Layla M. is a multi-faceted creator. She studied screenwriting in the Harlem Dramatic Writing Workshop at Columbia University and literature at The University of Michigan and The City College of New York. Her style is often dark comedy, imbued with themes of personal and systemic oppressions. She sees her work in the emerging genre of psychologically disturbing comedies like films from Jordan Peele and Bong Joon Ho. She has published short fiction and written, directed and produced off broadway theatre. We discuss dealing with writerly criticism, the MFA experience, her award-winning screenplay titled Baby Teeth, and more.  

Currently, Jim Nog Pod is a one-man show. The Pod takes a lot of effort and time. Please show your support via Patreon.com/jimnog.

 

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro song

0:44 - Introduction

1:59 - Start of convo; dealing with writerly criticism

11:07 - How to give constructive criticism

18:33 - Hemingway's writing

22:31 - Simplicity in writing

27:30 - Is an MFA "worth it"?

36:56 - About Layla's award-winning script Baby Teeth

40:09 - Dark comedy influences

46:44 - Outro song

 

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- Website: http://www.jamesnoguera.com