Where do you live (City, State, or Country) Reno, Nevada. Originally I'm from Colorado and lived in the Bay Area for twenty years.
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 little history is in order - Resume writing was my forte and I have written over 1800. Being able to tell someone’s education and career story in a a succinct way that fits onto a single page of paper is something I do well. Understanding how each work life unfolds, then carefully piecing it together with whitespace, bullet points, and highlights, until it tells an authentic story. Resume’s and cover letters create interest and solve a problem for the reader, and on a good day it leads the seeker to the next step of their journey.
Succinct and trust for the team is my style. It has taken me a long time and many mistakes to understand script writing and learn the ‘rules of the road.’ I believe that screen writing is the only way I can reach my goal as a story teller.
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? Writing for me is an internal process, then notes and color coded index cards. Then that moment - I start working on the outline, and it comes together. That is the moment I take this particular story seriously.
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? This is an interesting question because, for me, it’s not about career ambitions - it's the writing - I want to map out stories that inspire people to face issues and look beyond their own lives to what we have in common. Which film or television writers inspire you? Why? -Ben Stiller has heart and yet is edgy. -Gene Roddenbery in 1975 absolutely inspired me at a convention and planted the seed of my wanting to be a storyteller. -Current favorite storyteller for an ensemble cast is (the other) Will Smith - Slow Dogs. What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show? -Original Star Trek - discovered by following the boys in the dorm after dinner.-Interstellar -The Game - I have no idea how many times I've watched it. -Phantom Carriage, 1921
The Cordillera Film Festival...Finalist!
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have? I got bad advice from people that hadn’t worked in the industry recently and it took the wind out of my sails. One man won an Emmy years ago, but when I finally saw the movie - ick. Due diligence! Best script advice ever!!! Robert McCullough read my script and took the time to teach me how to pull it all together and answered my questions. He also taught me about the producer’s perspective, which was an important piece for my brain. My puzzle came together. 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) -The Dark One - When a young girl is abused by her mother, their neighbor taps into dark magic to separate the girl's soul from her body to give her a second chance at life, leading her on a journey of self-discovery, redemption, using her newfound powers to protect others. -Baking Bad 1968 - A home economics teacher joins her sister and hippie friends in an illegal brownie-baking business to raise money for their commune's repairs, she finds herself on a journey of sexual and political awakening amidst the turmoil of 1960s Berkeley. -Addictive - In a dystopian cyberpunk future, immortal Outliers must confront their deepest vices as they battle for survival in a deadly game, while a brilliant scientist, dropped into the chaos, fights not only for her own life but to prevent the impending destruction of Earth. In process Theseus and the Minotaur - History/fantasy Kali’s Death Song - Dystopian