Liz Thompson's Avatar

Liz Thompson

@howtoliz.bsky.social

Made of Words. πŸ’» Sustained by Snacks. πŸ₯‘ #WGA. Repped @ Zero Gravity. Sold (CBS, NBC) 🎞 I teach mystery writing & development. 🧩 I write puzzle books. πŸ€“ https://seedandspark.com/fund/double-take HowToLiz.com

801 Followers  |  460 Following  |  69 Posts  |  Joined: 03.10.2023  |  2.1109

Latest posts by howtoliz.bsky.social on Bluesky

Preview
Double Take - Film and Storytelling | Seed&Spark A Deaf detective arrives at the scene of a crime to find he’s already got competition for the case! DOUBLE TAKE is a comedy/mystery explored through a new lens, celebrating the unique physicality of ASL and Deaf culture in a way that asks us to take a second look at everything around us.

If you're interested in seeing more Deaf talent in front of and behind the camera - Brendan Connelly, Russell Harvard and the rest of our team are making that happen and you can help us too if you check out our Seed&Spark! #scriptsky
seedandspark.com/fund/double-...

06.08.2025 21:55 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
β€œDo the next right thing”: TV Writing Wisdom from Showrunner Jonathan Groff
July 11, 2025

8 min read time
What makes a successful writer tick? How do they handle bad news? How have others changed their lives and how do they pay it forward?Β 

If you want to learn from the best, you’ve come to the right place. Read on below for a deep dive into the mind of Jonathan Groff, writer and showrunner for such series asΒ Black-ish, Happy Endings, ScrubsΒ andΒ How I Met Your Mother.

β€œDo the next right thing”: TV Writing Wisdom from Showrunner Jonathan Groff July 11, 2025 8 min read time What makes a successful writer tick? How do they handle bad news? How have others changed their lives and how do they pay it forward?Β  If you want to learn from the best, you’ve come to the right place. Read on below for a deep dive into the mind of Jonathan Groff, writer and showrunner for such series asΒ Black-ish, Happy Endings, ScrubsΒ andΒ How I Met Your Mother.

My interview with showrunner @notthatgroff.bsky.social is finally up on the @finaldraftinc.bsky.social blog!

Get ready to learn secrets about screenwriting and the real truth behind avocado toast!

blog.finaldraft.com/do-the-next-...

28.07.2025 21:14 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Happy weekend to all but especially to Wheezy, aka one of the GOATS of YT! ❀️

26.07.2025 15:01 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Double Take - Film and Storytelling | Seed&Spark A Deaf detective arrives at the scene of a crime to find he’s already got competition for the case! DOUBLE TAKE is a comedy/mystery explored through a new lens, celebrating the unique physicality of ASL and Deaf culture in a way that asks us to take a second look at everything around us.

Hey, my friend and incredibly talented mystery writer @howtoliz.bsky.social & co are making a Deaf detective movie. You can help. seedandspark.com/fund/double-...

26.07.2025 14:11 β€” πŸ‘ 11    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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Simple Basic Cheese Quiche Recipe | Incredible Egg This simple and basic quiche recipe is so easy to make and a great presentation for guests! Try this egg and cheese quiche recipe from the Incredible Egg.

We're quiche people now!

I have to share the recipe we use, bc this is important & if you're having a bad day a good quiche will turn it around. (I just learned this, I cannot verify this works for everyone & normally avoid survivorship bias but here we are!)
www.incredibleegg.org/recipe/basic...

25.07.2025 16:41 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Keys to Pitching Success – Part II Committee of Women Writers panelists offers tips that demystify the pitching process from writers whose pitches have sold.

I'm featured in the latest WGA Written By, and RIP to the uninspired lumps of oatmeal.

www.writtenby.com/career-craft...

23.07.2025 17:23 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
An image of a PI Badge for the HAWK DETECTIVE AGENCY for a Detective in Training. There is a spot that says "YOUR PHOTO HERE" and "YOUR NAME HERE" above the title "Detective in Training." The badge also includes an ID #, an issued date of July 2025 and an expiration of December 2030.

An image of a PI Badge for the HAWK DETECTIVE AGENCY for a Detective in Training. There is a spot that says "YOUR PHOTO HERE" and "YOUR NAME HERE" above the title "Detective in Training." The badge also includes an ID #, an issued date of July 2025 and an expiration of December 2030.

Want to see more Deaf leads on your screens?

Want to join the Hawk Detective Agency and get your very own PI Badge?

Check out the link in my bio to see how you can support our comedy mystery project DOUBLE TAKE!

23.07.2025 15:50 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

I was worried I wouldn't have anything in common with all my friends who are having babies, but turns out I have a LOT in common with the babies, so it's all working out.
#gimmesnacks #gimmenaps #gimmehugs

21.07.2025 23:53 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

If I go to sleep right now, I can be ZERO MINUTES away from my next coffee.

21.07.2025 02:41 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Classes & Consults | Liz Thompson More classes and consults currently being offered by Liz Thompson.

A friendly final call for CLUE TRAILS and DEV 101! There's one spot left in each class -- with classes kicking off this week!

October classes are starting to fill up too!
www.howtoliz.com/home/classes...

06.07.2025 19:34 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Screenwriting Wisdom from Liz Craft: Showrunner & β€˜Happier in Hollywood’ Co-Host Breaks It Down Insights from Liz Craft: Showrunner and 'Happier in Hollywood' podcast co-host shares wisdom on writing, favorite tools, plus more!

My interview with the fabulous @lizcraft.bsky.social is live on the @finaldraftinc.bsky.social blog!

blog.finaldraft.com/screenwritin...

26.06.2025 20:20 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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I wasn't planning on teaching these again until Oct. but I had a waitlist + a rave review from LEGEND Brent Forrester (Simpsons, The Office)! 😍 So here they are again, and they're already half-full!

If you dig strategy, development, and/or mysteries, check em out! ❀

21.06.2025 21:52 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

❀️ Strategy is my love language πŸ˜†

21.06.2025 21:48 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
An image graphic that reads: PITCHES THAT SOLD - Monday June 16th, 7pm PST on Zoom. Featuring pitches from LIZ CRAFT & SARAH FAIN - an hourlong that sold to Netflix & LIZ THOMPSON - a sitcom that sold to CBS. WGAW - Writers Guild of America West - Presented by the Committee of Women Writers

An image graphic that reads: PITCHES THAT SOLD - Monday June 16th, 7pm PST on Zoom. Featuring pitches from LIZ CRAFT & SARAH FAIN - an hourlong that sold to Netflix & LIZ THOMPSON - a sitcom that sold to CBS. WGAW - Writers Guild of America West - Presented by the Committee of Women Writers

Excited to be sharing one of my pitches that sold as part of this WGA - CWW event tomorrow evening! You can sign up to join the Zoom through your WGA dashboard!

*If you're not in the WGA, I share some of my pitches, old & upcoming in my Dev 101 & Clue Trails classes! (see howtoliz.com for those!)

15.06.2025 17:45 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

OUT: Joshua Bassett drama.

IN: Winter Bassett (his sister’s) drama.
( www.instagram.com/p/DF9MjK5uvnn/ )

13.06.2025 18:50 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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The incomparable Liz Craft (Dollhouse, Lie To Me, The Shield) gave my Clue Trails + Crime-Lines class a shout out on the Happier in Hollywood podcast! ❀️

You can check out the whole amazing ep here:
open.spotify.com/episode/19Bj...

& get 15% off the class here!:
www.howtoliz.com/home/classes...

06.06.2025 19:19 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

Also if you haven't seen LIMETOWN, it was written by the same writers of Jordan Peele's new horror film HIM (which was formerly on the Black List as GOAT). Akers and Bronkie are brilliant.

26.05.2025 19:23 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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I'm currently teaching a Clue-Trails mystery writing class and this week we're covering HOW CATCH 'EMS, WTFS, and HEISTS and studying ELSBETH, LIMETOWN, and LEVERAGE, and I just wanna say these are three of the most Chef's Kiss shows out there. Go watch them. 10 out of 10. No notes.

26.05.2025 19:19 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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One more week 'til we're talking clue trails, who-dunnits, how-dunnits, how-catch-'ems, and how-DO-its (heists!)

27.04.2025 19:17 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
An image graphic featuring promotional shots of favorite mystery shows and movies (Psych, High Potential, Elsbeth, Clue, Poker Face, Alex Cross, A Man On The Inside, Knives Out, The Residence, Enola Holmes, The After Party, and Only Murders in the Building) along with the text: "If you like shows and films like these, and you want to write your own but don't know where to start..."

An image graphic featuring promotional shots of favorite mystery shows and movies (Psych, High Potential, Elsbeth, Clue, Poker Face, Alex Cross, A Man On The Inside, Knives Out, The Residence, Enola Holmes, The After Party, and Only Murders in the Building) along with the text: "If you like shows and films like these, and you want to write your own but don't know where to start..."

An image graphic listing information about a class: CLUE TRAILS & CRIME-LINES: A Killer Screenwriting Workshop. Zoom. 4 weeks. 2 options. Saturday May 3, 10, 17, 24, 2-4:30pm PST or Wednesday May 7, 14, 21, 28, 6-8:30pm PST. WEEK 1 Review "mystery ingredients." Learn strategies for breaking clue trails and building mysteries. WEEK 2 Analyze clue trail case studies. Build clue trails together. WEEK 3 Pitch a classic clue trail. Study a pitch for a mystery show that's sold in the room. WEEK 4 Review genre and serialized mystery writing tips. $250. For more info: HowToLiz.com

An image graphic listing information about a class: CLUE TRAILS & CRIME-LINES: A Killer Screenwriting Workshop. Zoom. 4 weeks. 2 options. Saturday May 3, 10, 17, 24, 2-4:30pm PST or Wednesday May 7, 14, 21, 28, 6-8:30pm PST. WEEK 1 Review "mystery ingredients." Learn strategies for breaking clue trails and building mysteries. WEEK 2 Analyze clue trail case studies. Build clue trails together. WEEK 3 Pitch a classic clue trail. Study a pitch for a mystery show that's sold in the room. WEEK 4 Review genre and serialized mystery writing tips. $250. For more info: HowToLiz.com

CLUE TRAILS + CRIME-LINES: A Killer Screenwriting Workshop. Clue Trails + Crime Lines is a 4-week screenwriting workshop that doesn’t just study mystery writing -> We’ll actually walk through a multi-step process for how to break a murder mystery AND practice creating our own clue trails. 

In class, we will primarily focus on classic who-dunnits, but we will also discuss other types and subgenres of mysteries and how to start cracking those too!

*This class is for writers new to mystery writing (or who want to brush up their clue-trail crafting), but it is not meant for those new to screenwriting. Ideally you will be comfortable breaking story and will have written at least one script prior to class. Reach out with any questions! For more info, or to sign up, head to HowToLiz.com

CLUE TRAILS + CRIME-LINES: A Killer Screenwriting Workshop. Clue Trails + Crime Lines is a 4-week screenwriting workshop that doesn’t just study mystery writing -> We’ll actually walk through a multi-step process for how to break a murder mystery AND practice creating our own clue trails. In class, we will primarily focus on classic who-dunnits, but we will also discuss other types and subgenres of mysteries and how to start cracking those too! *This class is for writers new to mystery writing (or who want to brush up their clue-trail crafting), but it is not meant for those new to screenwriting. Ideally you will be comfortable breaking story and will have written at least one script prior to class. Reach out with any questions! For more info, or to sign up, head to HowToLiz.com

April showers bring May-hem and murder…

We’re back, baybee!

If you love mysteries but feel lost when it comes to crafting a clue trail or building out the structure for solving a case, check out the next round of CLUE TRAILS + CRIME-LINES classes starting in May!

More info at howtoliz.com! πŸ§πŸ•΅πŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ”Ž

01.04.2025 22:51 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Productivity Tips for Writers | Roadmap Writers

I'm hosting another (almost free) Creative Productivity Hack webinar through @roadmapwriters.com this Saturday - 3/22 - at 12pm PST over Zoom!

It's $5.99 and all of the proceeds are donated to the LA Food Bank to help victims of the Los Angeles fires!

www.roadmapwriters.com/products/pro...

21.03.2025 04:35 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A screenshot of the Apple Books page for the Severance Lexington Letter book. Written by β€œanonymous”

A screenshot of the Apple Books page for the Severance Lexington Letter book. Written by β€œanonymous”

Apple Books has a free 40 page Severance prequel book called the Lexington Letter and it’s really good! Also if you dig this kinda stuff I highly recommend watching Limetown S1, listening to the podcasts for s2 and s3, and then reading the prequel book. Amazing multimedia experience.

12.03.2025 15:45 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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I would love this too, but just to note -- the fires are not out. Watch Duty shows Palisades and Eaton are both 100% contained but still active. Once they are out, they will switch to inactive status.

01.02.2025 19:05 β€” πŸ‘ 29    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

Recalibrate.

Also -- what's my favorite question to be asked?

"What's your favorite word?"

So. Pretty good day over here I guess.

28.01.2025 02:47 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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Stream PBS and PBS KIDS Free on Prime Video PBS and Amazon announced that more than 150 local PBS stations and the PBS KIDS Channel will launch ad-free as a Prime Video FAST offering. This marks the…

PBS is now live on Prime β€”Β ad-free β€” and you don't need a subscription to watch.

This marks the first time this programming will be available *free* on a major streaming service.

Channels include PBS Drama, Documentaries, Kids + live feeds for 150 local stations

www.pbs.org/articles/str... #TVSky

26.01.2025 21:06 β€” πŸ‘ 10654    πŸ” 4167    πŸ’¬ 255    πŸ“Œ 273
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🫠

24.01.2025 00:34 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Silo is so good! Such a beautiful / well done adaptation.

Reading:
β€œUnsolved!: The History and Mystery of the World's Greatest Ciphers” by Craig Bauer
& β€œStrong Female Character” by Fern Brady

Watching:
Silo
Portrait Artist of the Year

(Always Re)Watching:
Columbo
Frasier

23.01.2025 06:07 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

🧡 πŸ‘‹ I'm a political scientist who wrote a book about the recent collapse of two democracies (Egypt & Tunisia).

Given the anxieties of today, let me present a 🧡 with thoughts & resources for:

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DEMOCRACY COLLAPSES:

20.01.2025 14:58 β€” πŸ‘ 5962    πŸ” 1432    πŸ’¬ 216    πŸ“Œ 184
Productivity Tips for Writers | Roadmap Writers

If you need gentle / creative / supportive / communal help finding a way to focus on the things that need to get done - whether it's writing or life/chaos to-dos -- this is tomorrow, $5.99, and all proceeds go to the LA Food Bank.
www.roadmapwriters.com/products/pro...

17.01.2025 23:30 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Where to donate to people who've lost their homes in the LA fires Across LA County, nearly 2,000 structures have been destroyed

Regularly updated list of @gofundme.com fundraisers for displaced L.A. residents that have reached under 30% of their goals. Please click, scroll, donate. open.substack.com/pub/personal...

13.01.2025 00:35 β€” πŸ‘ 189    πŸ” 169    πŸ’¬ 5    πŸ“Œ 4

@howtoliz is following 20 prominent accounts