Where do you live (City, State, or Country)? I currently reside in Virgin River… JK, that's a fictional town, but I wish! Any fans?? Mentally, I’m either there or in Mystic Falls, but in reality I’ve got a cute little spot in Burbank, CA.
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’m currently an Executive Assistant at a reality TV development company and in one of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion council meetings, someone noted that Netflix had groups for everyone – even left handed people. I immediately had to go write a story around that idea! I chose to write a script because I’d like to produce it! *wink, wink, nudge, nudge*
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 really just farted this one out! Usually, I plot and create a story bible before opening Final Draft, but this script felt like magic! All of those years spent studying structure, reading romance novels and watching romance really paid off, as I knew exactly what beats to hit and how to punch up the action to make this trope of a short all the more ridiculous, through its heart <3
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? I’m passionate about telling stories that create a more empathetic world by representing women in a way that empowers them in society. I want to make people laugh while warming their hearts! And also just forever chasing the goal of landing a spot in a writer’s room. My ultimate ambition would be to write and star in a show of my own creation. It feels very world peace, but bringing someone content that leaves a positive impact would selfishly help me heal my inner wounds haha. Writing is my outlet for giving young adults the information I wish someone had shared with me growing up. There’s a ton of messed up shit we learned being raised as women, and TV has the power to help validate that your own thoughts and feelings are important and beautiful.
Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice? Lefty is a 14 page short film. If I'd cut my script off at ten then the reader wouldn’t have known the ending, and it’s so funny! I couldn’t do that to them.
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why? Oh, how to choose! There are so many amazing shows out there that -- Crazy Ex Girlfriend. I’ve devoured nearly 200 shows, but if I could’ve created, written and starred in any show it would for sure be Crazy Ex Girlfriend. I admire Rachel Bloom’s YouTube origins, and have modeled my own career after creators like Bloom, Abbi Jacobson, and Jimmy Tatro who are clear examples of how important it is to bring life to your own content. And, I mean, who isn’t a fan of musical comedy? (A: lots of people) Karma must be on my side because my dreams are coming true… I just got to sing “Let’s Generalize About Men” with creators, Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna.
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? Wiki was the first competition I entered… so that was pretty lucky. But I didn’t win all of them! Entering alone is something to celebrate! Winning is pretty dang cool, but it, unfortunately, doesn’t guarantee you success – recognize your little victories and use them to promote yourself. Above all, keep writing!
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? You know that life experience they talk about needing to be a writer? I’ve been working on that! I started journaling, and there I found my voice. As a writer, I usually ideate a character's story, but through exploring my own life by writing nearly every day over the past year, I’ve discovered the importance of understanding my own story. That and Tom the Turkey Burger, a pilot where everyone is turning into a zombie! Except Tom – he’s turned into a Turkey Burger and must navigate the apocalypse as a rare tasty commodity, guarded by his girlfriend Allie and her new best friends.