Brooks Elms on Fear, and the Creative Process
In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I have the pleasure of delving into a profound conversation with Brooks Elms. As we reflect on their journeys, share personal experiences, and offer invaluable insights, it becomes evident that writing is as much about collaboration and facing fears as it is about individual creativity.
The Journey of Writing: A Team Endeavor
I opened up about my 24-year journey to write my first book, eventually discovering that writing is a team sport rather than a solo endeavor. This revelation significantly shaped my approach to storytelling. I emphasize the necessity of thought leadership and the wisdom gained through collective feedback. Brooks Elms concurs, stressing that thought leadership and serving the ideal audience are equally crucial in screenwriting. We agree that the impact of a story magnifies when it passes through the prism of collaborative feedback.
Challenges in Writing and Ideation
The journey of writing a book or screenplay is laden with challenges, and I share insightful anecdotes from my experiences running a writer’s group. Whether it’s about handling people who claim to have good book ideas or navigating through creative blockages, the discussion sheds light on the complexities of executing a project from start to finish.
Brooks Elms introduces an essential piece of advice: developing an idea for one’s enjoyment. He outlines the steps for transitioning from amateur to professional screenwriting, underscoring the high bar of artistry required in storytelling. His vast experience, having written over 40 screenplays and taught over 500 students at UCLA Extension, provides a wealth of knowledge for any aspiring writer.
Timing: A Crucial Element in Storytelling
Timing is a pivotal element in both screenwriting and the broader landscape of storytelling. They reflect on how cultural timing can significantly enhance the impact of a story, citing movies like “Full Metal Jacket” and “Platoon” which landed powerfully due to their release during specific cultural moments.
This concept extends beyond screenwriting, influencing all aspects of a writer’s journey. From timing in personal career decisions to project selection, understanding and utilizing timing can make the difference between a captivating story and one that falls flat.
Facing Fears and Taking Leaps of Faith
Career advancement often demands facing fears and taking bold leaps of faith. Brooks and I share compelling examples from our lives where fear played a defining role. Brooks recounts a significant turning point when he initially refused to write a genre movie out of fear, only to later realize the opportunity and succeed. This decision marked a substantial advancement in his career.
I, too, reflect on moments where fear barred me from seizing opportunities. I narrate a missed opportunity stemming from unpreparedness to accept a significant shift. These personal anecdotes underscore fear’s role as both a barrier and a guidance system in creative endeavors.
The Narrative of Timing in Career Growth
Brooks Elms highlights an important realization: the abundance of opportunities often hinges on the readiness to recognize and act upon them. His coaching since 2021 has focused on helping amateur writers understand this nuance and leverage it in their storytelling.
Furthermore, I share a personal story about the failure of a book proposal, leading to an epiphany that the stories I narrated in a TED Talk were the real essence of my book. This shift in focus illustrates how fear, when understood and embraced, can guide creative decisions and unveil life lessons.
Storytelling in Real Time: Overcoming Fears
My upcoming participation in a storytelling event inspired by The Moth serves as an excellent practice for confronting fears. With storytellers given a mere 5 minutes to speak without notes, I see this as a valuable exercise in brevity and impact, vital skills for both book and screenplay writing.
Brooks applauds such real-life storytelling experiences, emphasizing the current era’s numerous platforms for sharing stories. The dialogue shifts to discuss the future of storytelling and the non-threat of AI to their craft, concluding with an invitation for listeners to explore Brooks’ coaching services.
In closing, I thank Brooks for his profound insights and enjoyable discussion, looking forward to future conversations. Ultimately, the episode underscores the importance of taking inspired action, leveraging collaborative feedback, and facing fears head-on. Writing, whether it’s a book or a screenplay, is undeniably a team sport, enriched by timing, collaboration, and the courage to confront and embrace one’s fears.
Join us again next week for more captivating insights from influential authors and publishing experts. Remember to subscribe to Authors Who Lead and visit our website for more show notes and past interviews.
That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay—take action.
Episode Resources
Connect with Brooks here:
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