Works~N~Progress

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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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.

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.

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

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