Member Spotlight: Elaine M Spooner

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? I like writing about people and their careers, particularly people in my passion business–the entertainment industry. There are many options for collaborating in the world of storytelling that are not just the traditional actor, writer, producer, and director positions. My books provide examples of people who succeeded outside the spotlights. Their stories inspire readers to believe their dreams are possible.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? Whenever I am unable to take the next step, I do two things: 1. Start with something small. The momentum from that often moves me into the next step, and so on. 2. If I have something to write but I can’t get started, I just sit down and jot notes. Not complete sentences or even complete thoughts. Just ideas. I find that once I start writing, my inspiration builds.

What is your favorite time to write? That varies. I prefer writing earlier in the day because I have more energy and am not yet distracted by other priorities.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? A television producer I admired said this about how to write: “Just put your butt in the seat and write.” She built a hugely successful career at least partially by just sitting down and writing every day.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? I am excited by the idea that I can tell people stories. In my experience, everyone’s story is fascinating and worth documenting. I enjoy learning about how a life unfolds and letting readers in on the inspiring details of individual choices and paths.

Ellen Spooner’s Creating a Career in Entertainment: Collaborating Outside the Spotlights in an Evolving Industry is out now.