517 - Smart People Talking About TV

<p>This week, we revisit some of our favorite conversations with TV writers, including Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project), Alison McDonald (American Dad!), Ryan Knighton (In the Dark), Aline Brosh McKenna and Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). They share their philosophies and practical advice for writing television.</p> <p>We talk about getting staffed, the first day in a writers room, when to speak, development heartbreak, and mapping out a story across seasons. Other important topics include lunch, how to dress, and hot tub brainstorm sessions.</p> <p>In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Megana answer listener questions about Scriptnotes production.</p> <p>Links:</p> <ul> <li>Mindy Kaling on <a href= "https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1411676/">IMDb</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/mindykaling">Twitter</a></li> <li>Alison McDonald on <a href= "https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1037485/">IMDb</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/shegotproblems">Twitter</a></li> <li>Ryan Knighton on <a href= "https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3716988/">IMDb</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ryanknighton">Twitter</a></li> <li>Aline Brosh McKenna on <a href= "https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0112459/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1">IMDb</a> and on <a href= "https://twitter.com/alinebmckenna">Twitter</a></li> <li>Rachel Bloom on <a href= "https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3417385/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1">IMDb</a> and on <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/racheldoesstuff/?hl=en">Instagram</a></li> <li>John Gatins on <a href= "https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0309691/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1">IMDb</a></li> <li><a href= "https://johnaugust.com/2018/the-one-with-mindy-kaling">Scriptnotes, Episode 362: The One with Mindy Kaling</a></li> <li><a href= "https://johnaugust.com/2018/advice-for-a-new-staff-writer">Scriptnotes, Episode 368: Advice for a New Staff Writer</a></li> <li><a href="https://johnaugust.com/2018/limerence">Scriptnotes, Episode 350: Limerance</a></li> <li>One Thing You Should Read: <a href= "https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/10/the-unwritten-rules