So, yesterday afternoon, I got myself over to the incomparable Writers Store. At 5 p.m., Stephanie Palmer was giving a question & answer session and doing a book signing for her new volume, Good in the Room. She’s been a studio exec, and heard hundreds upon hundreds of pitches, knows how they can play out, and has advice on how to make your own pitches better geared for success.
I’ve been on Stephanie’s newsletter email list for a while now, so when the book came available, I promptly got myself a copy. Even if you are fairly skilled at pitching, what she has to say is a good refresher course and reminder of the dynamics of The Room.
It’s also always interesting to me to see who shows up for such events. Eager and earnest writers starting out, keen to learn how to navigate the chancy waters of Hollywood. I like to go, because I enjoy supporting the work of people I respect, and I also think it’s a good thing to be aware of what the aspiring writers are paying attention to.
Besides, wandering around the Writers Store is always cool. What new books are out? What new fun knick-knacks do they have at hand for writers? I mean, I have a Shakespeare “action” figure I got there and a mug with inspirational words about writing. And last night was no exception: they had plushy dolls of some writers, and oddly enough, one of a character – Sherlock Holmes. Now, how can I pass up a plushy Sherlock Holmes? Well, I can’t, so I didn’t. He’s now presiding over my desk, sitting on top of some of my screenwriting books. Perhaps he’ll inspire me to get on to work with my next “recreational” writing project: a book on detection according to Sherlock Holmes, that I’ve titled (in my mind) You Know My Methods, Watson.
In any case, I got my book signed by Stephanie, got to listen to a good Q&A session, looked over some new books – and spent some money.
