I became a TV writer in large part because I happened to meet a bright fellow named Dennis Palumbo. At the time — this is mid-seventies — new situation comedy writers came in pairs. If one aspiring comedy writer went to an agent and asked, "How do I break in?," the first thing he was told was "Find a partner."
Dennis and I found each other and while we weren't a team for long, it was long enough to get us some credits that led to respectable solo careers. We parted friends, veered off in different directions and we still have lunch every year or so. I hope he thinks he was as fortunate to meet me as I was to meet him.
His career has actually been careers (plural) because he not only went on to write movies — and don't we all love My Favorite Year? — but also mystery novels like his latest, Head Wounds. Most of his time though is occupied by being a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in folks in show business, most of whom are writers. I have never felt the need to go to someone in that field but if I ever did, I wouldn't hesitate to call on him because, as he did when we were a team, he really understands the mind and the needs of a writer.
Dennis is the guest this week on Ken Levine's fine podcast. If you take the time to listen, you'll hear lot of expert advice on how to write, what to do when you can't write, how to cope with times when no one wants you to write, etc. You'll also understand why I think he really understands the mind and the needs of a writer.