The one where I talk about what’s changed for me over the past ten years, what I’m working on this week, my 24 hours in Rapa Nui, and the finale of Culinary Class Wars Season Two. heatherataylor.substack.com/p/what-a-dif... #writingcommunity #filmmaker #filmmakerlife #writerslife

We honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by committing ourselves to the noble struggle for equal rights. Dr. King’s work and words are still as poignant and necessary today as they were during his life.

Just hit 10K words for this week — my book is more or less mapped out, and now I can start fleshing it out. My goal is 1000 words a day to start my day before I work on scripts. At 5000 words a week, I should get my first draft done by the end of May! LET’S GO!!!

The face of a tired writer who had to watch an entire season of a TV show yesterday to prep for something. Zzzzz. Back at the keyboard this morning — the script won’t write itself!

Some other info and action you can take. www.wired.com/story/what-t...

It’s been a rough week, so today’s post includes resources for anyone who wants to take action. I’ve included a story on The Ministry of Stories, rewriting tips for character journeys, & more on why music helps me (& my ADHD) focus while writing. Read here heatherataylor.substack.com/p/how-to-be-...

With increased federal immigration enforcement activity in the Twin Cities, it’s important to know your rights. If immigration agents come to your home, take steps to protect yourself and your family. Learn what to do and find trusted local resources at: stpaul.gov/immigration-resources

Starting my day with a coffee in my new mug & a writing sprint with the 5 days to 10K writing Challenge with Inkers Mastermind. 113 of us all writing together from all over the world!

A small selection of my (mostly) non-romance TBR pile…My digital romance reads list is MUCH longer. 🥰 What are you excited to read next?

In fewer than 24 hours after announcing the ICE OUT for GOOD, we can report that we expect 1000+ events across the nation To find your nearest ICE Out For Good Protest, go to www.mobilize.us?tag\_ids=291... To host an ICE Out For Good Protest, go to bit.ly/iceoutforgood

When the world feels like too much, I escape into my writing. Today, I needed a change of view so I went for a walk to a new coffee shop with my script printed out so I could listen to music (The Milk Carton Kids) and concentrate on my next draft. #writing

So...I started a Substack called "My Life in Tiny Pieces." Just as you share tiny pieces of yourself in your writing, I wanted to share what I’m working on, what I'm excited about, and a few tiny stories about writing & creativity. Read & subscribe: heatherataylor.substack.com/p/beginnings...

I should catch up on new shows, but…The West Wing is on Netflix & I need some hopeful fantasy…

Excited to get back to #writing tomorrow. Starting w/ rewrites on my parasitic horror feature, rural medical pilot, & unconventional romance feature. Once they’re done, I’ll outline & write my lady spy pilot & my family roadtrip feature. 1/2

A huge part of the book-banning project aims to make work that provides a public good feel impossible and unsafe! It targets authors, absolutely, but it’s also trying to add unreasonable administrative burdens to the work of teachers and librarians.

Last night was the last night of our “Finish Your f-ing Screenplay” writers group. I will honestly admit I would not have been able to finish writing the first draft of a feature film this far along without their amazing notes & questions & encouragement. The hugest of thank yous to all of them!

Happy 1-year-anniversary to KNOW YOUR NEWLYWED. So happy Hillary Nussbaum & I had the chance to write this for @simonaudio.bsky.social last year & had so many lovely messages from readers around the world! www.simonandschuster.com/books/Know-Y...

Flash sale! KNOW YOUR NEWLYWED is today’s Audible Daily Deal – check it out now to hear Mary Mouser and Tyler Posey perform this swoon-worthy, full-cast rom-com from @simonaudio.bsky.social: adbl.co/3BSwJTv (PS I co-wrote it!)

This morning, I already learned how to repair a frayed USB cord and how to drag a body of water for a dead body. Being a writer is never dull.

One of the biggest drivers of high housing costs is that a small, highly motivated group of incumbent homeowners block new housing in their neighborhoods and almost no one is organized to push back. Young people bear the brunt of that imbalance. Be a housing fan.

Why are we seeing these M&A deals like Netflix buying WBD? In 2020, the 1948 Paramount Accords (which dismantled the studio system & dictated production & distribution couldn’t be owned by the same entity) were sunsetted so we’re heading back in the quagmire :( www.redpepper.org.uk/culture-medi...

The USPS posting a NINE BILLION DOLLAR LOSS!!! sounds terrible. Certainly worse than if you said "USPS costs thirty dollars per person per year" even though that means the same thing and more accurately describes a government service

Ready for the holidays!

Sometimes you just need a little desk cleaning and reorder to make the writing flow. Back to writing all things spooky...

Braaains is a podcast exploring the inner workings of our brains and how film & television portray them, hosted by @heatherataylor.bsky.social & Sarah Taylor. We love talking about our brains & we hope you do, too! Subscribe: braaainspodcast.com/subscribe

What is the scariest film script that you’ve read (that is also a scary film)?

The scariest Halloween monster…

I love the crisp fall air and the spooky vibes of October, but I also find this time of year hard. As we lose the sun to darkness, it's no longer there to chase away the melancholy ghost who haunts my insides.

Teaching a class on how to make films while having a day job — any advice you’d give (or like to have)?

I did a last-minute name change from Gary to Larry before I sent out a script. Just reread and realized I missed that Austria-Hungary was changed to Austria-HunLarry. 🤦‍♀️

I wrote Go Fish into my script, and then immediately forgot how to play it. How can you block out the rules of a childhood classic from your head? At least I have Google.

Listening to Chappell Roan's The Subway on repeat after seeing her on Saturday. My song hyperfixation is about to wreak havoc on my algorithm.

This is bonkers. I immigrated to American on an H1B visa. If this was in place then, I’d wouldn’t be here now. You know who else is highly employed on H1B visas? Doctors…. You know who pays taxes? H1B holders. You know who won’t pay 100k for workers? US businesses. A one way ticket to disasterville.

I've known both authors (@heatherataylor.bsky.social and Hillary Nussbaum) of this audio-only romance for a few years now from the film world, plus a long-time fan of Elena Armas, so I was really excited to hear about their process last December: forcedproximity.substack.com/p/know-your-...

On my way to #TIFF50 to cover the fest for @braaainspodcast.bsky.social — see you soon Toronto!! #tiff25 #tiff2025

According to the spooky tribunal, August 30th is Frankenstein Day...which is a great occasion to celebrate Mary Shelley, who not only wrote essentially the first ever science fiction novel, but also was a boss goth icon who kept her husband's calcified heart after he died. We walk in Mary's shadow.

Feature rewrite is officially done! One last read through tomorrow morning and it’s off to the producers. Yay!!

Almost done with my first pass of the rewrite I was brought on to do. Can't wait to dig into all the characters' arcs to make them emotionally sing.

Found the best shirt for our K-Pop Demon Hunters sing-along outing. (We're taking my husband’s god daughter!)

That's a wrap on #Revival S1 🎉 A Top 5 comic to TV series adaptation for me. For SYFY WIRE, my final exclusive S1 post mortem w EP @lukeslens.bsky.social (txs to @aaronbkoontz.bsky.social too) as we go deep on the big beats in #RendtheVeil & their S2 plans (spoilers!): www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/re...

Bagel lady in Manhattan asked me if I was from New York and when I said yes, she asked why she hasn’t seen me before. I told her I was at the doctors & that I live in Queens. She lives in Corona and because we are basically neighbors, she gave me a free cookie and said she hopes to see me around. ❤️

#Revival time!!!!

Three hours til the season finale of #Revival and I’m ready to watch! So proud of what @aaronbkoontz.bsky.social & @lukeslens.bsky.social have made!

As today is the finale of S1 of #Revival, I asked my husband who his favorite characters were…here are his top 5…

Sometimes, right when you start to worry about finding something to help fill your dwindling bank account, a project comes out of the blue to get you through. Thankful that all the seeds planted along the way come to fruition when you need it.

The K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack now lives rent-free in my head… “We’re going up, up, up…”

After that episode, it's worth repeating what I said before: #Revival has more than earned so have a second season.

Heartily endorse @reallymighty.bsky.social for the WGA Board of Directors! Love Myles' commitment to lower and mid-level writers during this TOUGH time.

Spending a little time at home, enjoying the view. #yeg

The business of writing is a long one, often years passing between ideation to final creation. I've been thinking that I'd love a low stakes (fun) outlet to just play. A substack perhaps? What would you like to hear about/ read? Poetry? Flash fiction? Writing musings? Random facts?