I am Morgan Gendel. AMA!

Are you still much of a Trekkie? What's your favorite episode (of any series) you didn't write?

The truth? Don't hate me but I'm way more a "Star Wars" guy. Remember, I was not on the TNG staff.

Did you write The Inner Light with the idea that the events of the episode would have a lasting effect on Captain Picard?

No.

Thanks for a great time. And now... pizza!

Hello! The one thing I've always wanted to do was write for the screen. I was wondering how you came to be where you are, in terms of career. How do writers make it? Where do I start? Where did you start? And what are your career goals now?

I had a very odd career trajectory. I went from the LA times covering the TV industry to getting hired by NBC as a program executive, then I got hired by Stephen J. Cannell and wrote episodes of Wiseguy, Hunter, 21 Jumpstreet - you get the idea.

Regarding my career goals - I really enjoy being a showrunner and I'd like to that again with something I have created. Second choice - to be a showrunner of something I haven't created.

To get started - see post about writers' assistant.

If you'd been told that your pitch for "The Inner Light" was perfect, except that the episode couldn't focus on Picard, which character would you have chosen instead?

I originally DID NOT focus on Picard; it was him and Riker and Ro Laren together in the nucleonic mind-loop. It became all about Picard precisely because it was such a personal story with potential to reveal so much about his road not taken.

Best book you've read in the last year?

It's a toss up between Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes and Anathen by Neal Stephenson

Anathem was transcendent.

Do you read many different genres, or stick to just a few? What are your favorite genres?

ALL genres. I also loved "Lionel Abdo" by Martin Amis - one of my fave authors. (Love his Dad, too.)

How involved was Nicolas Cage in the Dresden Files?

Nic's company is the reason it sold, but he personally was not too involved.

Mr. Gendel! Glad to see that you decided to do this AMA. Here's my question: given how traumatizing Picard's experience on Kataan would be, would you have liked to have seen the other writers spend more time on the follow up? I mean we saw the flute again a few more times, including one episode where it was featured rather prominently while Picard was pursuing a romantic relationship with Commander Daren. (TNG: "Lessons") But on the other hand, in Insurrection, Anij asks him if he's ever experienced a "perfect moment," when "time seemed to stop, and you could almost live in that moment." And even though Picard has literally experienced a moment like that, he doesn't mention the Kataanian probe, even in passing.

I've always felt that an experience as impactful as that one should have had considerably more follow-up. After all, in Season 4, following his experience with the Borg, we spent an episode dealing with those repercussions. I suspect that his experience in the probe's Kataan simulation would have had just as much of an effect on his psyche, if not more, given that he was only assimilated for a week or so, but he experienced the Kataan simulation for several decades.

On the other hand, it was the 90's, the just before the dawn of serialized prime-time television. The fact that there was a follow up at all was more than most shows at the time would have done. So what are you thoughts on the follow up from his experience? Not enough, too much, or just right?

I pitched them an awesome idea for a sequel to The Inner Light, and they said they "Didn't do sequels". So I think you're on to something about the timing, in terms of where TV was at. But, I have now written that sequel as a graphic novel. Don't tell anyone.

Can I buy a copy somewhere?

Tweet me @morgangendel and I'll get you the info.

I just realized I asked a similar question about sequels. I would love the graphic novel as well!

Tweet me @morgangendel.

What do you think about Netflix's influence on television? Do you think that the lack of commercials would have changed the way you have written "The Inner Light"?

This is one of the few TV eps I've written where the answer would be - no.

How do you feel about J.J. Abrams and Star Wars VII?

Disappointed. What made the ORIGINAL 3 Star Wars (I hate the new numbering system. The 1976 "Star Wars" will forever be the "first" episode.) great was -- at least when they started -- they were done by a scrappy, hungry young director. I thought someone like Rian Johnson ("Looper") would have been a good choice. But J.J. is tried and true, and SW is no longer a new movie series, it's a commodity.

Hi Mr. Grendel. What have you learned as a writer on Star Trek, and how much of a mark do you feel you have left on the show?

In retrospect, I learned the value of writing props into an episode. Flutes, probe necklaces, graphic novels -- all good stuff at conventions. Mark on the show? I'll have to let you judge.

It was my first true freelance experience and I STARTED to learn how to behave properly in a writers room.

Question about inner light. Would the experiences faced by whoever the probe encounterd be different for each person or was the probe just running standard program?

The nucleonic beam was interactive.

I love redit! Now I Know!

To the extent any of can "know." I'm just assuming.

Did you ever see Stephen J. Cannell throw paper after writing a page like in his vanity card?

No -- but he wore the biggest belt buckles I've ever seen.

What is your primary tool for sourcing inspiration for writing, e.g. coffee, whiskey, a cigarette, a jazz cigarette, etc.?

Long walks. The jazz cigarettes are to reward myself for some good writing.

Did you come up with the idea for The Inner Light, or were you commissioned to write it based on something someone else thought of? If the former, was it always meant for TNG, or was it a story you had in you arsenal, that you adapted to fit with that series? It's one of the very best episodes, and I thank you for it.

My idea. I had an appointment to pitch TNG and needed an idea and the early version of my idea led to this. So no, not an idea I pulled out of my drawer and re-tooled for TNG.

Hello there!

When writing for a show like Law & Order, do you create the crime, victim, and perpetrator and then add in the misleading stuff later, or does it all happen more fluidly and at once?

You got it: you start with the facts, then dysfactualize them.

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Glad you asked that so I have a shot at redeeming myself from admitting to being a STAR WARS fan. I mentioned ANATHEM in a previous post - AWESOME stuff. SO literate, but so scientific too. Whereas "HER" - meh.

What does a program executive do?

That was MY question. Seemed like a giant circle jerk to me -- except for the boss.

What are the steps necessary to be a writer's assistant?

Yeah - good question. That didn't used to be a big deal, but now it's your way in. The people I know who got those gigs just networked like crazy, if by networking you mean going to bars every night.

Thank you. Any tips on certain watering holes to frequent?

Crazy idea I just thought of: find a show you like, call the office, ask to speak to the writers assistant, and ask him/her where they hang out.

How could you turn your back on Star Trek... for... for... STAR WARS!?!?!? This is a serious question...

On a side note, if they brought you back for another series would you change your mind?

I didn't turn my back. I like STar Trek. I watched every ep of TOS when it first came out, and probably most TNG eps with my wife and (were they around yet? can't remember) kids. "Star Wars" is the movie equivalent of the Beatles. Don't get me started.

This actually sounds interesting I would love to hear more :)

If you were there when "Star Wars" premiered in '76, you witnessed a sea change in American cinema, and a work of pop craft that became part of global culture. Ditto being around when the Beatles hit almost exactly 50 years ago. Those were both world-changing events. Remember - Star Trek's renaissance began only when STAR TREK: THE MOVIE was produced to play catch-up with STAR WARS. None of this is to put down STAR TREK.

From the perspective of a TV writer, what do you think of the writing in Breaking Bad. As a person who doesn't do writing for television, I personally think it was astounding how the show was written. If you have seen it, what are your thoughts. What did the writers do good/bad in your opinion?

I LOVED the first bunch of episodes because that was my kind of humor. Dark, mixed with violence contrasted with quotidian domestic issues. Plus, Bryan Cranston had acted for me on "V.I.P." and I thought he was great. (That was before "Malcolm.") SO when it got more serious - I thought the writing was terrific but I missed what it was that drew me in.

How about British drama? Like Sherlock, or Dr. Who? What do you think of how they were written?

The Brits have no clue how to write action. It's quite laughable.

1.) In your opinion what T.V show had the best writing? 2.) How did you get into the industry? 3.) Any advice on what to do to get into the industry? Thanks.

"Homeland" is the best series ever written in this or any other universe. See some of my other answers to your other questions.

Any advice for an aspiring tv writer?

Just keep writing. Find an episode of a series you love, and outline it, then study that and see what it is that made you love that story.

Have you noticed any trends in the TV writing field since you've been doing it?

I see SO much TV writing (movies too) is writing based on other TV and movie writing, as opposed to drawing from real life. Most TV is derivative and lacking in any kind of surprise.

Do you have writer's block too? What's your best method to overcome it?

There's no blocking in TV. That's for indie movie writers.

TV writing is more craft than art. No time for blockage - unless it's the kind you get from too much cheese.

Wow, thanks!! Hahahahaha!! No such thing as too much cheese ;) I think. Haha.

Okay. But how do you make sure that the creative juices just keep flowing?

Too many juices. My new thing is to be a little more selective about the ideas I get excited about.

Do you agree with those who say that TV is becoming the mature medium over movies?

Mature is a funny word. I think TV now has the time and money to tell a more developed story. But a great movie, seen in a theater, can still be a terrific experience.

How many hamburgers do you think you've eaten in your entire life?

I started late because I was brought up kosher - but I made up for lost time as of, oh, age 18, so I'd say 576.

Thank you for being here, it's truly an honor.

What did you feel the first time you saw the "The Inner Light" episode? Did you envision it becoming what it has become over the last 20+ years? You're obviously a successful person, where does winning the Hugo award rank in your life?

Good question. I saw the rough cut of "IL" and my mind was blown. It is SO rare to write a script then be pleased. Normally, you pick it apart - even your own contribution. So many compromises have been made. But this one? Everyone in the room knew it was special.

As a TV Writer, what are your opinions on the recent trend towards episodes that only serve as portions in a single-season long story? Do you think these are better or worse for storytelling/generally good TV than an episodic method of storytelling, of which "The Inner Light" is one of the greatest examples?

EDIT: Noooo, I appear to be 9 minutes too late :'(

Like all things in life, it can be done well or not-so-well. "Homeland," as I've said, makes terrific use of the serialized format. Keep in mind, the episodic form was a function of the business model of 20th century TV: a producer needed 100 episodes to replay in syndication, at any time, in any order. The DVD, then internet and VOD, changed all that.

I love the necklace version of the probe that Eline wears, and almost got it in the "it's a wrap" auction. Anyway, did you write that part in the episode? Also, what do you think of the somewhat follow up episode "Lessons"? Did you expect any part of "Inner Light" to be carried over to another show? Thank you for writing one of the greatest Trek episodes!! :-)

I had the idea of a crucifix/mezzuzah she wore that was part of her culture - to tip Picard/Kamin off that this was linked to his Enterprise life. I wrote in the script that there were runish markings on the probe and the same markings were on this necklace. The production guys came up with the idea of making the probe itself in this distinctive shape, the same as the necklace. Brilliant!

What was your favourite episode you wrote?

LAW & ORDER, "White Rabbit." I hear it's still Dick Wolf's favorite.

Description from IMDB: A conservative suburban wife and mother turns out to be a fugitive student radical who was involved in an armored car heist and murder of a police officer 23 years earlier

Yes, it was based on Katherine Ann Power, the soccer mom arrested for her role in some subversive student activity thing.

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Style was similar. I wrote for DS9 before it had premiered, so I was flying blind a bit. I'd say, looking back, DS9 had a little more organic humor. But the general STAR TREK approach in my mind was very earnest, not as cynical a style as I probably employed for other series.

What was your involvement in the Dresden Files?

I talked Jim Butcher into doing it and I optioned the books and pitched it to SyFy. Then, not too much. I would have made it more like the books, where Harry was more hangdog.

What is your favorite TV show or movie of 2013?

As I said, "HOMELAND" for TV; in the movies, "American Hustle" is my kind of movie. LOVED it. But the sleeper for me was "PRISONERS." Had no expectations, and it was one of the best movies in this genre ever.

Have you ever met Nicolas Cage?

No. But I just had a deal with Jennifer Love Hewitt's production company and didn't meet her either. That was way worse.

What are your feelings on new writers submitting spec scripts? Do you think this could be a good way to break in to the industry?

It probably never ever ever works.

This episode and the movie Field of Dreams are the only two pieces of media that have ever made me cry. No question for you to answer, just thanks for being able to bring that kind of emotion out of me.

For me it's Cinema Paradiso. And I have no idea why.

Where exactly are the escape pods on the milennium falcon? And how many?

Is that a trick question?

Hah, not at all. Been looking at various schematics, and they are mentioned in the movie. Id just like your artistic take on the matter!

Escape pods seems like a good J.J. convenience. In the '70s and '80s, you just got stuck in an asteroid belt and had to disguise yourself as garbage.

Tell us a little of the process to write for a show. How do you get approval? How longs it take you to write? What happens if you have a good pitch get halfway into writing it and realize its a terrible idea and cant work?

There are no longer freelance TV writers, so you have to be on staff, and then the process is whatever your showrunner wants it to be. But generally, you won't be pitching so much as developing the idea in the writers room.

Have you gotten any chicks (or guys) for writing that episode? Have you ever gotten dumped for it?

How long did it take you to write the episode? Do you drink coffee while writing? Or use any other substances (alcohol, cigarettes, what have you)?

Are The Beatles your favorite band? Favorite song by them?

I have a weird relationship with coffee. As for the Beatles -- I tried to name ALL my TNG eps for a Beatles song, starting with "The Inner Light." "Starship Mine" was originally "Revolution." But Michael Piller got wise to me and that was that. Fave song? According to itunes, I've listened to "Hey Jude" the most.

Hm, I'm interested your relationship with coffee, can you please expound that statement?

Caffeine gives me migraines. It also cure migraines.

Do you eat eggs?

Yes. Often. Sometimes whites only.

How did you start to become a writer?

See my answer elsewhere here on how I got my break. As for my START - I was producing/writing skits that I put on in front of my elementary school. Not originals but "episodes" of TV shows I loved.

Are film festival script competitions a good way to get noticed? Do you recommend a specific one?

Thanks for doing this!

I'm not too aware of that - but a friend just won a competition and got money to shoot a short film. SO I guess it works.

I'm going to ask a non-Trek question. This is open-ended. I thought Dresden Files was great (I'll admit not perfect thouI was a bit disappointed that Bob wasn't a skull though), and Paul Blackthorne was excellent as Harry. What were your experiences on the show like? What could we have expected if it wasn't cancelled? Maybe the Carpenters would have put in an appearance?

I said earlier - not faithful to the books in terms of Harry as an underdog. I always saw it as "Rockford Files" with magic. But I didn't get to execute that vision.

I liked inner light, but I have one question, why was the issue of implanted memories not addressed? I mean Picard basically was brainwashed? I am sure he needed a few secessions with troy to really know what was real, and what was fake.

Hey, one of the reasons this episode worked so well is we didn't overthink or over-explain. No midichlorians!

Here's another answer: He was NOT brainwashed. Brainwashing is when you're trained/manipulated to adhere to ideas you didn;'t otherwise believe in. In Picard's case, his brain structure was reformatted so these were actual memories -- every bit as real as what he had experienced in his "real" life.

Terrible, horrible question but I'll ask it anyway because I haven't seen it yet.

Are there any books on writing craft or theory that have left a mark?

My first mentor on a TV series had me read Lajos Egir's "The Art of Dramatic Writing" and now I make it mandatory for classes I teach. It has nothing to do with TV or movies, but it's indispensable.

Was your first mentor Stephen J. Cannell?

Yes. A terrific human being. I owe my career to him, may he rest in peace.

That should have been "Egri."

How did you get to write a script for Law and Order UK being that its a UK show?

That was adapted from my episode here, "Hot Pursuit." SO I get credit.

Since you're more of a Star Wars fan what are your thoughts on JJ directing Episode VII?

See my answer in a different thread. J.J is great, I want SW to be a shaggy mutt and not a pedigree show dog.

Are you a Batman fan?

I've watched DKR about 9 times. It's the only superhero movie that rises above genre.

So......hows it going?

Actually I'm still depressed that Bill Murray didn't give it up more. He's a national treasure.

Tits or ass?

Depends. And I don't mean an ass covered in Depends.

What's it like being Morgan Gendel? I've always wondered that. Thanks.

Really? Always?

Paper or plastic?

Paper. Except I HATE my cardboard VISA card.

What is the best way to get my packet read (without going through an agent)?

For starters, stop saying "packet."

Simple question: How are you today?

"Fabulous, Dad."

I know this will not be well received, but I don't think the inner light to be that big of a deal. The entire story can be deduced fairly early in the episode. Its basically a message in a bottle type of deal.

A. Fans really dug seeing a side of Picard they hadn't seen. B. The "Oh it's me" moment is SO touching. He lived a whole life, very fulfilling with wife and kids and grandkids -- then he finds his life really had deep meaning. Apparently many viewers found that moving.

A. I get that, but he was brainwashed into it. B. Its not his, his implanted memory makes him think that.

I guess it just does not resonate with me, I am more of a Sisko and the Defiant kind of guy, kick ass, chew bubblegum and kill a few Vorta before breakfast.

That's what makes America great.