Ask a Mentor
Whether you just joined the Writers Guild or have a few credits to your name, we can all use a little advice sometimes. Members may send their questions about the craft, job hunting, your career, or Guild service to Connect (under 100 words, please) with the subject “Mentor,” and we’ll send them to an established screen or TV writer to answer. Questions might be edited for space or clarity and will be published anonymously. WGAW mentors provide informal career advice and are not expected to read scripts, give notes, hear pitches, or help find representation or work.
June 10, 2022
Switching from Drama to Comedy Rooms
If you’re a drama writer who’s made the switch to a comedy room, Nastaran Dibai has tips for a smooth transition.
April 15, 2022
Duly Noted
Paul Redford has advice for the writer asked to give notes on a script.
March 11, 2022
Are Generals, In General, a Waste of Time?
Denise Moss outlines how to get the most out of general meetings—career-starter or not.
February 18, 2022
It Takes Two
Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett know a thing or two—or more—about navigating writing partnerships.
January 21, 2022
What’s My Job as a Staff Writer?
Jordana Arkin reframes the question and offers up some do’s and don’ts.
October 19, 2021
Next Stop Ahead
Shaun Cassidy advises writers on how to plan for their next job.
July 16, 2021
Asking for Direction
Nicole Riegel shares her thoughts on finding the right director for a greenlit project, looking at both sides of the relationship.
July 6, 2021
How to Prep for an OWA
Tripper Clancy shares the crucial steps you should take before pitching for an OWA.
June 18, 2021
Writing Samples: Feature, Pilot, Spec?
Anne Kenney speaks to the importance of using original works as writing samples, no matter the type.
June 4, 2021
Cultivating Opportunity
Wendy Calhoun describes how to nurture and grow your network so it continues to bear fruit.
May 21, 2021
Getting What You Want
The Goldbergs’ Peter Dirksen outlines what writers can do to create a strong working relationship with their agent.
April 9, 2021
Transitioning From TV to Feature Writing
Oscar nominee and former TV staffer Virgil Williams has advice for TV writers who want to cross over.
March 26, 2021
Your Second Act
Showrunner Oliver Goldstick encourages TV writers to focus on three things when looking for work after their first staffing job.
March 12, 2021
The Youth Movement
Linda Mathious answers a member’s question about writing in a different genre.
February 26, 2021
Navigating the Sea Change
Feature writer Cory Goodman answers a question about working during the pandemic and shares words of wisdom about keeping focused when the world intrudes.
December 18, 2020
Cracking the Code
Aaron Rahsaan Thomas gives advice to a fellow Black writer on code switching.
October 2, 2020
How to Be You
Mentor Kenny Smith has advice for introverted writers who need a little help selling themselves.
September 18, 2020
The Hardest Part
Mentor Jamie Rhonheimer has some advice about what to do while waiting for your next job.
August 21, 2020
Picking Your Spots
Jameal Turner on what new staff writers should know about how, and when, to pitch ideas in a Zoom room.
August 14, 2020
The Adult in the Room
What do older writers need to know about trying to get back into the business?
July 31, 2020
One Step Forward...
Jeff Stockwell explains what’s wrong with one-step deals and suggests what writers can do about them.
July 24, 2020
Make Your Meetings Count
Jeff Nathanson answers a feature writer’s question about general meetings.
July 17, 2020
Are We Done Yet?
Danielle Sanchez-Witzel explains how to know when a script is ready for the world.
July 10, 2020
True Talk
Y. Shireen Razack on talking in the writers’ room.
June 26, 2020
To Staff or Not to Staff
WGAW member Terri Kopp on staffing first vs. selling first.
June 12, 2020
Stay In Your Lane
TV writer Eric Tuchman (The Handmaid’s Tale, Stitchers) answers a question about whether new writers should stick to one genre when sending out material.
June 5, 2020
Introducing Ask a Mentor
Established screen and TV writers answer your questions in this advice column.