Author: Lavetta Cannon

Being a writer can be glorious. There’s nothing like being shoulder deep into writing a story that is engaging, entertaining and awe-inspiring. For some writers, this is a rare experience because, usually, most of their time is spent knee deep in doubt and frustration. But, whatever your plight, I’ve learned that in order to be even ankle deep into a story, there are Three Essential Life Hacks a writer needs in order to produce any work consistently. Space This one seems like a “no-brainer” but you’d be surprised at the number of writers who have no real physical space in which…

Getting notes is as appealing to most writers as getting a pap smear is to most women. Yes, it’s necessary, but you just wished it wasn’t so awkward and uncomfortable. I mean, is it too much to ask to have the speculum not be ice cold?! But just like this rite of womanhood is inevitable, getting feedback on your work is often the only way to ensure a healthy outcome. So before you consider committing seppuku to avoid getting notes, here are four Zen ways to help make the process less anxiety-ridden and more comfortable. 1. Consider The Source Before…

Like so many, I was devastated by the news of the sudden death of Prince. Having grown up with his music, I had, frankly, taken for granted the legend’s existence, as well as, his undeniable genius this last decade. Even though he was significantly older than me, I had foolishly assumed he would always be out there somewhere, dressed in lace and high heel boots, singing in his signature falsetto and making every guitar his bitch. I know, I’m making it all about me. But bare with me, there’s a method to this reverie. You see, these past few weeks…

Recently, I was re-reading Stephen King’s “On Writing.” If you’ve never read, do so pronto. Not only is it a great book about the craft of writing but it’s also extremely inspirational. And honestly, lately, I’ve needed inspiration the way Drake needs to spread his brand of tender “light-skinned love” all over a rap song. Because not only can leading a creative life be extremely challenging but, frankly, it can be down right depressing at times. But like a moth to a flame, most of us “artists” wouldn’t have it any other way. But for those of us, currently, in…

Starting a new script can be one of the most joyous experiences in life. The eagerness to get your idea down on the page can be exciting. And if you think you have a great premise, cracking that laptop open can be down right exhilarating. That is, until you get inevitably stuck and yell out the proverbial, “ruh-roh” ( in your best Scooby-Doo voice). The reasons for this are as varied and confusing as a Rihanna lyric. For some, this can be an unexpected turn in the plot that has upended your story. For others, it may be the discovery…

This time of year can be very stressful for writers. If you’re like most, you’re probably waist deep into a few scripts. Or if you’re like me, you’re knee-deep in all the hair that you pulled out of your head over just one script. But I digress… Whatever your malaise, here are a few tips to help you tackle your projects with purpose. Some writers swear by outlines, while others like to write until they’ve found their way. Personally, I’m of the former state group. I find that an outline makes the whole experience less tedious and traumatic. Not convinced?…

If you’re like me, getting quickly back to work after the festive spirit of the holidays is about as likely as the Kardashian clan is to stop taking selfies. And if your work is in the creative world, the likelihood is somewhere closer to the Kardashians telling the paparazzi to stop taking their pictures. In other words, when hell freezes over! But don’t distress. Over the last few years, I’ve found a sure fire way to combat that frozen ambition inside… Here are 10 podcasts that will help you get back into the swing of things and spark creativity in…

If you’re like most human beings, you have insecurities. And if you consider yourself a “creative” type, those insecurities can sometimes be crippling. Indeed, life in general can be challenging so deciding to pursue a creative career can invite that many more obstacles to a happy and contented life. And that is why chocolatiers, pharmaceutical companies and alcohol distillers will always have job security. In my career as a writer, I’ve noticed many new writers go through a kind of emotional metamorphosis that’s very similar to the stages of grief; a model first introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in…

“Diversity” has been a consistent buzzword that many networks have been throwing around this last decade as the main ingredient in a “sure-fire hit” formula. But don’t be fooled. This is Hollywood’s M.O. Money and ratings remain king. Just like when “Friends” exploded in the nineties, you couldn’t turn a corner without being bombarded by a billboard advertising a show about “nice-white-twenty-somethings-lounging-on-couch” assaulting you. Boy, I miss “Smelly Cat.” Now, while many have gladly embraced the notion of more diverse casting, some others have dug their heels in deep, citing artistic freedom to write what thy know. Others, continue to…

I recently listened to a podcast with the legendary TV producer, Norman Lear, during a promotional tour for his memoir, “Even This I Get To Experience”, about his luminous and legendary career. During the interview, I was struck by Mr. Lear’s candor and humility. When asked to speak about his thoughts on why some sitcoms were successful and why some failed, Mr. Lear was very clear that, even today, it was all still a mystery to him. One thing, however, that he was absolutely positive about was that, it had to be good. As I am somewhat still at the…