Deviate Writer-producer LaToya Morgan on TV storytelling and creative self-discipline
LaToya Morgan, a television writer and producer known for her work on shows like Shameless and Into the Badlands, shares insights into her creative journey. She discusses how her upbringing and early influences shaped her storytelling. LaToya highlights the importance of character arcs and representation, revealing her experiences in writers' rooms and the challenges of advocating for diversity. She also emphasizes the blend of personal experience and research in her scripts and provides practical advice for aspiring writers on maintaining discipline and a balanced work-life approach.
56:36
Fellowship Simulated The Writer's Room
- After AFI LaToya joined the Warner Bros TV writing workshop, which simulated a writers' room with pitching, outlines, and a spec script.
- That fellowship helped her interview for shows and ultimately landed her a staff writer job on Shameless.
Research Plus Family Experience Informs Story
- For a Parenthood adoption storyline, LaToya interviewed a social worker and drew on her aunt's adoption experience.
- That mix of research and lived experience produced the judge-chamber ceremony she pitched for the show.
Complications Test Character Depth
- LaToya values complications over straight-line arcs because detours reveal character depth.
- Testing characters with extreme choices yields richer drama or comedy.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Growing up in South Central and early TV influences
02:31 • 2min
Twilight Zone, X-Files and Black Mirror fandom
04:37 • 4min
Representation, soap operas, and emotional storytelling
08:09 • 5min
From political science to AFI: choosing writing
13:35 • 6min
Learning screenwriting at AFI
19:31 • 5min
Breaking in: fellowships and landing Shameless
24:54 • 4min
Personal experience vs. research in storytelling
28:28 • 4min
Writer's room dynamics and pitching
32:43 • 1min
Diversity in rooms and raising red flags
33:51 • 5min
Genre versatility: Turn and Into the Badlands
38:24 • 3min
Fan interaction and writing martial arts fights
41:20 • 7min
Work‑life balance and practical craft advice
48:30 • 1min
Current projects and inclusion initiative at AMC
49:46 • 3min
What makes a good script and daily discipline
52:26 • 2min
Dream projects and final reflections
54:52 • 54sec
Outro
55:46 • 26sec
#2023
• Mentioned in 22 episodes
Wool
Hugh Howey
In 'Wool', the first book of the Silo series, Hugh Howey depicts a dystopian future where humanity lives in a self-sustaining underground silo.
The story follows Sheriff Holston and later Juliette, a mechanic turned sheriff, as they uncover the sinister truths and conspiracies within the silo.
The novel delves into the lives of the silo's residents, who are kept in the dark about the true state of the outside world, and the harsh punishments for those who express a desire to leave.
The book is known for its suspenseful and engaging narrative, exploring themes of survival, hope, and the quest for truth in a confined and controlled environment.
#954
• Mentioned in 38 episodes
Of mice and men
John Steinbeck
Published in 1937, 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a novella that tells the story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant ranch workers in California during the Great Depression.
The narrative revolves around their dream of owning a small farm, a symbol of the American Dream.
However, their plans are continually thwarted by circumstances, including Lennie's accidental killing of the ranch owner's daughter-in-law, which leads to a tragic conclusion.
The book is known for its vivid portrayal of farm life, its exploration of themes such as loneliness, friendship, and the harsh realities of the labor system, and its objective narrative style.
It has been widely adapted into stage and film versions and remains a significant work in American literature.
#7438
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Cannery Row
John Steinbeck
Published in 1945, 'Cannery Row' is a novel by John Steinbeck that captures the essence of a place and its people.
The story revolves around Mack, a leader of a group of homeless men, and their efforts to throw a party for Doc, a marine biologist.
The novel is characterized by its lack of a traditional plot, instead using vignettes to introduce various characters and explore themes of community, acceptance, and the fragility of life.
The setting is vividly described, reflecting the real-life fish packing industry of Monterey during the Great Depression.
Steinbeck portrays the characters, including Mack, Doc, Dora the madam, and Lee Chong the grocer, as complex and relatable, highlighting their virtues and the strong sense of community they foster despite their hardships.
#41927
They Can't Kill Us All
Wesley Lowery
Wesley Lowery's "They Can't Kill Us All" offers a powerful account of the racial justice movement in America, focusing on the events in Ferguson, Baltimore, and beyond.
The book delves into the systemic issues that fuel police brutality and racial inequality, highlighting the voices of activists and protesters.
Lowery masterfully weaves together personal narratives with historical context, providing a comprehensive understanding of the movement's evolution and challenges.
The book's impact lies in its unflinching portrayal of the realities faced by marginalized communities and its call for meaningful change.
It serves as a crucial resource for understanding the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
#369
• Mentioned in 77 episodes
The grapes of wrath
John Steinbeck
Published in 1939, 'The Grapes of Wrath' is a powerful and poignant novel by John Steinbeck.
It tells the story of the Joad family, Oklahoma tenant farmers who are forced to leave their home after the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.
The novel follows their arduous journey along Route 66 to California, where they face numerous hardships, including poverty, exploitation, and the loss of family members.
The book explores themes of family, survival, and the struggle for human dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity.
It also delves into the broader social and economic issues of the time, highlighting the conflict between the powerful and the powerless.
Steinbeck's work is known for its vivid portrayal of the human condition and its impact on American literature and society.
#91
• Mentioned in 187 episodes
Outliers
The Story of Success
Malcolm Gladwell
In 'Outliers: The Story of Success', Malcolm Gladwell examines the often-overlooked factors that contribute to high levels of success.
He argues that success is not solely the result of individual talent or hard work, but rather is influenced by a complex web of advantages and inheritances, including cultural background, family, generation, and luck.
The book delves into various examples, such as the success of Bill Gates, the Beatles, and Canadian ice hockey players, to illustrate how these factors play a crucial role.
Gladwell also discusses the '10,000-hour rule' and the impact of cultural legacies on behavior and success.
The book is divided into two parts: 'Opportunity' and 'Legacy', each exploring different aspects of how success is achieved and maintained.
#717
• Mentioned in 47 episodes
Save the Cat
Blake Snyder
In 'Save the Cat!', Blake Snyder provides a detailed analysis of the three-act structure and introduces his 15-beat sheet, a method for structuring screenplays.
The book covers key elements such as the Opening Image, Catalyst, Debate, Break into Two, B Story, Fun and Games, Midpoint, Bad Guys Close In, All Is Lost, Dark Night of the Soul, Break into Three, Finale, and Final Image.
Snyder also discusses the importance of making the hero likable through the 'Save the Cat' rule and breaks down successful films to illustrate his points.
The book is widely regarded as a definitive resource for screenwriters, offering practical advice and a clear framework for storytelling.
#7012
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
The art of dramatic writing
its basis in the creative interpretation of human motives : by Lajos Egri
Lajos Egri
#174
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On Writing
A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide.
It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999.
The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C. V.
'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript').
King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing.
He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
#1749
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The hero's journey
Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work
Joseph Campbell
This book is a biography of Joseph Campbell, presented through a series of conversations with various individuals he inspired, including poets, anthropologists, filmmakers, and other notable figures.
It reflects on Campbell's lifelong exploration of mythic traditions, which he termed 'the one great story of mankind'.
The book covers topics such as the origins and functions of myth, the role of the artist, the need for ritual, and the ordeals of love and romance.
It provides a personal and insightful look into Campbell's life and his seminal work on the hero's journey.
#1280
• Mentioned in 31 episodes
Story
Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting
Robert McKee
In *Story*, Robert McKee provides a detailed and integrated explanation of the craft of writing for the screen.
The book expands on the concepts he teaches in his highly regarded seminars, offering insights into the relationship between structure and character, and the underlying principles that make a story compelling.
McKee draws from a wide range of sources, including Aristotle and classic films, to offer practical advice on storytelling that is applicable to screenwriters, novelists, playwrights, and non-fiction writers.
“It’s better for characters if their arc isn’t a straight line. You get to see how far they will go for something. You get to test them.” – Latoya Morgan
LaToya Morgan (@MorganicInk) is screenwriter who currently serves an executive producer on AMC’s Into the Badlands. Previously, she has worked on the shows Shameless and Turn. She is currently developing a drama for AMC based on Wesley Lowery’s best-selling book They Can’t Kill Us All.
In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and LaToya talk about her early upbringing and influences (2:30); diversity on television (8:30); her decision to become a writer (15:00); the role of research versus personal experience in writing (28:00); the the experience of working in a writers’ room (34:00); and managing work/life balance (48:00).
Notable Links:
- Stephen King (author)
- The Twilight Zone (television show)
- Black Mirror (television show)
- General Hospital (television show)
- One Life to Live (television show)
- Oprah (television personality / media executive)
- Friday Night Lights (television show)
- Mad Men (television show)
- Game of Thrones (television show)
- The X-Files (television show)
- John Steinbeck (author)
- American Film Institute
- Charlie Chaplin (actor)
- City Lights (film)
- Final Draft (screenwriting software)
- Melrose Place (television show)
- Sunset Boulevard (film)
- Warner Brothers Television Writers’ Workshop
- Southland (television show)
Books mentioned:
- Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
- The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
- Cannery Row, by John Steinbeck
- The Art of Dramatic Writing, by Lajos Egri
- Save the Cat, by Blake Snyder
- The Hero’s Journey, by Joseph Campbell
- Story, by Robert McKee
- On Writing, by Stephen King
- Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell
The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.
Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.