LIZ MAYER
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Mesa, AZ 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? A few years back, my husband and I downsized and moved into an Active 55+ Retirement Community. My husband was quick to adjust and began participating in every activity. When pickleball got popular I officially became a Pickleball Widow. I knew that I needed to find a hobby or activity that I enjoyed. The result was “IN A PICKLE”, a 30-minute ensemble cast sit com. The show reflects my experiences here in the community. Pets, pickleball and past romance await… 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’ve been working on my script since 2017. It’s gone through several revisions over the years. I started out with an idea. Next, I put together a rough outline and then began to build out characters and fill in scenes. I always have a writing pad available to write down thoughts, dialog or other notes that relate to the show. What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? To get “IN A PICKLE” purchased or optioned. I feel like the timing is right for a more realistic (yet funny) look at how today’s retirees are redefining their retirement. Which film or television writers inspire you? Why? That’s an interesting question. Most recently it would have to be Quinta Brunson who wrote Abbott Elementary. I admire the fact that she took her personal experience and turned it into an award winning tv series. I’m also a huge fan of Eugene and Daniel Levy, writers of Schitt’s Creek. What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show? That’s easy. Jaws. No, I’m not kidding. I love everything about that movie. From the casting to the dialog to the ever so important infamous soundtrack. I read about all the challenges Spielberg faced while making the movie. It changed the way a generation of people viewed swimming in the ocean. And, of course, shout out to Bruce the mechanical shark. What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? Edit. Edit. Edit. Then edit some more. Also make sure you request feedback whenever you enter a contest. The way I approach feedback is I glance over the remarks and make some initial notes. Then I read it again to make sure I’m incorporating the changes I feel elevate or enhance the script. Feedback is key. For me, the turning point came when I received a live 1:1 consultation with Bob McCullough. It was the first time I actually felt like a writer and that I could do this. What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? Two projects. One is an adaptation of the book Miracle Marathoner which is about a Greek marathoner who brings awareness of what was happening to Greece during the Germany occupation of World War II. The other project is called “Pitch Bitch”. It’s a story about a mean and unforgiving television/movie pitch coach who gets a taste of her own medicine when she stumbles upon a script that’s been hidden for years. |
