Nell Scovell

Scovell provides the reader with some "inside baseball" on how challenging it is to break into comedic writing in Hollywood, especially if you are a woman. She has a long resume, so definitely has some interesting anecdotes, and she didn't shy away from naming names. But overall, I expected that as a comedy writer, the book would be wittier than it was. It also trots out the various complaints that feminists have been stating repeatedly for years, and so that component doesn't seem incredibly fresh. Interestingly, she collaborated on [b:Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead|16071764|Lean In Women, Work, and the Will to Lead|Sheryl Sandberg|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1364250803l/16071764._SY75_.jpg|21865596] which I have not read, but was a huge bestseller. All in all, I enjoyed this peek into what it is to be a writer for the screen, but I guess I expected more from a person who makes their living writing comedy.… (más)

Just the Funny Parts: … and a Few Hard Truths about Sneaking Into the Hollywood Boy’s Club

I Picked Up This Book Because: Someone close to me aspires to be a TV writer so I thought I’d see what she was signing up for.

The Story:

Part memoir, part advice column, part real facts about Hollywood Nell takes us on a recounting of her career from “Who is Nell Scovell” to “Who is Nell Scovell”. This book is well written and pulls not punches about the sexism, racism and other flaws of a career in Hollywood. Nell had a lot to say on the subject. Sometime a bit too much. At the end when she was listing unused jokes I felt like it was more filler than anything useful. All together it was eye opening. I had no idea how short a writer's career could be. It’s definitely not a field for the faint of heart.

The Random Thoughts:

3.5 Stars… (más)

This memoir from television writer, show creator, producer, and director Nell Scovell is a fascinating insight into a woman's career as a television comedy writer. Scovell details experiences from throughout her career (#MeToo moments and all) and remains funny even when relating stories that would be enough to make any feminist's blood boil. Although the narrative jumps a bit, making it difficult to always keep track of the timeline, Scovell is charming and intelligent and her writing is compelling. Recommended whether you're a fan of one of the many shows she worked on, interested in television writing in general, or just interested in a smart memoir from a funny and bright woman in Hollywood.… (más)