Works~N~Progress | Podcast on RSS.com

Works~N~Progress

Works~N~Progress

by Monice Mitchell Simms

Season 1

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 🔥 Join Patreon for deeper dives: 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 🔥 Join Patreon for deeper dives: 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 🔥 Get exclusive content: 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

Jemele Hill on Finding Your Voice as a Writer (Stop Waiting for Permission)

Struggling to find your voice as a writer? In this conversation, Jemele Hill shares how to stop waiting for permission and start owning your story. In this episode of Works~N~Progress, we talk about writing with confidence, navigating identity, and what it really takes to build a career as a storyteller. If you’ve ever doubted your voice or felt stuck in your writing journey, this is the conversation you need. 👇 Drop a comment: What’s been holding you back as a writer? 🎧 More conversations like this: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCESVZ1WZWL7i1hn2RzEShhTAbpOiIxFH 🔥 Go deeper (exclusive content, BTS breakdowns): https://patreon.com/c/monicemitchellsimms Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:43 Meet Jemele Hill: Emmy Winner Sports Journalist 02:45 Detroit Roots 10:35 Journey into Journalism 17:33 Challenges and Triumphs for Women in Sports Journalism 24:31 Craft of Writing Sports Stories 26:56 Covering the WNBA and Gender Dynamics 29:48 Roots of Unbothered Confidence 31:59 Becoming a Columnist 33:52 Navigating Social-Media and Criticism 35:15 Unexpected Career Pivots 37:07 Writing a Memoir 40:05 Near-Death Experience – Actor Performance 46:54 Deepening Mother-Daughter Bond 53:10 The Writing Process 01:02:01 Advice for Aspiring Writers 01:03:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections Aspiring writers, we can help you! -- https://youtube.com/@wnpwithmonice?si=SwgfczTOV2Hq7f7G Learn from successful storytellers sharing their in progress work and unfiltered journeys -- https://www.youtube.com/@WNPwithMonice/playlists SUBSCRIBE and become part of our community - https://youtu.be/Gntjpk6TfxE?si=jiL2k28xZZrdgCFK Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/wnpwithmonice/ We appreciate donations: patreon.com/c/monicemitchellsimms Listen to our podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/7byKAjQKeRA08IABWpwBUI ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So what is #WorksNProgress? It's is an unique podcuseries that brings diverse storytellers of various genres together to share their in-progress work and unfiltered journeys. Hosted by award-winning author/screenwriter/showrunner, Monice Mitchell Simms, it feature spirited conversations with guests and samples of guests’ are performed by the show’s cast. The show as created to demystify the creative process for aspiring writers and inspire them to finish their stories.

How to Write Bold, Unapologetic Stories (Without Holding Back)

The best stories are fearless—but writing that way isn’t easy. Eddie Ruiz and Miguel Duran share how to embrace your voice, take risks, and write stories that don’t play it safe. If you’re tired of watering down your work, this conversation will push you forward. 👇 What’s one story you’re afraid to tell? 🎧 More storytelling tips: https://www.youtube.com/playlist? list=PLCESVZ1WZWL7i1hn2RzEShhTAbpOiIxFH 🔥 Join Patreon for deeper dives: https://patreon.com/c/monicemitchellsimms 00:00 Host Introduction and Welcome 00:46 Meet our Unapologetic TV writers, Eddie Ruiz and Miguel Duran 01:25 Miguel's feature Film “Adventure Tom” 02:53 Eddie's Journey in Acting and Producing 03:22 Challenges in Hollywood 04:15 The Importance of Telling Your Own Story 09:47 The Chicano Experience 12:48 Assimilation and Identity Struggles 15:26 Collaborative Writing Partner Process 18:06 Balancing Personal and Professional Lives 24:56 Unique Story Setting in East LA 26:51 The Impact of Anxiety in Storytelling 31:15 Actor Excerpt Performance 34:21 Personal Reflections and Overcoming Panic Attacks 39:06 Community and Confronting Imposter Syndrome 48:56 Future Aspirations and Authentic Storytelling 51:42 Final Thoughts

How to Stop Doubting Yourself as a Writer (Advice from a TV Writer)

Doubt is one of the biggest things holding writers back. Here’s how to push through it. TV writer, Kimberly Allen, shares what it takes to trust your voice, move past imposter syndrome, and keep writing even when you’re unsure. If you’ve ever questioned your ability as a storyteller, this episode is for you. 👇 What’s one doubt you’re trying to overcome? 🎧 More writing advice: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCESVZ1WZWL7i1hn2RzEShhTAbpOiIxFH 🔥 Get exclusive content: https://patreon.com/c/monicemitchellsimms 00:00 Introduction 01:16 Detroit Roots 06:39 Discovering Storytelling 09:00 Pursuing Dreams as a Single Parent 13:45 Self-Validation 14:47 TV Writing Breakthrough 18:52 Power of Visualization 22:04 Half Marathon Challenge 23:55 Standup Comedy Leap 26:49 WNP Excerpt Intro 29:08 Actor Excerpt Performance 32:10 Rewriting Comedy Tips 36:45 Trash Company Tale 38:18 Writing Inspiration and Process 39:52 Final Thoughts

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

In this micro-episode, #WorksNProgress host, #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 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!

WorksNProgress Remix!

In this episode, #WorksNProgress host, Monice Mitchell Simms shares some of her favorite moments with her amazing guests so far! Diving into what it means to write fearlessly, Kimberly Allen, Eddie Ruiz and Miguel Duran and Jemele Hill share the importance of staying true to one's voice, persisting despite doubting yourself and learning to stop looking for validation from others and accept yourself. ENJOY and STAY TUNED for a NEW episode with another GREAT storyteller NEXT WEEK!

EDDIE RUIZ shares a Personal Spoken Word Piece Celebrating His Chicano Community| WNP

As an impromptu treat during their conversation with #MoniceMitchellSimms, Chicano actor-writer, #EddieRuiz shares the spoken word piece that inspired his TV pilot with writing partner, #MiguelDuran. Art inspires art and this powerful piece exemplifies that.

1 of 2