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Drinking in the Pen

Drinking in the Pen

By Dawn Garcia

Created by writer Dawn Garcia, this is a podcast all about writing. Whether you’re writing for film or television, or a journalist, she’s giving it to you straight. From awards to failures, story courses through her veins. “Drinking in the Pen” is your invitation to have real talk about the process, what to expect, constantly learning, and never allowing your ego to run the show.
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Outlines and Life

Drinking in the PenFeb 12, 2022

00:00
06:57
A little Monday Motivation

A little Monday Motivation

Imposter syndrome and self doubt are jerks. That’s why you have to remember your superpower: no one sees the world the way you do.
Feb 06, 202302:45
Editorial + Screenwriting

Editorial + Screenwriting

While they seem like totally different worlds, there is a lot to be learned from editorial work: deadlines, structure, impact, ROI, marketable story, presentation, and more. If you can apply those concepts when you write for stage and screen? You’ll have an edge.
Jan 24, 202319:50
DIALOGUE MATTERS

DIALOGUE MATTERS

Writing is one thing, but learning how to express dialogue that sounds natural is another thing altogether. Be social, strike up conversations with strangers, engage in the discomfort so you truly grasp the art of conversation. Give your characters the life and respect they deserve …
Jan 11, 202321:16
Be the damn wildflower.

Be the damn wildflower.

As writers and storytellers we have a responsibility to bring the world together, bring it to its knees, or open its eyes to social injustices and humanity’s failings. Story is our bond to one another. Make yours count.
Dec 01, 202212:32
Remember Being 18?

Remember Being 18?

Ahh the days when we first gained independence as a “real” adult. The world was ours!! Let’s remember that, shall we?
Nov 21, 202217:21
BURNOUT. What do you do?

BURNOUT. What do you do?

Sometimes it happens. Our brains just calls it quits. And that’s okay. It might be time to take a week off to give your creativity a chance to recover.
Nov 08, 202214:32
“Spiraling” PART 2

“Spiraling” PART 2

The second part of my live read of “Spiraling” — and sharing a big regret about getting it produced.
Oct 18, 202215:20
A partial live read of: “Spiraling” A Live Action Short (Drama)

A partial live read of: “Spiraling” A Live Action Short (Drama)

Talking about hard things is one of the benefits of writing. Utilize it. Be responsible with it. And note that my mistake with this story was not using “V.O.” and “O.S.” correctly. Remember that when on a phone call, use V.O. to indicate we don’t see the person. Also note that O.S. should be used in film versus O.C., which is used in television. #LessonsInWriting
Oct 07, 202225:25
Hard Truths + Unbridled Optimism

Hard Truths + Unbridled Optimism

We are starting this new season by getting real about writing.
Oct 01, 202216:47
Inspiration comes when you change your approach

Inspiration comes when you change your approach

People ask how I stay inspired and get so much done. The answer? By knowing I have to be consistent with writing - and recognize I need to ask those that know more than me for advice. The key to writing is to WRITE. There is no magic way around it.
Apr 20, 202215:47
Let Confidence Kick Doubt’s Ass

Let Confidence Kick Doubt’s Ass

No matter what we do, we can’t lose our passion to write. We have to love it and the worlds we create. It matters.
Mar 25, 202215:25
The Thing Is …

The Thing Is …

This is an honest podcast about being scared to fail, being in a perpetual state of learning and growth, and keeping story at the forefront.
Feb 25, 202219:10
Outlines and Life

Outlines and Life

A short check in and reminding you that a great outline is everything.
Feb 12, 202206:57
Talk In Voices Even If You Feel Nuts

Talk In Voices Even If You Feel Nuts

I’m stuck and this is my way of breaking the creative block! It’s not normal and a little outlandish but it works for me.
Jan 28, 202211:23
SEASON THREE: Episode No. 1

SEASON THREE: Episode No. 1

Launching the new season by sharing the things I’ve learned now that I’m writing a TV Series for a major studio
Jan 25, 202218:43
Season 3 Announcement

Season 3 Announcement

Hi everyone! Drinking In The Pen is back next week for a whole new season. This time you’ll be on the real time journey of writing with me!
Jan 14, 202204:01
The Academy Museum | Ideas + Film Love

The Academy Museum | Ideas + Film Love

A visit to the Academy Museum is essential for writers who love the art of film. Plus? You can read a little Hitchcock!
Nov 12, 202117:41
For The Love of Scary Movies

For The Love of Scary Movies

Why do we watch scary movies? Or psychological thrillers? There are so many reasons but my theory is so we can control our response to fear. Also … there aren’t many women let alone women of color writing horror films. That is a gaping hole I’d like us to fill!
Oct 30, 202119:44
Let’s Get Frank About How Hard Life Can Be

Let’s Get Frank About How Hard Life Can Be

While accomplishments are great, sometimes knowing the struggle behind them helps make sense of why we still do what we do.
Oct 22, 202120:02
A Quick Announcement

A Quick Announcement

I’m a little under the weather but I still have a comment about “Squid Game”!
Oct 15, 202102:15
Dig Deep + Write What You Know

Dig Deep + Write What You Know

We all do our best not to expose too much of ourselves, but the best writing; the greatest stories - they come from the most vulnerable places of honesty and grit. Take risks. Use. Your. Voice.
Oct 06, 202119:08
Outline. Outline. Outline. And trust your first instincts.

Outline. Outline. Outline. And trust your first instincts.

Things I had to re-learn this week: 1) OUTLINE. 2) You don’t know everything. 3) Tell self doubt to F off.
Sep 28, 202114:09
To Have Or Not To Have An Agent

To Have Or Not To Have An Agent

Having an agent is a great thing but it isn’t right for everyone. This episode we explore the ins and outs of getting an agent, setting realistic expectations, and your job of checking your ego.
Aug 31, 202120:03
A quick update

A quick update

Time to change things up.
Aug 18, 202100:22
Feel the Feels | Episode No. 7

Feel the Feels | Episode No. 7

Finding our creative community is a challenge these days, but it matters. Be grateful AF you can write, challenge yourself, and support other creatives in the process. Remember that our bond is our superpower.
Aug 12, 202116:09
SEASON TWO: Episode No.6 | Writing Short + Long Formats

SEASON TWO: Episode No.6 | Writing Short + Long Formats

This week I get into why challenging yourself to write a powerful commercial is a great writing exercise. Understanding how to write an unforgettable commercial will really test your writing chops! It will also make you a better storyteller in any format. Apply these tips to webisodes, half-hour or hour-long episodes, shorts and features … and KNOW WHEN TO STOP OVERWRITING! There’s also a new “Choose Your Own Adventure Scene” and this week’s song is by Kool & The Gang.
Aug 04, 202120:26
SEASON TWO: Episode No. 5 | Art Makes Us Better Writers

SEASON TWO: Episode No. 5 | Art Makes Us Better Writers

Art is important to understanding ourselves better as writers. This week I touch on why art influences how we write and tell story, and I assign a new “Choose Your Own Adventure Scene”.
Jul 31, 202113:20
SEASON TWO - quick update

SEASON TWO - quick update

I will be publishing a nee podcast episode tomorrow but tonight I am going to swim in the world of other artists. Next episode we will discuss why art is so imperative to the writing process.
Jul 29, 202101:46
SEASON TWO: Episode No. 4 | Pitch Presentations

SEASON TWO: Episode No. 4 | Pitch Presentations

So you’ve written a pilot and it’s gaining recognition—and you’ve landed a pitch call with studio execs and producers! GO YOU!! But now you have to present. You’ll need to put together something aesthetically pleasing, and concise, that tells the full story of your series (or film). Remember, you’re selling yourself as a writer too! This episode I give you some tools abs tips for what needs to be in that presentation.
Jul 23, 202112:37
SEASON TWO: Episode No.3

SEASON TWO: Episode No.3

Don’t be hesitant to adapt when something crazy is thrown your way. And challenge your view of story because that’s the sweet spot of writing.
Jul 15, 202112:06
SEASON TWO: Episode No 2

SEASON TWO: Episode No 2

The magic of words, whether in screenplays or teleplays or journalism, allows us as writers to paint a picture for viewers, listeners, and audiences everywhere. We see the world through a more romantic lens and we aren’t meant to apologize for that. The normal world can bore us and so we exist in our imaginations or deep within our research. That is where our power lives and breathes. Honor that. AND—this week’s “CHOOSE YOUR OWN SCENE” we go to Neverland by way of Ruth B.‘s song “Lost Boy”. Your character choices for your scenes: Wendy, Shmead or the Songwriter.
Jul 07, 202114:12
SEASON TWO: Episode No.1

SEASON TWO: Episode No.1

Let’s get this kicked off with truth and a new segment called “Choose Your Own Scene Adventure”!!
Jul 01, 202115:13
Episode No.15: THAT’S A WRAP | SEASON ONE

Episode No.15: THAT’S A WRAP | SEASON ONE

Thank you for joining me for this first season. SEASON TWO launches on Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Jun 12, 202115:01
BONUS EPISODE 14: Passion Vomit

BONUS EPISODE 14: Passion Vomit

The title says it all.
Jun 05, 202110:01
Episode 13: Open Up Your View

Episode 13: Open Up Your View

HOW we relay our stories matters. This week I talk about struggling with writer’s block, how to process feelings and put them down productively, ways to get out of the funk, and why listening to a vinyl is my favorite thing.
Jun 04, 202117:06
A Creative Break

A Creative Break

See you next week for Episode 13!
May 27, 202103:49
Episode 12 - QUICK ADD + RESOURCE

Episode 12 - QUICK ADD + RESOURCE

Correction and two things you should do BEFORE submitting your work anywhere.
May 19, 202101:09
Episode No.12: Crafting Your Film + TV Series

Episode No.12: Crafting Your Film + TV Series

This week I actually give you an exercise to help your visually see how your story breaks down. How well do you know your story? How about your characters and their motivation? (NOTE: I was saying don’t compromise the integrity of your but sounds like something else! HaHa!)
May 19, 202122:44
Been A Rough Year

Been A Rough Year

Let’s face it. Covid has been brutal, but now it’s time to accept where we are, embrace validation, and honor the struggle.
May 13, 202119:40
Episode No.10: Cut Yourself Some Slack

Episode No.10: Cut Yourself Some Slack

We get caught up in not writing as much as we want and that’s when you gotta cut yourself some slack. Unless you’re on deadline, then GET TO IT!
May 06, 202111:47
Episode No.9: LIP SERVICE

Episode No.9: LIP SERVICE

Recognizing that Lip Service isn’t enough. Also, painting your first scenes!! #NoExcuses
Apr 28, 202118:50
Episode 8 PART 2

Episode 8 PART 2

Some quick writing tips, book + music suggestions
Apr 22, 202107:54
Episode No.8 Routine + Reading

Episode No.8 Routine + Reading

Let’s talk about getting into a writing routine, and the difference between film and TV, teasers and openers.
Apr 22, 202119:60
Ep.7 - quick change

Ep.7 - quick change

I forgot I already read from Spiraling in Ep2 so I’ll read from the RomCom + Drama Series next werk
Apr 16, 202100:34
Episode No.7: The Creative Process

Episode No.7: The Creative Process

Tapping into creativity on your terms. Be open, daring, honest--know your story, don’t dumb it down, give yourself self imposed deadlines to avoid procrastination. Trust yourself. AND—trust the audience ...
Apr 14, 202118:22
Episode No.6: Pitching Yourself

Episode No.6: Pitching Yourself

Aside from pitching your stories, you’re pitching yourself, do you know who you are and how to convey that?
Apr 07, 202114:34
Episode No.5: GETTING PERSONAL

Episode No.5: GETTING PERSONAL

This week I’m sharing some darker parts of my story that led me to writing, and WHY writing our stories and honoring our creativity through pain is so important. #trauma #loss #writer
Mar 30, 202117:02
Ep.4 — CORRECTION

Ep.4 — CORRECTION

I had the numbers wrong so just wanted to clarify that Netflix is investing $100million NOT $1.8biillion. #WishfulThinking
Mar 25, 202100:33
Episode No.4: Women Who Write: Why Female Voices Should Be Represented

Episode No.4: Women Who Write: Why Female Voices Should Be Represented

Women make up half of the global population and yet our stories are told at a nominal rate at best. It’s time for Hollywood to change that.
Mar 23, 202113:43
Episode No.3: An Exercise in Inspiration

Episode No.3: An Exercise in Inspiration

Today is about inspiration.
To return to the very fundamentals of how we as humans learned to communicate in the first place.
Mar 17, 202107:01