Interview:

I majored in English at Stanford University but got sidetracked into a temporary career as a software engineer. Later I began writing humor articles that were published in several magazines. My husband and I wrote a science fiction novel together, and then I decided to adapt it into a screenplay. I read screenwriting books, took classes, and soon fell in love with the craft. Since then I have only written screenplays.

Is “Devil's Lure” your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

“Devil’s Lure” is my fourth feature script. The adaptation of my novel was my first. By some miracle it placed in the top 15% of the Nicholl’s contest that year, which encouraged me to continue writing screenplays. My second, a thriller called “Twisted Strands,” won the platinum award at Worldfest Houston. My third, a comic thriller called “Lying on the Floor Dead,” was inspired by my experience working at Apple Computer. It has been optioned by Gold Pictures, Inc.

Why did you write “Devil's Lure”? And how long did it take you to write it?

“Devil’s Lure” is my most personal script to date. It’s set in a small New England coastal town similar to the one I grew up in. I had a friend who became a lobsterman and drowned at sea. This is not his story, but having known him made me want to weave a tale around those who live and work by the sea. The theme is that your past forms you as an adult and you can’t simply run away from it, as my protagonist tries to do. You might say this is the script I “had” to write.

It has taken me a year and a half to write. It was a very different story when I began, but I like how it has evolved.

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

The kids go to school and I walk or run for an hour while ideas cogitate in my mind. Then I sit down and write till it’s time to pick the kids up. I begin a script by brainstorming ideas with myself until I come up with a viable premise. After that I outline the story and then I write the first draft. When I run into problems I return to the outline and change things. Then I go back to the script. This goes back and forth until I feel the story is good enough to show people. I bring it to my writer’s groups (I belong to two right now) and let them critique it. I do another round of revisions, then send it out to contests like this one for feedback. More revisions follow. In the meantime, I start work on a new script.

What inspires you to write?

Life. I can no longer imagine doing anything else.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

My family, first and foremost. Then comes cross country skiing, opera, wine, travel, and, oh yes, reading. Doesn’t every writer love to read?

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

I entered primarily for your feedback, which was praised by several authors at the Moviebytes website. I was not disappointed; the feedback I received was both encouraging and specific in identifying those areas of the script that need improvement.

I was also impressed by the professional appearance of your website. That may sound like a silly way to judge a contest, but you’d be surprised how many contest websites look sloppy, with plenty of misspellings and grammatical errors. I can’t help wondering how someone who writes like that could judge a writing contest.

And of course, I thought it would be way cool to win a Golden Brad.

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

Absolutely. After my third script won 2nd place in a major contest, I received quite a few requests to read it and eventually was able to option it. Hopefully the contest itself will generate requests for your script, but even if it doesn’t, you can use that contest placement when you pitch your story, either in person or in a query letter. It definitely gets people to pay more attention.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

I admire William Goldman for remaining purely a writer (not writer/director, writer/producer, etc.), because that’s my goal. I love Charles Dickens because he combined jaw-dropping literary talent with the ability to tell a whopping good story as few authors have managed since. Beyond that, there are an enormous number of writers whose work I love and admire.

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

Be persistent. Be open to criticism. Send your stuff out for feedback, but don’t use it blindly. Look for consensus. If everyone tells you your characters all sound alike, they probably do. Fix it. And don’t ever, ever give up.

What’s next for you?

I’m writing a short script now which I will begin entering into contests soon. Then I’ll start work on another feature. I will continue marketing “Devil’s Lure” as needed. I can be very persistent.