The 3 Truths That Changed My Writing Forever
What I learned from writing across television, film, and unscripted formats.
After years of writing in television writers’ rooms, developing feature films, and shaping hundreds of hours of unscripted television, I’ve realized something that applies across every format I’ve ever worked in:
Breakthroughs don’t come from adding more ideas.
They come from getting clear on the one that actually matters.
Whether I was crafting a scene for a scripted comedy, restructuring a docu-series episode in post, or pulling a strong moment from a cast interview to shape a compelling narrative—it always came down to one core question:
What’s the story really about?
Here are three truths that changed how I write—and how I approach every creative project, scripted or unscripted:
1. You don’t need permission to start.
Waiting for validation—an agent, a network note, a greenlight—only delays your growth.
Your voice gets stronger in motion, not in waiting.
2. Story is structure, no matter the format.
In unscripted, we call it a stringout. In screenwriting, it's an outline. In novels, it’s a plot arc.
But at the core, it’s always this: What is the transformation? Why now?
If you don’t know the emotional thread, all the footage (or pages) in the world won’t save it.
3. You are not your output.
This one took me the longest to learn.
Our industry celebrates volume—shows delivered, pages written, cuts turned in.
But real creativity needs space.
You are more than your deadlines or your word count.
Now, when I coach writers—and creatives in general—I don’t just focus on story beats.
We focus on what they want to say, how they want to say it, and how to make the process sustainable.
Because whether you’re writing for the page, the screen, or simply trying to reconnect with your voice...
this work matters.
💬 What truth have you learned as a writer or creator?
I’d love to hear what shifted your perspective—or what you’re still navigating. Feel free to share in the comments.
And if you’re interested in going deeper, I work with a small number of writers in my [3-Session Private Coaching Intensive]—where we shape your story, sharpen your pages, and build a path forward with confidence. Payment plans available.
Warmly,
Danita