Ever wonder what it’s like to be a writer in Hollywood? Is it nothing but red carpets and glitter? Here to shed some light on the real life of a successful writer in Hollywood is the talented Dean Lorey.

Dean has been a writer for such smash TV hits as  “Arrested Development” (one of my personal favorites), “The Crazy Ones” and “My Wife and Kids”. He also penned the script for Major Payne, among other films. In episode 106, Dean joined the show to talk about his early days at NYC, how he co-wrote Fitness Confidential with Vinnie Tortorich and what he has done over the years to thrive as a writer in Hollywood.

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Hailing from Conyers, Georgia, Dean went straight to NYU to follow his passion for writing in its the hallowed halls. Some of his fellow classmates included comedian Adam Sandler and Vince Gilligan, one of the writers for the TV show "Breaking Bad".

While a film student at NYU, he learned the value of hustling, relationships and self-motivation. After graduation he was offered a gig in Hollywood to work for Sean Cunningham which led to one of his first writing credentials on Friday the 13th VIII.

Though he went on to have major success with My Wife and Kids, Arrested Development and Major Payne, Dean will be the first to tell you that being a writer (or any other position in Hollywood) is just one step away from unemployment. It’s constant unemployment, followed by short gigs followed by more unemployment.

And that’s where hustle makes or breaks someone. Fortunately for Dean, he has plenty of hustle which has resulted in a healthy, happy living as a writer for TV and movies.

You'll also discover things like:

* What you can learn about growing your business from Louis CK and Breaking Bad.

* The technical side of creating a screenplay: Dean explains the process.

* The collaborative nature of movies and how it pertains to your business.

* How he worked with Vinnie Tortorich on "Fitness Confidential" and how they got it published.

* Why it's best to go for something, and ask permission later.

* Why it doesn't matter if you know the "how" of making something happen.

In addition to talking about his solopreneurial hustle, I also ask him to share who he has loved working with, what his favorite TV shows are currently and how he has kept his passion for writing alive through the typical ups and downs in the live of a Hollywood writer.

My chat with Dean was entertaining for me, and I hope for you as well. His story is a great reflection on the vital role hustle and relationships both play in success. Both are needed for anyone who wants to make it as a solopreneur, whatever their industry.

Leave a comment below or send me a Tweet and let me know: what did you discover about your business from hearing Dean’s story?

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Episode Resources

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Dean's web site

Dean on Twitter

Arrested Development

The Crazy Ones