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Okay folks, here's some practical advice about being a new writer in a writers room - especially for introverts (like me). The first thing to realize is that you're not doing as badly as you think you are! Really. You're not. Stop worrying. It's going to be fine.
Secondly, no one's keeping score of how many pitches you land or how often you talk (or don't talk). Showrunner's are focused on breaking the season and getting the room working well and a million other things. You're the only one keeping track of your performance this early on.
Yes, ultimately, you'll need to talk enough to contribute, but not so much that you're disruptive. Figuring out that balance can be difficult, but you'll get it eventually. There's time. Figure out the dynamics of the room, the rhythm of it, and learn to improvise.
Realize that you can't really hide your strengths and weaknesses when you're in a room with the same people day after day breaking story. So don't try. But that also means you'll learn what you're great at. And that's incredibly valuable to know.
Some writers are great at structure, some have strong voices, some can break season-long arcs, others can break your heart with a line pitch. Success comes from figuring out what you do well, and doing it often. That's also how you earn your voice in the room.
But if you're focused on your own performance, trying to get pitches on the board, or worried that you haven't spoken enough, trying to think of something - anything - to say, you're not helping the room do what it's meant to do - collaboratively break story.
You're not being of service to the show. And ultimately, you're doing yourself no favors. Because you will be seen. And you will slow down the process. And that's pretty much the worst thing you can do as a staff writer in the room.
And yes, I've fallen into all of these traps. I know how hard it is, especially when it feels like so much is riding on your performance at that moment. "The showrunner's here - I have to land a pitch now!" You don't. There will be countless hours in that room. It'll be fine.
Be collaborative, let go of your ego, support other writers, be kind to the assistants, cut down on carbs, order salads at lunch. You've worked your ass off to get into this room. You're lucky and privileged and doing a job so many dream of doing. So enjoy it! And make great tv!
One last thing, and it's vital. It's probably the key to your success. Walk into that writers room every day knowing one thing: You deserve to be there. You earned it. You wrote a sample that proved you're an amazing writer. You nailed the interviews. And now... you can do this.
