the most important thing about you. Because it’s not!”
Excerpt from Upper-Level Writer
“Work on what is in your control— and past that, stay connected with people, seek pleasure in whatever form that takes for you, and find income if you can. There is a huge difference between exploring what you can do, naming issues and seeking comfort and validation, and ruminating. The latter is the one to avoid.”
Excerpt from Pre-WGA Writer
“I try to focus on things I have been neglecting: my health, my friends/family, my home...it reminds me that my life is more than my job or this industry. And I try to talk to others (but I'm very selective about who!) about my fears, etc. and find we can lift each other up.”
Excerpt from Mid-Level Writer