F*ck it, We’ll Do It Live! This Newsletter Is Now a Book-in-Progress
Thanks for helping me “write drunk, edit sober” one chapter at a time
I’m a TV comedy writer. At the moment, though, I’m not staffed on a show. Which is why my company holiday party was really mellow this year. And I got stuck with the bar tab.
When you write on a talk show that reaches millions, you get used to certain things—like deadlines… accountability… a paycheck. When you write on your own, you miss those things—mostly the paycheck. Deadlines aren’t as fun without direct deposit.
But the truth is, deadlines matter. It helps to have an accountability partner. For me, that used to be Warner Brothers. Now? It’s YOU. No pressure… but you’re kind of my entire studio system.
Don’t worry, it’s really not a big deal. Every Tuesday, I’ll post a punchy “newsletter” that’s actually just a book chapter in disguise. Give it a few weeks (or, you know, several dozen), and voilà—a book will magically appear.
Think of it as a behind-the-scenes look at the messy process of writing—like watching a reality show, but with fewer rose ceremonies and people hooking up in the hot tub. (Sorry, I wish I could offer that.)
If I miss a Tuesday post, there will be consequences! The first person to call me out in the comments wins one of my Emmys. I’ve already lost one in a bet at my brother’s bachelor party—what’s one more?
OKAY, WHAT THE HELL IS THE CONCEPT OF THIS BOOK, YOU ASK?
First off, great question. This is exactly why I’ve come to you for help—you’re clearly the brains of the operation.
This book is about how anyone (yes, even your clueless cousin Gary) can unlock their creativity and generate a sh*t ton of ideas, select the best ones, and actually bring them to life. I’ve boiled it down to a 3-step process: “Write Drunk, Edit Sober, Act Caffeinated.”
Each step is a mindset shift. “Write drunk” means being open, loose, and unfiltered—it’s the creative free-for-all. “Edit sober” is all about getting judgy and separating the gems from the junk. And “Act caffeinated” is where you stop overthinking and actually move your ass.
Here are a few sample chapter titles to give you a taste:
Sleep Your Way to the Top! (Relax, it’s about actual sleep.)
Get a Room! (For your brainstorming sessions.)
Size Matters… When It Comes to Ideas
Don’t Be Afraid to Whip It Out (Your journal, obviously.)
HOW THE HELL DOES IT RELATE TO MY LIFE, YOU ASK?
Another great question! You’re two for two!
This book takes 20+ years of lessons from TV writers’ rooms and helps you apply them in your own unique way. Need to pitch a billion-dollar idea to your boss? Deliver a speech that doesn’t put people to sleep? Plan your dog’s Bark Mitzvah? (Yes, that’s a thing.) The same creative techniques that fuel hit shows can help you crush it—and actually enjoy the process.
It’s part inspiration, part practical guide, and all designed to make you laugh while you tap into your creativity.
I can’t wait to hear what you think and watch this take shape. This is a collaboration, so don’t hold back—hit the comments or reach out directly with feedback, ideas, your deepest secrets…
Thanks for being part of the journey—and part of the book!
Cheers to our creativity,
Gil
P.S. Want to stay in touch? Visit my website by clicking HERE!
Oh, and if you’re curious about my speaking and workshops, take a quick look at my teaser video!