I trained in North Carolina as an engineer. I took a job in Orange County, California in urban planning, writing EIRs and three-party agreements. After learning that a co-worker sold a script, I immediately jumped in the deep end and enrolled in a screenwriting class. I had never written a screenplay before, but made straight A’s in English composition in college. The instructor, a WGA writer with dozens of sales and produced credits, critiqued students’ pages after their work was read aloud in class. The first student cried. The second bolted from the classroom in a rage. My turn. My opening pages were read. I held my breath and prepared for the worst. There was a long silence. “That’s good”, the instructor said. Even though there would be much to learn (and I learn something new with every script), I’ve never looked back.

Is PASSING THROUGH your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

No, but PASSING THROUGH is my first drama. I’ve written seven other scripts—five thrillers, one action and one coming-of-age comedy. I’ve optioned one script and won three screenwriting contests with three different scripts (Writers on the Storm, and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television’s Professional Program in Screenwriting--twice).

Why did you write PASSING THROUGH? And how long did it take you to write it?

Jumping in the deep end again, I wanted to try my hand at a drama. The first draft was developed in a UCLA Advanced Screenwriting workshop; subsequent drafts I pursued on my own. All told, from fade in to fade out took seven months. I submitted the script to over half a dozen screenwriting contests, preparing for the inevitable spate of polite “keep writing” e mails. But after one contest offered coverage that summarized “the writer has succeeded with the most complex, intimate and meaningful of dramas”, and the script won the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television’s Professional Program in Screenwriting Competition, my fears abated. Then I learned it had won 5th place in MSC, drama category.

Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?

From the initial idea, I start with a one page synopsis that I either share with writing colleagues, or workshop in a screenwriting class for feedback. From the notes, the story often evolves into something completely unexpected—and often better than anything I could’ve imagined. My routine is to get up earlier than any ‘sane’ person would want to, and own that part of the day (or night).

What inspires you to write?

Music, Hitchcock movies, New Orleans, and my wife—though not necessarily in that order.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Ghost stories, Halloween, fine wines and travel.

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

The promise of exposure to the industry and the opportunity to possibly network and make contacts. This is ultimately a better prize than money or screenwriting software as relationships are key in crafting a career.

Do you feel that screenwriting contests are worthwhile for writers and why?

Screenwriting contests are like crash tests for cars—they offer a relatively inexpensive way to see if the script holds up (or gets banged up) before marketing it. Contests that offer industry exposure and inexpensive feedback (such as this one) are invaluable. And reading one’s name in the trades or on a website can be pretty cool too.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

Alan Ball. He finds the truth in every character, every scene.

Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

Take the job seriously—even before you’re paid to do it. Prepare for meetings. Set a writing schedule and stick to it. And if you’re brave enough, take an acting class.

What’s next for you?

I’m polishing my latest thriller and packing for New Orleans—so the story well never runs dry.