We recently connected with Kevin J. Nelson and have shared our conversation below.

Thank you, Kevin J. Nelson for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so? Can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Thank you for having me, and what an amazing question. It took me about 7 years to begin earning a full-time living from writing. I would say my biggest advice for upcoming creatives would be to stay consistent. Navigating through the industry doesn’t always look promising and you’ll want to give up, but what will set you apart is your willingness to stick it out and your ability to adapt to this ever-changing industry. It’s only setting you up for what is to come, once you are really in there.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born in West Palm Beach, FL, but raised in Frankford, a section in the inner city of Philadelphia. My passion for writing came about when I would observe different characters in my neighborhood, good or bad, speak and act in their character. As interesting as they seemed from my POV, I wondered if the world would find them just as interesting, so I began writing about them and telling their stories. It would range from short or long form; not even realizing that I was in a masterclass my entire life. This would catapult me into an industry where I would become a writer for hire, writing screenplays for different companies. Pivoting from writing, I found a new love for Directing and Producing which is always a good skill to have under your belt because you will never be out of work when you are a triple threat.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The end product! When you’re seeing the responses from an audience in a packed theater, whether it’s them crying, laughing or just in shock, lets me know that I did what I was supposed to do as a filmmaker – to bring out these emotions from a crowd of people who have no idea who I am, but they have connected with a story that I have written. That is fulfilment.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The 48 Laws Of Power by Robert Greene.
The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

The most important book that transformed my writing is called, Save The Cat! by Blake Snyder. I have been to a lot of seminars and read a lot of great books, but this by far is the most impactful book that tells you exactly how to write a screenplay in 15 beats. It is for sure the first and last book you’ll ever need to master the true technique of screenwriting.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @1804_films