Hello Everyone,
I'm new to this site, so please forgive me if I'm once again, awkward. Awkward is how I remember myself in high school. Didn't we all feel that way? But my awkwardness continued into college, well into my early adult years and up until I finally decided to become a writer. I've been struggling as a writer for the last few years. Existing on a low salary is daunting but in many ways, I've never been happier.
After cutting my teeth in local tabloids for $ 25/story (nomatter the length) and $ 13/photo, I moved on to a monthly newspaper called Delaware and Hudson Canvas. It's distributed all around Orange and Sullivan Counties in NY and Pike County, PA. I live with my parents in Milford, PA. Milford is on the NY/NJ/PA border. (Yes, they do meet!) It's a very artsy town. Living with my parents is not as parasitic as it sounds. They're in their eighties (both born in 1925). My younger brother, John, has Down's Syndrome and needs help so I consider it a symbiotic living arrangement, but I would like more privacy.
As the town hosts the Black Bear Film Festival, I've been submitting stories to Indie Slate Magazine, it's considered the bible of independent film. I've got a story in the Jan/Feb. issue of the mag and my coverage of the Tribeca Film Festival should be coming out soon. The magazine is distributed in Barnes and Noble superstores and Borders, and at 200 newsstands in Los Angeles. I believe their website is at www.indieslate.com
In addition to magazine writing, I've been workshopping screenplays with Larry Brody, a veteran of TV writing and producing. At 22, he began his first writing assignment on the original Star Trek series. His website, www.tvwriter.com has many tools for developing writers. I posted notes there frequently, but I missed my Keveny Komrades!
My most recent screenplay, "The Fool of Muncaster" is a modern gothic romance based on the legends surrounding Muncaster Castle in Northern England. It's a finalist in two contests promoted on the tvwriter website, but I still haven't found a producer. My parents keep wondering if I'll ever you know, find a job? So I keep praying to find a producer as I send it out to various film contacts.
I'll tell you one thing, if I ever make it big in the film industry, I'd like to hire John Thomas Heins to be my spokesman. Only he could explain my way out of every embarassing situation I could get myself into. I'm sorry I missed the August 18th gathering, I didn't see this website until this evening. But I'd also like to ask, Why did Mike Charbonneau want me to shout "I love you guys!?"
Love to hear from you,
Dawn McElligott
1 comment:
Ding!
As your first commenter, let me begin by compleimenting you on what you've done with the place.
Like yourself, I have often found myself, feeling less than comfortable. In my younger days, I might bury discomfiture with alcohol. Today, I strive to say something that will make others feel uncomfortable. Case in point, suppose you're at a business dinner when your boss' confides to you: "I'm not sure if I am wearing the right dress. It seems a bit much" Instead of squirming in your seat, try this: "I liked the red one much better." You will have lifted the yolk of awkwardacity from your shoulders and placed it firmly on hers.
Seriously, good luck with your writing. Here's to hoping you find a great deal of success.
Matt Maron
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