Meet Amanda Deibert in Burbank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Deibert.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Amanda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a television and comic book writer who lives and works in Los Angeles. I began my television writing career as a writer’s assistant for an original show for Hulu and was quickly promoted to writer. From there I went on to work in a variety of television and media platforms. I wrote the first ever late night/aftershow on The Oprah Winfrey Network, Own Tonight. I’ve written for SyFy, CBS, PIVOT and even Facebook Watch. Annually, I write for Vice President Al Gore’s 24-hour live broadcast “24 Hours of Reality” which brings together climate scientists, world leaders, celebrities and musical guests from around the globe to raise awareness for the climate crisis.

As a comic book writer, I started independently. I was already a television writer and I teamed up with my then girlfriend, now wife, Cat Staggs, to write a funny, weekly comic strip, “Hot Mess” about my life and mishaps. Eventually, I was offered other comic book writing opportunities by amazing editors and now I have written for Teen Titans Go!, Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman ’77, Batman and Harley Quinn, John Carpenter’s Tales For A HalloweeNight Volumes 2, 3 and 4, and many more. I also freelance write essays and articles for a variety of publications and am currently working on my first non-fiction book.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Writing is 90% rejection. For every job I’ve had there have been 20 more I didn’t get. I’ve spent months of my life writing comedy packets to submit to late night shows that didn’t hire me. I have dozens of unproduced screenplays. It’s also a lot of work. When I am on a show I work long hours and then spend my morning, evenings and weeknights cramming in as much quality time with my daughter as I can. After she goes to be, I work on my personal projects. It is never-ending, but also extremely fulfilling. Early on, I wrote many projects for free or for such low pay that I could barely survive. It was a long road to get where I am, but it’s been worth every step.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Amanda Deibert – what should we know?
I write for television and comic books, but I also am very much a political activist. I write personal essays about my life and the world and my points of view. My twitter feed goes viral on a near weekly basis, because I use it to both amplify my own voice and point of view, but also to amplify other marginalized communities. I am fortunate enough to have a voice and a platform and I use it fully.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I do not stop. If something is scary, I push through. If something is exhausting I push through. If I am told “no” I push through. That and my background in live, daily television means that I am not a person who believes in writer’s block. If something needs to get written, I write it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amandadeibert.com
• Facebook: @amandadeibertwriter
• Twitter: @amandadeibert

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