One of my many many many little brothers charged me with scribbling some thoughts on self-publishing a couple years back. This afternoon I stumbled upon it while googling myself—oh, the unmitigated narcissism—and was reminded just how acerbic and generally on target it was. I know, I know. I'm supposed to pretend my own writing never … Continue reading The worst (best) writing advice you’ll ever get … from me … this week … maybe

At the heart of the story I submitted to this year's Austin Film Festival screenplay competition is a man taking on difficult and morally questionable work in order to fund the medical needs of a dying loved one. Nothing new under the sun, right? My big twists are the bizarre ways he makes the money, … Continue reading Pleasantly surprised by my 2022 Austin Film Festival screenplay notes

Actually, it's more like if Charlie Kaufman had written and Quentin Tarantino had directed and Paul Giamatti had starred in Grosse Pointe Blank. I'm not even sure what to call this little duder. Is it a spec script or a job application? Is it a floor polish or a desert topping? It's both. Or, all … Continue reading Gentille Alouette is like if Tarantino directed Grosse Pointe Blank

As part of the entry fee for the 2023 BlueCat Screenplay Competition, I received a screenplay competition analysis for my script End-Stop;; back on Sept. 13. I didn't share it then because I thought it gave away too much of the movie and I was concerned about ruslters ... and that potential producers might not … Continue reading End-Stop;; a messy love story with humor, heart, and offensive poetry

Drought, drought, drought, drought—monsoon! It's sorta like duck-duck-goose, being a spec writer waiting for feedback and opportunity. Whole gaggle of us on the floor in a circle. Nervously anticipating that shoulder tap. The false starts. The sweaty armpits. All that awful nervous flatulence. And then BAMN! Producer or director calls you "goose" and bolts, cackling like … Continue reading Duck-duck-goose, Austin Film Fest, and pep talks from the Universe