J.R. Kinnard 
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 PictureJR KINNARD
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
I live in Seattle, WA.

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?
I’ve been obsessed with screenwriting for many years, but I only recently started pursuing it as a vocation. Before that, I was a film critic, where I learned a lot not only about the craft of screenwriting, but also the film industry. For ‘What Makes You Tick,’ I wanted to write a horror story about something that creeped me out. Nothing creeps me out more than ticks! Growing up in a rural area, ticks were a part of our daily existence during the warm-weather months. From there, the themes of a main character with attachment issues just flowed naturally.

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?
The first draft took me about one month to write. Understand, I don’t hold anything back for that first draft (I think it was about 145 pages!), so I tend to knock it out very quickly. The revision process is ongoing. It’s still a fairly ‘young’ script in my mind, being only about 3 months old. As far as my writing process goes, I need a very solid premise before I even think about starting to write. From there, I have to discover my main character and figure out what they’re all about. During the process of character sketching, I’ll usually stumble upon lots of ideas and new directions for the script. Ideas that get me excited to tackle the grueling task ahead. That’s very important. When it comes to composition, I’m a digital guy now. I used to write everything down, but now it’s Final Draft all the way for me.

What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
I want to be a working screenwriter. Simple as that!

Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice?
It was a full script submission. Feedback on the entire script is an incredibly important part of the writing process for me. The rapid turnaround coverage offered by Wiki was a great way to get feedback while the script was still alive in my mind. With most
contests, by the time you receive coverage (IF you receive coverage), you’ve probably already moved on to the next project.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why?
One of my favorites, and the movie that made me want to be a screenwriter, is ‘Being John Malkovich.’ I was aware of screenwriting before that, but it never clicked with me that scripts could push creative boundaries like other forms of literature. This inspired me to learn more about the craft and start watching movies with an eye toward narrative structure.

What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
The ultimate objective is to make the script as good as it can be. When you enter a contest, always flip the extra cash for coverage. Even if you only get ONE actionable note from the reader, it’s worth the money to improve your script. I have never entered a contest where my ultimate objective is to win. Only to make the work as good as it can be. If I win, that is a wonderful bonus!

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
The world needs to know about my epic Genie script! It has placed in other contests and I’m totally in love with it. I also have a dramedy musical called ‘Nopesville’ that I’m excited for people to read. Oh, and I’ve got a Bigfoot script that would make a wonderful midnight movie. Just ask me about it!