I love coaching people because I always see a reflection of myself. In every struggle, in every question, in every dialogue about moving forward in life and in art is a prism of my own challenged, joyful process.

The clearer I see what I’m up to, catalog what I’m learning, cultivate my awareness around the blocks and the moments of flow, the better I’m able to help.

As I’ve been talking to people lately, this question comes up in spades: How do I introduce myself? To be clear, it doesn’t come up in exactly those words. It comes up in every discussion around marketing, taking meetings, writing bios, making an impression. Whether it’s an elevator speech, a letter writing campaign or a job interview – this is ... Read more

I got an email a few months ago asking if I had any advice on how to get things done. As creative folks we face this every day – the question of what to do when, how much is enough and when to rest (if we rest).

There’s no mystery about where this comes from. We’re the culture of over 200 cable channels. New cars, new computers and new phone models emerge every year. New movies and TV shows, new video games, new plays come pouring forth like someone turned on a spigot. It stands to reason that in our own individual creative process we expect the same kind of flood of productivity.  We have so many ideas, so many things on the plate, that choosing ... Read more

I come from a long line of clutterers. I was raised with the notion that piles are an indication of a productive person at work. It stands to reason, then, that the more you’re working on, the more piles you have. The more piles you have, the more abundant your work life is. The flaws in this logic are obvious. It’s difficult to be working on anything when you’re stepping over, around, and through piles.

I’ve spent years navigating through the decision making process that accompanies recycling and throwing things away. I’ve been helped immensely by Marilyn Paul’s book: It’s Hard To Make A Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys.

And, consequently, holding onto only what’s necessary is a goal of mine.

Easier said than done.

Last ... Read more

In the early days of the New Year, much has been on my plate. I’ve moved from one apartment to another, things at my writing job have become (appropriately) hectic, I’ve got a few writing projects that I have to get back to, I’m working with a handful of coaching clients while I’m completing work on my coaching certification. I’ve been juggling, dancing, moving through – sometimes it feels great. Sometimes it feels like I’m slogging through molasses. Even being productive, it’s easy to feel discouraged. I’m not moving as quickly or as brilliantly as I’d like.

I believe that creative work is all about moving forward. You’ve got to be in it. Progress is progress, whether it’s slow or super fast. The trick is to ... Read more

I’ve tumbled into December busier than I’ve been in months. Having put the workshop of a play of mine to bed in late November (a valuable artistic experience), I immediately returned to my TV writing job on Covert Affairs. I’m delighted to be back, but it’s an adjustment to be working full days and doing homework at night. We’re always generating story ideas – and the requirement is to come in with fresh thoughts. On top of that, it’s December. The year is ending with all the joy and madness of the holidays. I’m having a hard time keeping up with it all.

These days I’m reflecting on how quickly time passes and how much there is to do and be in the space of a ... Read more

I’ve been having a familiar conversation with some artist-friends recently. We’re talking about the work of course, and invariably, we talk about being stuck. There’s some problem that has emerged, some block that prevents moving ahead: maybe there’s a financial issue, or a stubborn or uncommunicative collaborator, or a neglectful agent in the mix. Maybe it’s a problem of willingness or being too busy, or there’s negative energy coming from a partner, parent or spouse. Whatever it is, it brings up sadness in the artist and maybe even hopelessness. The work stops and the problem seems to get bigger and bigger. This is a familiar conversation to me – I’ve been in it all my artistic life.

The truth is, stuff happens. To all of us. Every artist ... Read more

I’m currently in between steady gigs. That means I have the luxury (burden?) of having time to myself. I’m left to my own devices – and I have a steady stream of things to do: I’m working on a new play, writing a TV project, producing a workshop of a play of mine, reading material for professional development as a coach, arranging networking lunches and meetings with industry folks. And I’m doing all the things that keep body and soul together – dishes, grocery shopping, doctor visits, exercise, laundry. Now, I’m not complaining about having time to myself – it’s a gift and I recognize that. But a curious thing happens to me each day as I move into the morning – attempting to negotiate ... Read more

Several years ago I took a seminar with Robert McKee: he’s the writing guru who’s published several books about how to write screenplays and gives 3 day intensive seminars where he breaks down the structure of famous films. McKee is an amazing lecturer, holding forth for hours and hours without leaving the stage – giving example after example of how dramatic structure works. During the seminar I attended in New York I was enthralled – and afterwards I bought his book.

One thing I’ll never forget: he talks about how all writing that resonates comes from truth. It may not be factual truth – (the piece could be science fiction) – but emotional truth in any genre is compelling. Audiences show up to find themselves ... Read more

I spent an amazing and fulfilling 9 months writing for Covert Affairs and my contract came to an end a little over a week ago. So many feelings passed through me: joy and sadness and relief and fear. In the world of episodic television there are no guarantees about the next season or the next contract. Things went well, but nothing about the future is set in stone. It’s a lot like life.

The part of me that wants to be creatively employed FOREVER went right to work after my last day: on creative and personal projects. Balancing my check book and brainstorming the next writing thing – contemplating a return to auditioning – and a whole host of other items. In typical form, I got busy. ... Read more

Anyone who’s ever done anything creative in public (or exhibited in public) knows the drill: putting your work out there is both delightful and frightening. Some people will applaud and some will boo. If many are happy to shake your hand, just as many will want to punch you in the face. You can’t have one without the other. A funny thing happened on the way to and from the Covert Affairs premiere. I was so excited to have the first episode of season 3 appear on TV. Reasons I’m excited: It’s my first television show as a writer. I LOVE what I do. The people I work with are terrific and we all work tremendously hard. I like the twists and turns of the stories ... Read more