So what is the difference between telewriting and screenwriting?

And also, does it make a difference in which undergraduate college I attend if I want to be a telewriter - or do the graduate schools make more of a difference? Or, is it pure talent, that is, if you are born to be a writer, "no school can define you, just help you with your career."

What other advice can you offer me to help me pursue my dream in screenwriting :) (For TV, that is.)

the work of a television writer is far more institutionalized - you go into an office, you work with other writers to generate story, you write outlines that have to go through a notes process with both the executive producers and the studio and network, and you have to produce a script every eight business days to feed to the production monster. the form is a different one and has its own challenges - i have chosen not to write features in my career because i prefer the tv form, and because i would prefer to achieve a mastery of it rather than dilute my focus - but your mileage may vary.

graduate school was enormously helpful to me - no school can define you, but it can give you the tools and discipline to become a better writer - native talent is nothing without focus, discipline and craftsmanship, and those are all things that can and must be learned!

good luck!

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