This is a fantastic, inspiring post by Evan Shapiro (@eshap.bsky.social) of Media War & Peace. It's for everyone who's lost a job or is afraid they may. With real-world strategies for next steps. Please read it. You'll feel better if you do.

First impressions happen in about 2 seconds. In-person: stand tall, eye contact, confident handshake. On Zoom: sit up straight, camera on, well-lit, smiling. Confidence without ego. You want to be memorable for the right reasons, not insufferable for the wrong ones. #scriptsky

A great pitch is always a performance 🎭 Get The Ultimate Guide to Pitching a TV Show that Sells (for free!): www.carolekirschner.com/pitching-ebook #ScriptSky #FilmIndustry #WritersNetwork #Filmmaking #Screenwriting #WritingCommunity #WritersLife

Query emails to production companies can work as Plan B, but keep them to 7 sentences max. Include: polite opening, killer logline, why you're reaching out to them specifically. That last part matters - it proves this isn't a form letter blast. #scriptsky

"I'll celebrate when I finally [sign with a rep/get staffed/sell my show]." I hear this from writers all the time. And I get it - why pop champagne over Tuesday's five pages when you're still waiting for the big break?

When you're scrolling social media instead of writing, it's not a discipline problem—it's your brain choosing temporary relief over potential failure. Procrastination feels safer than risking a bad draft. But here's the truth: not writing doesn't protect your identity as a writer. It erodes it.

How do you survive when the industry contracts? Surviving this stretch of uncertainty isn’t just about crossing your fingers and waiting it out — it’s about staying grounded, creatively fulfilled, and honest with yourself about where you are and what you need. www.carolekirschner.com/blog/how-to-...

You know what separates writers who break in from equally talented writers who don't? A small circle of peers who gave brutally honest notes, celebrated tiny victories, and kept them going when quitting felt easier. Cultivating those relationships deserves as much focus as writing your next script.

I've always maintained that this job can be the keys to the kingdom if you do it right. I've seen the examples of what's possible in real time. Not just a path to writing, but directing, producing, any job you may wish to have on a TV show.

And with staffing shrunk down to a couple of senior writers over zoom, it’s the only way to learn how to produce as well as write.

Showrunner's Assistant is one of the most underrated paths into TV writing. Everyone fixates on Writers' Assistant, but SA roles often offer more career stability month-to-month and direct access to the person making staffing decisions. Don't sleep on this route. #scriptsky

The cover letters that work aren't trying to sound "professional." They're trying to sound like you - just the version of you who respects someone's time. Catchy without trying too hard. Personal without being self-indulgent. That's the balance that actually gets read. #scriptsky

Remember this when pitching to execs: Tell, don’t sell! Ready to pitch like a pro? Get The Ultimate Guide to Pitching a TV Show that Sells (for free!): www.carolekirschner.com/pitching-ebook #ScriptSky #WritersNetwork #Filmmaking #Screenwriting #WritingCommunity #WritersLife

The secret to finding a manager is often having the right work. If your scripts aren't professional-level yet, focus there first. Your career deserves that foundation. #scriptsky

"Fine, thanks" followed by awkward silence is how most Hollywood meetings start. But executives meet with ambitious writers all day. What they remember is the person who felt like a real human being, not another perfectly polished pitch. #scriptsky

Here's what I've learned from watching writers at every level panic about deadlines: the ones who try to work 12-hour days to "catch up" usually spend those hours staring at their phone. Two focused hours beats eight anxious ones every time. #scriptsky

The people worth working with in this industry value honesty. Integrity isn't just about being a good person - it's a smart career strategy.

You finally got representation. Your first manager, or even an agent. Congrats! That's huge. Six months later... they're not really doing anything for you. Calls go unreturned. Weeks pass. No meetings materialize. So what do you do?

Pro tip: Don’t pitch your dream show when the exec’s already dreaming of their weekend 😴 Get The Ultimate Guide to Pitching a TV Show That Sells (for free!) and make your next pitch count: www.carolekirschner.com/pitching-ebook #ScriptSky #WritersNetwork #Filmmaking #Screenwriting #WritersLife

Your goal in every interview isn't to prove you're brilliant. It's to show you understand how the industry works and that you're here to support the team's success. Emotional intelligence beats raw talent every time. #scriptsky

That burning feeling when someone critiques your script? Totally normal. Every writer feels it. The pros just know it's not about defending your work in that moment — it's about protecting your reputation for the long game. Your future self will thank you for staying calm. #scriptsky

Most new showrunners think success requires sacrificing everything else. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Showrunners who thrive long-term get strategic about relationship management—not because they care less about their shows, but because it makes them better at both. #scriptsky

'Write what scares you' isn't just good creative advice - it's a career strategy. I've watched countless writers break in by writing the story they were afraid to tell. The one that felt too personal, too weird, too raw. Those are the scripts that get noticed. #scriptsky

Compare your most recent script to something you wrote a year ago. I guarantee you'll see improvement. Writers focus so much on how far they have to go, they forget to celebrate how far they've come. Growth isn't always visible day-to-day, but it's happening. #scriptsky

Writers, stop showing up to meetings as Generic Professional #47. You're a storyteller - apply those same skills to your own experience. Mine your life for moments of insight, craft them like scenes, and be ready to share what makes you... you. #scriptsky

The anxiety spiral of multiple reschedules is real. "Are they avoiding me? Should I keep trying? Am I being too pushy?" If it’s happened once or twice, reschedule again. After the 4th push, bow out gracefully: "Maybe we should try again when their schedule is less full." #scriptsky

The secret to finding your writing peers isn't waiting to be discovered—it's becoming an active discoverer. Ask what others are working on. Request to read their scripts. Offer specific, thoughtful feedback. Building your pack requires intention, not luck. #scriptsky

Your professional background before writing isn't irrelevant - it's often your biggest asset. That corporate experience, military service, or specialized knowledge? That's what sets your voice apart from every 22-year-old film school grad. Own it, don't apologize for it. #scriptsky

That Hollywood meeting you're nervous about? Flip the script: they WANT you to be great. They're hoping you'll be the writer who solves their problems. When you realize they're rooting for your success, anxiety transforms into your secret weapon. #scriptsky

Working writers: start practicing delegation mindset now, before you’re a showrunner. Learn which battles are worth fighting in the room and which decisions you can trust to others. The writers who understand this early set themselves up for leadership success later. #scriptsky

Looking for a manager? 👇🏻

#scriptsky Here you go everyone, Carole lays out easy peasy on how to query a manager. She crawled so we could fly. Thanks Carole.

Struggling with what to say in a manager inquiry email? Here’s how to stand out and make them remember you. Learn how to tell your story in 60 seconds in my free e-book: www.carolekirschner.com/telling-your... #ScriptSky #WritersNetwork #Filmmaking #Screenwriting #WritingCommunity #WritersLife

After reading thousands of TV writing program submissions, I've noticed a pattern: the samples that stand out aren't just technically perfect—they're authentically personal. Writers who succeed bring their unique perspective to universal themes. #scriptsky

After working with hundreds of emerging writers, I've noticed something: those who see managers as partners rather than saviors tend to find representation that actually moves their careers forward. #scriptsky

Here's the cruel irony of being a writer: success creates a trap. When you write something great and get praise, your brain learns "great writing = I'm good." Which means the opposite becomes true too: "bad writing = I'm bad." Suddenly every blank page is a referendum on your worth. #scriptsky

But how do I talk about myself without sounding desperate or arrogant?" This is the #1 question I get from writers. That's why I created a free guide that breaks it down step by step. Download "Telling Your Story in 60 Seconds" and transform how you present yourself. Link in bio. #scriptsky

Writers, we need to talk about this myth that writing is a solitary profession. The truth? Behind every "breakthrough" writer is usually a small group of peers who kept them sane, gave them honest feedback, and refused to let them quit when rejections piled up. #scriptsky

As I explained the other day, there is no such thing as "you made it" in Hollywood. There is just "so, I guess this was *not* my last year in the business. phew."

#Scriptsky Hands up those who’ve never heard that nasty little voice.

That nasty little voice telling you everyone else has it figured out while you're struggling? It visits every writer I know—even the ones with Emmy awards. Remember this: behind every "overnight success" is years of showing up, making connections, and battling self-doubt. #scriptsky

Your answer to "How are you?" doesn't need to be Hollywood-focused. "I've been taking morning walks and it's changed my energy" is often more engaging than any industry story. Authenticity beats performance every time. #scriptsky

Your authentic voice IS your competitive advantage in cover letters. Don't hide it behind templates or industry-speak. The goal isn't to tell your whole story in the opening - it's to make decision-makers want to keep reading. #scriptsky

I can usually tell within the first 5 minutes if someone’s going to make it in Hollywood. Want to know the strategies Hollywood insiders rely on? Download The Real Hollywood Playbook: www.carolekirschner.com/the-real-hol... #ScriptSky #WritersNetwork #Filmmaking #Screenwriting #WritersLife

You're not behind on your deadline because you're a bad writer. You're behind because you're human, and humans sometimes get overwhelmed. The solution isn't to become less human—it's to work WITH your humanity instead of against it. #scriptsky

Hollywood is a small town disguised as a big city. That "harmless" lie about your credits or connections? Someone always knows someone who knows the truth. And when they find out, your reputation is toast. Build your career on solid ground. #scriptsky

I've never been more proud to be associated with the Writers Guild of America.

Here's the thing about entry-level hiring in Hollywood: they're not wondering if you can write. They're wondering if you're going to be a problem or a solution. Be the solution. #scriptsky

I'm excited to announce the speaker line up for my 5-week course, "How to Pitch a TV Show that Sells" is confirmed. They include two showrunners who've had multiple shows on the air, a senior level writer who always sells her pitches and an alum of the program who sold her pitch in the room.

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