Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Gary Goldstein of Laurel Canyon/Los Angeles

Gary Goldstein shared his story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Gary, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
For the work I do as a screenwriter, author and journalist, I think all three things–intelligence, energy, and integrity–are important. They often work synergistically as the traits one needs to understand and constantly improve at the craft, to stay motivated and endure, and to work most effectively with the people around you. I’ll add a fourth important thing: luck!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been a longtime screenwriter for movies and TV, have written three published novels (just finished my fourth), plus am a contributing arts writer for the Los Angeles Times. I’ve also written many produced stage plays. I began my career as a film publicist, but segued into the writing field in my late 20s. I’ve expanded my areas of writing work over the years to learn and experience as much as I can about the various disciplines of the craft (including journalism, which was my college major). I’m also a proud member of the Writers Guild of America West and have held numerous committee positions there over the past few decades.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would say my mother, as I was growing up, had the best read on who I was, even if we didn’t always fully discuss how I may have been feeling about myself–or the world around me–at the most pivotal times. I wish I’d opened up to her more along the way, but we still had a very strong relationship and, in many ways, a great friendship that gave me confidence and an unequivocal sense of support. Unfortunately, she died when I was 30, so she didn’t get to see the full picture of the person I became. But I credit her for, I’d like to think, the better parts of myself.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Kid, you’ll be amazed at how it all turns out.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I mostly think so. I may be more outgoing in public than in private, but I’ve rarely been good at trying to be something that I’m really not.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Definitely born to do.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Headshot credit: David A. Lee

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than