Interview:

Tara Meehan, Brooklyn, NY: I have been a freelance writer for over a decade for various web and print publications. I started writing screenplays and theatrical plays while attending UMASS Boston and fell in love with the process. I directed one of my shorts a few years ago but now know that I never want to direct again.

In addition to scripts and plays, I am also a copywriter. I moved back to Brooklyn about six years ago.

Is "Theatre de Pancake" your first script? If not, what else have you completed?

No it's not my first script. I wrote and directed Conversationally Challenged, a short about two people who can't live without their cell phones. It was a selected short at the Reno Film Festival. I have written two full length scripts, other shorts and one act plays.

Why did you write "Theatre de Pancake"? And how long did it take you to write it?

Theatre de Pancake is a shorter version of a full length screenplay I wrote while in college. It took a few weeks to write. Writing shorter scripts is becoming increasingly enjoyable and fulfilling. It's challenging to get to the heart of the matter quicker.

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

I try to write something everyday whether it's a line of dialogue or a diary entry. When I find myself forcing the words to come out, I take a step back and let it sit a few days. Also, I find it nearly impossible to write directly onto the computer. I manually write first. Sure it may give me premature arthritis but it feels more personal and more readily editable. I think I'm just fighting technology.

What inspires you to write?

Anything and everything. I could be walking down the street and think of a character. Suddenly I hear him or her start to speak. It's oddly schizophrenic. Really there is no rhyme or reason to what inspires me. It's random.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Many things. I love New York Mets baseball. I'm a TV junkie - Lost, Buffy, X-Files, General Hospital. A bit more serious, I love my family, friends and kitten; even though she drives me up the wall.

What influenced you to enter the Movie Script Contest?

I did research and was impressed by the reputation it has built. I was also pleased to see that critiques were available if requested.

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

Most of them are, the others I feel are in it just to make a hefty entry fee.

Who is your favorite screenwriter or writer and why?

Honestly my favorite scriptwriters are mainly television based. Damon Lindelof, Chris Carter, Jane Espenson come to mind. But for the big screen I'd say Todd Solondz and Paul Thomas Anderson

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

Just keep writing.

What's next for you?

Well I'm taking my own advice and currently rewriting a play. I'm also working on a book proposal. I'm looking forward to all good things and some disappointments. Sometimes the disappointments are what keep you going.