The best way to learn any craft is by practicing it. The second best way is to hang out, and learn from, those who are already doing it at a high level. Twitter, despite its name change to X, remains a great resource for gaining direct access to the experience of professionals. For writers, there are aspiring writers to learn with, and highly successful, and sometimes famous, screenwriters to learn from. Here are some of my favorite screenwriters, writers, and support staff to follow on Twitter.
Updated for 2025 to capture the screenwriters who have stuck around X to continue inspiring the next generation, and current generation, of screenwriters.
Screenwriter Twitter:
@BenBlacker - Ben Blacker is someone I followed before I realized they, or myself, was a writer. He was a part of the Thrilling Adventure Hour podcast, which played host to many of my favorite comedians like Paul F. Tompkins and Marc Evan Jackson. Apart from writing for those live performances, Ben is an experienced television writer, and shares lots of tips and authentic reflections on the industry on his Twitter account.
Smaller (more "affordable") sales are (thankfully) going to new writers, often based on personal stories. These too spend years in development, no way for a writer to make a living. If they're lucky enough to get picked up, viewers had better binge them or else they're done. pic.twitter.com/8km2Eimtsd
— Ben Blacker (@BenBlacker) April 1, 2022
@BittrScrptReadr - Adam Mallinger is a staff writer on Superman & Lois, who started like many writers in support staff positions like writer’s assistant, and presumably, a script reader. Adam will jump in on the writing debate du jour, and often provides grounded takes based on his varied experiences in writing rooms.
@LauriDonahue - Lauri Donahue is a writer who is incredibly generous with sharing her knowledge and resources with the writing community. I’ve come across Lauri in almost every platform I’ve joined. She’s quick to share writing opportunities for paid jobs, fellowships, and contests. After you follow her on Twitter, make sure to read some of Lauri’s award-winning script samples, from action to comedy and everything in between.
@FranklinLeonard - Franklin Leonard is the founder of the Black List and shares a ton of related resources and writing opportunities. I follow him mostly for his honest reactions to trailer releases, new movies, and keen perspectives on diversity problems in Hollywood.
The reality is that at the highest levels. the Hollywood film business remains the least diverse sector in American business.
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) May 20, 2022
It’s been cosmetically “woke,” at best, to the extent that it’s been “woke” at all.
This is actual nonsense. https://t.co/wrJsJYbhKn
@Serathegamble - A writer and producer known for the Magicians and You (Netflix), her work isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse but I enjoy seeing how she promotes herself and her shows. It looks like they have mostly stopped posting to Twitter, but she often holds Q&As on her Instagram that offer a ton of knowledge for any upcoming writer.
@reallymighty - Myles Warden is someone I’d probably still follow regardless if I was a writer or not, but I am, and I recommend the same for you. I started following because he helps maintain #SpecsForTheGrid. It showcases spect scripts of writers at all levels. Not original pilots, but specs of existing shows. An incredible resource.
@jefflieber - The showrunner’s perspective! It’s a unique one, and Jeffrey Lieber has extensive experience to draw from when he offers up Twitter Q&As in his downtime. Along with writing tips, you’ll get a healthy dose of sarcasm if that’s your cup of tea.
@danielleweisber - Danielle is a comedy writer whose tweets I often see go viral and screngrabbed all over other social platforms. She’s funny. And she’s got some great writing samples available on her site.
@rachelpologe - I first “met” Rachel on a now defunct social app called The List app. She showed off great writing and creativity there, and it’s no surprise her Twitter is filled with those things too. Experience in the writer’s room as a writing assistant and script coordinator, as well as a screenwriter. She’s got stories to share from every level.
Great article! I'll add that when you staff a script coordinator, they're coming in w/significant producing experience, regardless of their title. I've personally been on set w/my showrunner or SCing remotely for 68 episodes of TV, communicating with every dept & learning a ton. https://t.co/U90PMHnwJj
— Rachel Pologe (@RachelPologe) May 5, 2022
@dani_hanks & @tschrack - There is thriving community of screenwriters on Twitter who enter contests, share each others' work, and help promote each other and grow their craft—Dani and Tom are two of the best I’ve followed. Multiple accolades, great Coverfly scores, and great resources for X.
@JEStew3 - An accomplished writer in a very competitive Hollywood animation space, Jonathon makes time to tech and share with aspiring writers. He will run occasional logline contests and hold Twitter spaces to discuss those works and give platforms for up and coming writers.
Over the weekend I will pick ONE idea and offer you a full read through and follow up 1-on-1 zoom to talk about it and get you pointed in the right direction creatively and from a business standpoint.
— Jonathon E. Stewart (@JEStew3) September 11, 2024
4/5
@AshLazerWrites - Ash works tirelessly to promote screenwriters through The Stunt List (and Dead List, Naughty List…). Specs and stunts get little love these days, but Ash helps promote and showcase these great scripts for the industry. It’s a great place to read really strong writing and someone to follow on X to find exponentially more writers to follow.