JOSHUA CARTWRIGHT
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 PictureJOSHUA CARTWRIGHT
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Luton, Bedfordshire, UK

Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel?
Guyana is a fascinating land - it’s like the forgotten Caribbean. My wife’s mother is from there and she was a no-nonsense God-fearing Creole woman who looked out for her community in Soesdyke, Guyana. My wife heard me making us stories about her ‘adventures’ for our six-year-old and we ended up co-writing six books of her solving cases. She was such an inspiring character that we figured it would translate well to a TV show.

How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN?
I always like to write a compelling introduction straight off the bat… something that makes me as a writer want to know what happens next. With the actual stories I work out the main plot and then go back and flesh it out. As I develop as a writer I plot more of the the episodes’ content in advance of writing.

What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
To write TV drama that entertain but which also make people think about their lives and decisions. I don’t think all film should be thought provoking but I want mine to be, in general.

Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Aaron Sorkin, James L. Brooks and Mark Andrus, many of the writers of House.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
House, Battlestar Galactica (for TV), and Highlander/Goonies for “it’s goofy but it still works” film.

What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Pray first, if you believe. Divine inspiration works. Don’t be afraid to write about the off-beat stuff that interests you. For dialogue, imagine or research real life conversations and then ask “How can I say this (in general) in a shorter, more interesting way. How can I hint through
subtext at the bigger story?”

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? (be sure to include any links you want the world to check out)
I’m working on a Christmas comedy about an out of control Alpha mum who gets her wish to control her family, also a first century supernatural drama that could be the next Wheels of Time.
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087934045650
Coverfly Red list for ‘Imma’.