Alison Wroblewski's Lounge Discussions

You find a mentor by looking around at people doing what you want to do. The best way to get one. Humble yourself and ask.

I've been a mentor to several new writers. I'm simply paying forward what was paid to me. When I was first starting I needed readers and feedback. I had several people eager to read for me. Only a few were able to provide constructive criticism. But those few helped me enough for my first script to be a semi-finalist the first time I entered a contest. After placing in a bunch more and winning a few, I'm very grateful for the help I've received.

I haven't sold a screenplay yet but I know enough to be able to help a new writer who may be just starting or only have one or two scripts under their belt. I'll read, critique, offer suggestions and even rewrite their first 2-3 pages to show them how its done. And doing this has been a learning experience for me in exchange. From translating a script from another language to telling a writer that they just don't have a story.

The only thing I ask in return is that they try not to be offended because I don't sugar coat anything. I warn everyone that my reviews are straight forward and to the point. That you shouldn't read them if you can't handle criticism. Because if they want validation, then they should go somewhere else, but if they want to learn something, then my honest review can be a great tool to improve their story. I've had a couple of my mentor-ees go on to place and win contests. So, I think I must be doing something right.

There are plenty of free sites where you can get things critiqued and get feedback granted mostly from Amateurs but the feedback I get from Zoetrope, Coverflyx, Talentville, also here, Simply Scripts and Reddit screenwriting has helped as much as the paid feedback I've gotten. There are some good in-depth podcasts and TY channels as well. Also never being afraid to ask questions here or on Reddit and started discussions can help too. Reading a really good produced script can also help. Ultimately the best way to improve is to keep writing.

Ah yes, mentoring. I don't believe I've ever had a real 'mentor' but I've been fortunate to have been awarded snippets of wisdom and knowledge - long ago & far away - by Hitchcock, John Wayne, James Mason, Ernie Borgnine and so , so many others. I soaked up as much of that knowledge as I could. and retain some but acknowledge that I've forgotten much. One thing I assure you is that mentoring is a personal, face-to-face event. So yes, you do have to be where the pro's hang out - but that's no longer onlyHollywood. Productions (big & small) are occuring all 'round the country (globe). Mentors are everywhere.

Mentors are folk willing to pass on knowledge freely - they are not 'teachers'. If you seek a teacher - go to school & pay for that.

Mentors are people too. Treat them respectfully & well. They will do the same for you. Mentoring is a selfless activity that is very self rewarding.

Mostly, don't waste a mentor's time; they will walk away from you and all they perceive as your tribe.

Thanks again, all, to responding to my question. To Stephen's point, I read about the Green Book backlash, and I guess I was responding to it with hesitation in telling this particular story. It's a funny line to walk along: telling a story that should be told versus it getting lost due to "political correctness" or the "fear" of the backlash. Guess I won't know if there is said backlash without putting it out there.

It sounds like at the end of the day "respect" is paramount, which I had always intended to do. So I thank you for weighing in! Off to finish the next edit and see where it takes me.

Glad you mentioned Green Book. Many people's criticism of it had to do with the blatant distortion and omission of factual information of the artist Don Shirley. Critics did not and do not want political correctness. They want correctness, period. Just don't lie and distort stuff to fit your film. Even Spike Lee got heavily criticized by the Nation of Islam for his portayal of Elijah Muhammad in his film X due to ways he shaped the actual story to fit a more streamlined version for his film. You should try as much as possible not to do that, but if you have to, then acknowledge that you are changing a true story and ultimately creating your own story to tell.

I think it's fine. It's about the Anglo's journey and discovery of "others," a new world for him, which leads the audience to discover that world and its people, and develop respect for their culture and concern for their problems. Maybe the Anglo at first (before getting there) is somewhat unaware or even unsympathetic, so his inner journey and arc would be compelling and helpful to us all.

I think that description encapsulates the problem critics have with white savior movies. The focus is on the white person, and the person of color is a plot device to improve/challenge the life of the white person. I think that’s what angers people about it, not whether or not the portrayal of a person of color is sincere and genial, but whether or not they’re two-dimensional and defined merely by the needs of the white person.

Going to give my two cents as an Oklahoman with Cherokee blood. I grew up with Cherokee, Seminole, Sac and Fox, Kickapoo, Comanche, okay the list could go on and on, but here's the point. Donn Swaby made an excellent point, when he said critics don't want political correctness, they want correctness. We live in a sensitive world where words can ruin careers, it's a shame really, but it's the way it is. We can't as writers write based on who we might offend. Why? Simple, you will always offend someone, no matter what. A good start is to write without offense in mind. Write what you know and make sure you research and know. Start with dropping the Native American thing. If you know what tribe/s you are writing about use that. You'll never offend a Cherokee by calling him a Cherokee, same for any other tribe. "Native American" offends everyone I know. It's a citizenship or birth status not a race or tribe. I'm Native American by birth, I'm Cherokee by blood. Most I know even prefer American Indian, that term was never derogatory. Even with that see, you'll offend someone. I offend everyone, but I disrespect no one. You see the difference? Offending someone is almost always unintentional, disrespect is always intentional. Only you can know what you mean and you'll never please everyone. Stop worrying about offending and write with respect and facts. Remember the truth offends the most, so just write and let your intentions show through, If you write with offending in mind it will show. Learn the customs and beliefs of the tribe you are writing about and here's a novel idea, contact the Chief or Council and ask if they would review and comment. Keeping them in the loop will go along way. Because yes, it can be as simple as asking someone if it offends them. Here's something else to keep in mind, if it doesn't offend those that it's about, no one else matters. It's none of their business. One last note, keep this in mind the most offensive and controversial things are what Hollywood buys.

Hi Alison, Nice to meet you. The time is now!

You are welcome, Alison! Thank you very much for the connection here on stage32.

Hi! I know Floyd VA and their one stoplight--lots of inspiration in that small town! So nice to meet you!

Hi! Tessa, not a lot of people know the one-stoplight county in the middle of nowhere! But very true! Lots of stories in this place of which my last two scripts have come from, ha!

Pleasure to e-meet you all!

It's good that you are jumping back in after a hiatus called life. Did that too for a bit went crazy writing for a few years then kind of stepped away to do more of the production side. Now I'm back and banging out 3 new features. Lots of kindred spirits here which is awesome. Much success to you!