Works~N~Progress

How to Mix Genres Without Confusing Your Audience (Storytelling Tips)

Blending genres can elevate your story—or completely lose your audience. Here’s how to do it right. In this special episode, Monice Mitchell Simms breaks down how to balance tone, structure, and expectations when combining genres in your writing with guest host, Joy DeMichelle. 👇 What genres are you trying to mix? 🎧 More storytelling tips: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCESVZ1WZWL7i1hn2RzEShhTAbpOiIxFH [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCESVZ1WZWL7i1hn2RzEShhTAbpOiIxFH] 🔥 Join Patreon for deeper dives: https://patreon.com/c/monicemitchellsimms [https://patreon.com/c/monicemitchellsimms] 00:00 Surprise Interview Twist 01:07 Introduction to Monice Mitchell Simms 02:13 Monice's Writing Journey 09:35 Daily Writing Habits 14:05 Balancing Life and Writing 18:53 Writing Techniques and Tools 22:02 Self-Care for Writers 25:56 Actors Performance Script Reading 27:36 Character Dynamics and Dialogue 29:40 Reflections on Writing and Revisions 31:24 The Art of Double Beats in Writing 34:46 Flipping the Script on Privilege 38:06 The Importance of Diverse Storytelling 48:19 Advice for Aspiring Writers 50:14 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

How Emmy-Winning Writers Tell Powerful Stories

Jane Anderson interview, screenwriting tips, storytelling advice, writing craft, Emmy winning writer, how to write better stories. In this conversation, we explore craft, identity, and what it takes to write stories that resonate on a deeper level. A must-watch for serious writers. 👇 What makes a story powerful to you? 🎧 More expert insights: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCESVZ1WZWL7i1hn2RzEShhTAbpOiIxFH [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCESVZ1WZWL7i1hn2RzEShhTAbpOiIxFH] 🔥 Join Patreon for deeper dives: https://patreon.com/c/monicemitchellsimms [https://patreon.com/c/monicemitchellsimms] 00:00 Introduction to Jane Anderson 01:29 Jane's Journey in Hollywood 06:10 Volunteering and Personal Growth 12:04 Early Life and Inspirations 17:56 Transition to Playwriting 29:11 Navigating the Writer's Room 31:05 Understanding the White Gaze 36:41 The Story of Betty and Barney Hill 44:27 Crafting Authentic Characters 49:23 Mastering Subtext in Screenwriting 01:01:54 Final Thoughts and Advice

How to Write Funny Characters That Actually Work (Comedy Writing Tips)

Writing comedy is hard—especially when the characters don’t land. Here’s how to fix that. Actor-writer Miles, Grose, breaks down what makes characters funny, real, and memorable—and how to bring humor into your writing without forcing it. Perfect for writers looking to sharpen their comedic voice. 👇 Who’s your favorite funny character? 🎧 More craft breakdowns: : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCESVZ1WZWL7i1hn2RzEShhTAbpOiIxFH [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCESVZ1WZWL7i1hn2RzEShhTAbpOiIxFH] 🔥 Get exclusive content: https://patreon.com/c/monicemitchellsimms [https://patreon.com/c/monicemitchellsimms] 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Meet Miles: A Masterclass in Comedy 01:53 Reconnecting and Reminiscing 02:48 Life in LA: The Struggles and Networking 04:10 The Craft of Comedy: Writing and Performing Jokes 22:46 The Art of Dialogue and Character Development 25:43 Working with JB Smoove: Producing and Tailoring Shows 27:44 Collaborative Projects and Production Company 28:35 A Cautionary Tale: The WNBA Pilot 33:10 Opening Monologue of the Pilot 37:31 The Evolution of TV Pilots 42:19 Comedy in Crisis: The Changing Landscape 49:46 Balancing Art and Life 56:23 Future Endeavors and Reflections

A Marathon, A Bus Chase, and Me: An IRL Story 😆

In this micro-episode, #WorksNProgress [https://www.instagram.com/wnpwithmonice/] host, #MoniceMitchellSimms [https://www.instagram.com/monicemitchellsimms/]brings the funny to wrap up her #WNP Remix-Fest! Brighten up your day with this surprise ending story about running a marathon from TV writer #KimberlyAllen [https://www.instagram.com/writeongirl/] to get inspired to keep striving for the finish line no matter how hard it gets! And STAY TUNED for a NEW conversation with another GREART storyteller NEXT WEEK! #worksnprogress #podcasts #storytellers #storytelling #wnp #KimberlyAllen #storytime #marathon #nevergiveup #itsnothowyoustartitshowyoufinish #mickeymouse #miniemouse #goofy #disneyland #disneyworld #racing #pushingyourself

Young Me vs. Old Me: Turning Anxiety into Strength

In this episode, Monice keeps the remix going and dropping a second micro-episode highlighting the “secret sauce” that makes #WorksNProgress different from all other podcasts! #MiguelDuran shares how a car accident trauma impacted him. Then, explains how he poured his painful personal experience with panic attacks into the TV pilot he wrote with his writing partner, #EddieRuiz. Experience the powerful scene by Eddie and #NicFew to learn a calming technique to help yourself and others manage and overcome the same anxiety! STAY TUNED for a NEW conversation with another GREAT storyteller NEXT WEEK!