TV Comedy vs. Novel Writing: Leslie Rasmussen on Finding Your Voice in the "Wild West" of Fiction

Have you ever felt like you need a "permission slip" to try a different creative path, even when you’re already "successful" in another? In this episode, I’m talking with award-winning screenwriter Leslie Rasmussen, who spent years in the high-pressure world of comedy writing for iconic television shows like Roseanne, The Drew Carey Show, and Sweet Valley High before pivoting to her true passion: writing novels. If you are an exhausted perfectionist who feels stuck in a specific professional lane or fears that your creative spark has a deadline, Leslie’s journey from the TV writer's room to the "Wild West" of fiction will show you how to reclaim your own narrative. Most creative advice tells you to pick a lane and stay there or to follow a rigid corporate productivity system. But on this podcast, we believe in messy, joyful creativity for people who are tired of the pressure to perform. We focus on the life force of your work—not just the output.   Episode breakdown: 0:00 Transitioning from TV scripts to fiction 4:15 Growing up creative in Los Angeles 8:30 Breaking into Hollywood as an assistant 12:45 Challenges for women in comedy writing 17:20 The role of mentorship and networking 21:50 Working on ALF and Carol and Company 26:10 How actors help writers find their voice 31:45 The difference between sitcoms and animation 36:30 Outlining vs writing by the seat of your pants 41:15 Working with developmental editors 46:50 The reality of the TV writers room at 2 AM 51:20 From a nutrition business back to storytelling 56:45 The vulnerability of professional book reviews 59:10 Writing about family secrets and sisters 1:00:58 Final advice and closing thoughts   Want more? Here's a handy playlist with all my previous interviews with guests in writing. Check out the full show notes at fycuriosity.com, and join us for the Follow Your Curiosity Creativity Circle. Please leave a review for this episode—it’s really easy and will only take a minute, and it really helps me reach new listeners. Thanks! If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend.