Works~N~Progress

In this special season finale episode of #WorksNProgress: Conversations with Storytellers, host #MoniceMitchellSimms gets an unexpected surprise as her friend, actress-producer, #JoyDeMichelle flips the script by interviewing her!Monice, a multi-genre writer, shares her insights on the importance of process in writing over mere inspiration, and discusses how her experiences have shaped her craft.She also highlights her passion for poetry, how she infuses it into other genres, and reveals her disciplined approach to screenwriting and novel writing.Touching on themes of privilege, isolation, and rejection in the writing world. Monice emphasizes the importance of personal storytelling and offers advice for aspiring writers, especially those starting later in life.The conversation wraps up with a reading and analysis of a scene from Monice's TV pilot "13th Grade," providing valuable tips on writing, character development, and the significance of maintaining a writing routine.00:00 Surprise Interview Twist01:07 Introduction to Monice Mitchell Simms02:13 Monice's Writing Journey09:35 Daily Writing Habits14:05 Balancing Life and Writing18:53 Writing Techniques and Tools22:02 Self-Care for Writers25:56 Actors Performance Script Reading27:36 Character Dynamics and Dialogue29:40 Reflections on Writing and Revisions31:24 The Art of Double Beats in Writing34:46 Flipping the Script on Privilege38:06 The Importance of Diverse Storytelling48:19 Advice for Aspiring Writers50:14 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

In this inspiring episode of #WorksNProgress, host #MoniceMitchellSimms has a candid conversation with multi-nominated Emmy-winning writer, producer, and director, #JaneAnderson.They discuss Jane's artistic journey, the ups and downs of her career, and her experiences as a queer woman in Hollywood.They also delve into the importance of balancing an artistic career with social giving, and explore the complexities of race in storytelling, exemplified by #StrangeArrivals - Jane's current screenplay about an interracial couple and their alleged UFO abduction in the 1960s. The film stars #DemiMoore and #ColmanDomingo and is currently in pre-production.Don't miss this captivating dialogue on creativity, perseverance, and lifelong learning!00:00 Introduction to Jane Anderson01:29 Jane's Journey in Hollywood06:10 Volunteering and Personal Growth12:04 Early Life and Inspirations17:56 Transition to Playwriting29:11 Navigating the Writer's Room31:05 Understanding the White Gaze36:41 The Story of Betty and Barney Hill44:27 Crafting Authentic Characters49:23 Mastering Subtext in Screenwriting01:01:54 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this captivating episode of #WorksNProgress, host #MoniceMitchellSimmschats with actor-producer-writer, #MilesGrose about the unpredictable nature of life and the power of humor in overcoming challenges.Deep diving into the craft of comedy, they dissect the secret sauce of joke writing, the complexities of maintaining relevance in comedy and the evolving landscape of comedy in today's sensitive social climate.Miles also shares his early career challenges to now producing with #JBSmoove and how he’s learned to embrace life’s unpredictability to shape his creative process.Tune in to gain a masterclass in comedy and storytelling!Follow #WorksNProgress on IG: @wnpwithmonice. And you can find Miles on Instagram @miles.g.selim00:00 Introduction00:59 Meet Miles: A Masterclass in Comedy01:53 Reconnecting and Reminiscing02:48 Life in LA: The Struggles and Networking04:10 The Craft of Comedy: Writing and Performing Jokes22:46 The Art of Dialogue and Character Development25:43 Working with JB Smoove: Producing and Tailoring Shows27:44 Collaborative Projects and Production Company28:35 A Cautionary Tale: The WNBA Pilot33:10 Opening Monologue of the Pilot37:31 The Evolution of TV Pilots42:19 Comedy in Crisis: The Changing Landscape49:46 Balancing Art and Life56:23 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!

In this engaging episode of #WorksNProgress, host #MoniceMitchellSimms sits down with renowned journalist #JemeleHill.They discuss Detroit's unique cultural identity, the trials and triumphs of women in sports journalism, and Jemele's path to becoming a prominent sports journalist.Jemele also shares insightful anecdotes from her career, her process of finding her voice, and reflects on writing her memoir, which explores her personal history and relationship with her mother. This conversation is packed with humor, poignant memories, and valuable advice for aspiring writers and journalists.Follow #WorksNProgress on IG: @wnpwithmonice. And you can find Jemele on Instagram and YouTube @jemelehill and @ItsJemeleHill.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:43 Meet Jemele Hill: Emmy Winner Sports Journalist02:45 Detroit Roots10:35 Journey into Journalism17:33 Challenges and Triumphs for Women in Sports Journalism24:31 Craft of Writing Sports Stories26:56 Covering the WNBA and Gender Dynamics29:48 Roots of Unbothered Confidence31:59 Becoming a Columnist33:52 Navigating Social-Media and Criticism35:15 Unexpected Career Pivots37:07 Writing a Memoir40:05 Near-Death Experience – Actor Performance46:54 Deepening Mother-Daughter Bond53:10 The Writing Process01:02:01 Advice for Aspiring Writers01:03:29 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsAspiring writers, we can help you! -- https://youtube.com/@wnpwithmonice?si=SwgfczTOV2Hq7f7GLearn from successful storytellers sharing their in progress work and unfiltered journeys -- https://www.youtube.com/@WNPwithMonice/playlistsSUBSCRIBE and become part of our community - https://youtu.be/Gntjpk6TfxE?si=jiL2k28xZZrdgCFKFollow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/wnpwithmonice/We appreciate donations: patreon.com/c/monicemitchellsimmsListen to our podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/7byKAjQKeRA08IABWpwBUI-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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.

EDDIE RUIZ & MIGUEL DURAN share their journey to tell authentic Chicano stories| WNPIn a motivating, candid conversation with #MoniceMitchellSimms, Chicano TV writing partners, #EddieRuiz and #MiguelDuran transparently open up on #WorksNProgress about:The unspoken cost of assimilationHow they trust and challenge each other to push through imposter syndromeAnd why they’re committed to telling unapologetic stories that represent their communityListen NOW to be moved by these gems and so much more!Also follow us on #IG & #YouTube: @wnpwithmonice. And you can find Eddie and Miguel on Instagram, too @el_eddieruiz and @migg7 to follow all of the amazing things they are up to now!

KIMBERLY ALLEN shares her journey from the garbage company to TV writers room |In an inspiring, hilarious conversation with Monice, native Detroiter and "Kold x Windy" TV staff writer, Kimberly Allen, chronicles her journey from garbage company to TV staff writer. And she shares insights about her rewriting process viewing the performance of her work-n-progress. Listen NOW to also learn: • How 3 phone calls. Not text messages. (Go Team Gen X) changed her life• How she couldn’t have made it without finding her village as a single mom• How challenging herself to do stand-up comedy helped her overcome fear and has made her a better writer.Also follow us on IG & Youtube: @wnpwithmoniceAnd you can find Kimberly on Instagram, too, @writeongirl

In her introductory episode, host, Monice, shares why she created @WNPwithMonice and her poduseries' mission to inspire writers to tell their stories.

Enjoy the Extended trailer for the storyteller podcuseries, Works~N~Progress! Hosted by Monice Mitchell Simms and PREMIERING APRIL 9TH!

Works~N~Progress host, Monice Mitchell Simms, pops in to THANK her subscribers and announces that the podcuseries will be premiering APRIL 9th! SPREAD THE WORD!