For the first time, I was invited to speak on a panel at Comic Con. The UCLA Extension School put a panel together of instructors who work in the entertainment industry. I was honored to be one of them.

If you’ve never been to Comic Con (I hadn’t before last weekend) it’s an international convention that has a unique flavor. Over 4 days (Thursday – Sunday) there are panel discussions, autograph signings, and events centered around comic books, TV and movies with a focus on Sci-Fi, fantasy and superhero stories. It’s become a place of celebrity sightings and “big announcements” about upcoming events in world of entertainment. I was happy to be there – and, frankly, it’s a bit of a zoo. Imagine any crowded theme park you’ve been to, replace the rides with panels, interviews and screenings, throw in a convention floor with comic books, t-shirts and toys for sale, then mix in costumed participants (CosPlayers) in a variety of imaginative and crazy outfits. The San Diego Convention center was packed with people of all ages and types along with vendors selling soda, pizza and pretzels. Fun? Yes! And, in my book, a little of it goes a long way.

The panel was a blast. The title was Women and Writers of Color Breaking Barriers. Our room was packed, and our moderator had some juicy prompts before she opened it up to questions from the audience. Check out an account of the event (and a list of the other panelists) here.

Below, in no particular order, are some of the pieces of wisdom I remember (and some I said) during the panel.

  • Advice for getting ahead: When you’re networking – Meet people face-to-face if possible (not by phone or email). Send a handwritten thank you note afterwards.
  • Look deep into your heart and soul for what to write about. Don’t try to figure out the market. Write about what you can’t let go of.
  • Know that if you’re hired to write something, you’re hired for what you bring. Whoever you are, you can write any character – and know that you’re on board to bring your particular cultural perspective to the job. Lean into that.
  • Create your own work! Find the way to make your project rather than waiting for other people to do it for you.
  • Contests are a great way to break in. Write your stuff and send it out. Placing well in a contest can be your way to get noticed.
  • Ignore the nay-sayers: Stay focused on what you want to do. Be persistent.
  • Assistant jobs are a great entry point. When you’re in an assistant job – do everything you can to make yourself indispensible.
  • Keep in touch with people! Your classmates, work colleagues and industry friends will likely be your advocates for the rest of your career.
  • Market yourself! If you have a win in a festival or a contest send out a press release, an email newsletter, announce it on Twitter and Facebook. It’s up to you to spread the word.
  • One reason the TV business is hard to break into is that people hire their friends. That’s understandable when you imagine that running a TV show is like being the CEO of a 6 million dollar business. You’d hire your friends, too. Find a way to accept this. Take any frustration you have about that and channel it into your writing.

There are many other juicy things that were shared on the panel. It was fun to hear the stories of how these creatives made their way into the industry and how they continue to thrive. After it was over, the panelists exchanged information – and we’re already networking with each other. (Taking our own advice.)

I’m proud that in the midst of the madness and hype of Comic Con, we provided some grounded advice to the next generation. You can do the same. What do you know that you can pass on? Who can you advise and mentor? What are you waiting for?

This week, take the time to share what you know. And if you do, drop me a line. I’d like to hear about it.