An Inspired Chat with Monice Mitchell Simms

We recently had the chance to connect with Monice Mitchell Simms and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Monice , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Who are you learning from right now?
For starters, I’m curious by nature. And I’ve always considered myself a life-long learner. But up until nine years ago, I thought I’d only be continuing my education in classroom settings. Then, I became a co-caregiver with my sister for our mother. And my mom – the first soul to teach me EVERYTHING – has become my best teacher once again. Helping to care for her is a blessing. She’s taught me patience and I’m learning, now more than ever, to stay in the moment and cherish every second I have.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey, everybody! I’m Monice Mitchell Simms. I’m a WGA award winning screenwriter, author, playwright, poet, filmmaker, podcaster, EP-Showrunner and director of diverse projects adapted from IP.

As a journalist, I’ve interviewed some of the world’s greatest storytellers, including Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Hollywood director Gina Prince Bythewood and President Barack Obama.

As a poet and playwright, I penned “Stop the Great War,” which was recognized as a Lorraine’s Hansberry finalist in the American College Theatre Festival and produced as a film for public television.

As a filmmaker, I wrote, produced and directed two lauded short films, “Carmin’s Choice” and “Rain” for Showtime.

As an author, I’ve been published in multiple genres and have written seven books, including my children’s story, “Nana’s Fridge,” and my historical novel, “Address: House of Corrections,” is a fan favorite scripted podcast.

Recently, I was also a staff writer on season 4 of BET+ series, “All the Queen’s Men.” I adapted the BET+ movie, “Redeemed,” from the novel, “Serving Justice.” And I won a Telly Award as the EP-showrunner-writer of the Great Course Plus docuseries, “Discovering West Africa: Ghana, Senegal and Cameroon with World Wide Nate.”

Last but not least, I’m currently, the creator, executive producer and host of the W3 Gold award-winning podcuseries, “Works~N~Progress.” It’s streaming on YouTube and where ever you get your podcasts. I’m also developing and adapting a novel to screen that I’m super excited about, but have to keep under wraps for now.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be? Let me see….I’m a storyteller. Always have been. Always will be. I don’t think “the world” had very much to do with my deciding to become one. Actually, honestly, I never really made the decision. I’ve just been obediently and persistently forging my path as a writer, and more than anything, I’m grateful that being a storyteller isn’t someone I have to be — It’s someone I get to be.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering. Ouch. What a harsh word.

Real talk, I have suffered in the sense that nothing has come easy for me in my career. Once upon a time, I resented that. But now, I realize I’m stronger, because of it. And the knowledge and experience I’ve gained working through challenges, overcoming setbacks and growing through rejection has made me more resilient than any of my successes ever could.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I’m a “Hollywood” writer. And I put Hollywood in air quotes, because Hollywood, itself, is make believe. As writers, we make up stories for a living. So, in that sense, what isn’t real is a lie, right? But the truth is, even though, Hollywood is built on things that aren’t real, the people that make it run definitely are.

And right now, our entertainment industry is going through a seismic shift. Especially with the rise of A.I., no one knows which way is up. For writers, this is the most alarming, because we’re the gasoline of the Hollywood engine. Movies, TV shows, music, video games, books, plays — you name it — None of it can be made without us. Yet, the industry perpetuates the lie that we don’t matter. That our original stories and diverse voices don’t matter.

I could get angry about this. Trust me, I have my moments. But instead stewing about it, I – like so many other independent creators – am producing my own stories. I’m building my own platform and cultivating my audience. Not waiting for permission.

My current podcuseries, Works~N~Progress, is the perfect example of this. Our award-winning first season is streaming on YouTube. It’s six cozy conversations with six amazing storytellers. We have a growing national and international audience and we won the W3 Gold Award for Best Use of Writing in a podcast. So, it’s only up from here!

Right now, we’re focusing on raising funds and securing sponsors for the next season. I’m also implementing everything I’ve learned to independently produce my first feature film.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
If you knew me, you’d know that was a trick question. I’m stubborn. To a fault. And my mom and husband will tell you, you can’t tell me to do anything. So my answer is the former.

I am doing what I was born to do. I know, because even when it hasn’t been easy, I’ve still found a way to write and tell stories.
My mom, in her make-sure-my-baby-will-be- able- to-feed- herself wisdom, set me up for this.

I come from a family of Detroit auto workers, so my dream to become a writer wasn’t exactly celebrated. And when I was in high school, I had to overcome my math dylexia to pass my STEM classes before my mom gave me permission to write for my high school newspaper and write a play in theatre class.

Her genius move to make writing something I had to earn made me value my gift more. And I’ll always be grateful to my mom for teaching me this crucial lesson. It’s why I’ve been able to survive and thrive as long as I have as an independent artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://monicemitchellsimms.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicemitchellsimms/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicemitchellsimms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monice.simms/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WNPwithMonice
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0593617/

Image Credits
Image 2 – Christopher Rouse
Image 3 – Dr. Ryeal Simms