Faith, Final Drafts, & the F Word

This final episode of season two bookends the reason the writers started this screenwriting series over two years ago. It's a reminder to themselves and other creatives that the dream lives on-- and the only way to fail is to quit. The writers check in with questions like: What are ways you refuse to quit? When did you almost quit and what convinced you to continue? How is your inner artist right now? Fragile? Beat up? Inspired? The three also discus themes pulled from Julia Cameron's inspiring book The Artist's Way on how to set our "creative selves" free and keep our "rational selves" low-key. This is S2 EP9 in a series that documents the journeys of three emerging screenwriters - Sarah Hopkins, Rebecca Williams Spindler, & Darla Phillips - who share their experiences as they try and navigate careers in film and tv-- a huge feat indeed. Add in the TWIST that each are women of FAITH and entering into life's "second season"— and you might find yourself mumbling under your breath, "Good luck with that ladies!" Follow along for some guaranteed laughs, a flaw or two, and some valuable screenwriting and industry perspective that will inspire anyone with a dream! #screenwriter #screenwriting #writer #dreamer To view the screenwriters bios & more—go to: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079930643765&mibextid=LQQJ4d MENTIONS & RESOURSES: The Artist's Way written by Julia Cameron

There are LOTS of writing fellowships, residencies & retreats to choose from. How does a writer know which is best? The big TV writing fellowships? Or maybe more niche opportunities? In this episode the writers share their experiences applying for and attending a few. It's a full 55 minute episode packed with informative ways to get the most out of these writing and networking experiences. Things like: tips on writing interesting bios, filling out applications, being brave, pitching ideas, making bio videos, validation, growing relationships, and more! This is S2 EP8 in a series that documents the journeys of three emerging screenwriters - Sarah Hopkins, Rebecca Williams Spindler, & Darla Phillips - who share their experiences as they try and navigate careers in film and tv-- a huge feat indeed. Add in the TWIST that each are women of FAITH and entering into life's "second season"— and you might find yourself mumbling under your breath, "Good luck with that ladies!" Follow along for some guaranteed laughs, a flaw or two, and some valuable screenwriting and industry perspective that will inspire anyone with a dream! #screenwriter #screenwriting #writer #dreamer To view the screenwriters bios & more—go to: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079930643765&mibextid=LQQJ4d FELLOWSHIPS, RESIDENCIES, & RETREATS: https://www.wgfoundation.org/fellowship-writing-programs-for-screenwriters-masterlist https://www.wgfoundation.org/programs/the-veterans-writing-project https://rocabertiwriters.com/ https://writeondoorcounty.org/residency/ https://www.apply.impact.net/

Rockin the PINK! This episode is all about the Barbie movie and the talented women who helped bring the film to "live-action" life - Director Greta Gerwig, Actor/Producer Margot Robbie, Kate McKinnon, and America Ferrera to name a few. Follow along as Sarah, Rebecca, and Darla chat about the Barbie hype and expectations. They reveal their Barbie movie-viewing partners and favorite Barbie-Land Barbie-- you might be surprised! And, the three don't shy away from all the controversy... (Originally recorded August 2023) (00:00) - Intro (01:32)- FFF Shares (07:02) - Topic: Barbie Movie & Writing Strong Female Protagonists SOURCES: Writer's Write - Amanda Patterson https://www.writerswrite.co.za/the-six-defining-characteristics-of-strong-female-protagonists/ https://filmlifestyle.com/strong-female-characters-in-film/ https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a44725030/america-ferrera-barbie-full-monologue-transcript/ MOVIE MENTIONS & NAME DROPS: Barbie Movie Greta Gerwig Margot Robbie America Ferrera Kate McKinnon Noah Baumbach Warner Brothers Mattel

Creating characters that readers/viewers love - or love to hate - is key to storytelling in all its forms. Enjoyable and compelling books, movies, and tv shows likely have a complex character with an epic personal journey at their core. In this episode the writers discuss the importance of compelling characters and share ways to craft unique and complex ones with arcs that resonate. They also touch on how a writer's personal character arc can infuse a story as well as have influence on meetings with producers, managers, and other industry execs. Your CHARACTER'S arcs matter-- and so do YOURS! (Originally recorded in April 2023) SOURCES & MENTIONS: Ken Atchity - Film Courage interview: Character Development is About Three Things https://youtu.be/cSY43NNZdUI Gary Goldstein - Film Courage interview: A Great Tool For Developing Characters https://youtu.be/fApBdfWbH8A Ken Miyamoto - Acceptance, Revelation, Contentment: Exploring Your Character's Inner ARC - ScreenCraft: https://screencraft.org/blog/acceptance-revelation-contentment-exploring-your-characters-inner-arc/ Lee Jessup - Your Character: https://leejessup.com/trending-industry-character/ Danny Manus - http://www.nobullscript.net/ Twitter quote: https://twitter.com/dannymanus?s=21 MOVIE MENTIONS & NAME DROPS: Leanne Morgan - Comedian The Godfather The Breakfast Club Braveheart - Mel Gibson Legally Blonde - Reese Witherspoon

What's considered to be IP for film and tv? Where can you find it? This episode is about mining for some of that solid gold Intellectual Property! Heck, it might be right under your nose in Public Domain-- or in YOUR own head just waiting to be created! The writers weigh in on ways to access IP and share their insights on the adaptation process! (Originally recorded in April of 2023) NAME DROPS & RESOURCE MENTIONS: John August - podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scriptnotes-podcast/id462495496 Ken Miyamoto articles on IP & Public Domain - IP: https://screencraft.org/blog/what-hollywood-wants-intellectual-property-adaptations/. Public Domain: https://screencraft.org/blog/hottest-public-domain-properties-for-screenwriters/ Link to best books for 2023: https://ebookfriendly.com/best-books-entering-public-domain-2023/ ADAPTED IP MENTIONS: All Quiet on the Western Front Sweet Magnolias Forest Gump The Help Catherine Called Birdy Fight Club Shawshank Redemption Game of Thrones Big Little Lies The Handmaid's Tale Twilight Series

We hear it all the time— take care of YOU! Making time for personal health and wellness is definitely easier said than done. In this episode the writers chat about how “self care” - or lack there of - plays into all aspects of life and even affects the ability to create that masterpiece! This is S2 EP4 in a series that documents the journeys of three emerging screenwriters - Sarah Hopkins, Rebecca Williams Spindler, & Darla Phillips - who share their experiences as they try and navigate careers in film and tv-- a huge feat indeed. Add in the TWIST that each are women of FAITH and entering into life's "second season"— and you might find yourself mumbling under your breath, "Good luck with that ladies!" Follow along for some guaranteed laughs, a flaw or two, and some valuable screenwriting and industry perspective that will inspire anyone with a dream! #screenwriter #screenwriting #writer #dreamer To view the screenwriters bios & more—go to: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079930643765&mibextid=LQQJ4d NAME DROPS & RESOURCE MENTIONS: Dr. Sanjay Gupta https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/27/health/12-weeks-to-a-sharper-you-sanjay-gupta-wellness/index.html Jennifer Anniston Elizabeth Gilbert https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/elizabeth-gilbert-practical-ways-to-practice-self-care

S2 EP3: Writing Outside Of The Hollywood Hub-- with special guest Ken Miyamoto! Ken is a pro screenwriter, film and tv blogger, and former script/story analyst for Sony Pictures. Some of his current projects include multiple scripts produced by Lifetime with others in the works! https://twitter.com/KenMovies https://screencraft.org/blog/author/kenmiyamoto/ In this exciting episode the writers sit down with Ken to talk shop about what it's like working outside of the Hollywood Hub. Ken shares valuable perspective on what it takes to be a produced screenwriter, from first inspirations to breaking into Act Three of a writing career. The discussion touches on the topics of networking, collaboration, writing under contract, deadlines, investing in others, and perseverance in pursuing a dream! And so much more! (Originally recorded Fall - 2022) (00:00) - Introduction (02:33) - FFF Shares (08:25) - Writing Outside of the Hollywood Hub!

As with any career, screenwriters and writers can expect notes on job performance. At some point in the life of a project it will need feedback from either peer writers, writer critique groups, screenwriting mentors, Execs, Producers, Managers/Agents or Actors. Yes, bravery is required and even more importantly, the ability to lock up ego and understand the value of notes. In this episode the writers discuss how receiving notes is part of the screenwriting business. It's up to the creator how to use each note to improve, change, or rethink a story. This is a game of "not quitting" and being open to learning where our blindspots are. As Sarah so brillantly states in this episode, "you don't know what you don't know." (Originally recorded in the Fall - 2022)

Welcome back for season two of FFF! In this episode the writer's dive deep on the topic of "The Multitasking Mind" and how it influences the way they see, tell, and write a story. Multitasking is the label often given as an explanation of how some minds process-- often in reference to females. Sarah, Rebecca, and Darla break it down and discuss the pluses +++ the female brain brings to content creation as well! (Originally recorded in the Fall of 2022) (00:00) - Intro (00:46) - Updates (07:55) - Our FFFs (14:24) - Topic - The Multitasking Mind...

This FFF Encore Episode should've been the third in Season One— but the video version is flawed and the trio considered never sharing it… It was finally decided that the content was too good and fun to go to waste. So, enjoy this amusingly glitched episode filled with some great nuggets on the writing process and how it's different for every creative type.

In the season one finale, Sarah, Rebecca, & Darla discuss what's in the FFF title. They break it down and share their FAITH backgrounds, their FINAL DRAFT content and genres, and explain what the F WORD is symbolic of— besides the obvious of course… Stay tuned-in to the end for some fun FFF season highlights! This is the 8th episode in a series that documents the journeys of three female screenwriters who share their experiences as they try and navigate careers in film and tv-- a huge feat indeed. Add in the TWIST that each are women of FAITH and entering into life's "second season"--and you might find yourself mumbling under your breath, "Good luck with that ladies!" Follow along with them for some guaranteed laughs, a flaw or two, and some valuable screenwriting and industry perspective that will inspire anyone with a dream!

In this 7th episode of FFF, the screenwriters share tips on the subject of Writing Etiquette and how it can translate into the building of industry relationships. The three chat about their emailing, querying, and social media flops and successes…

Where does the inspiration for stories come from? In this episode the writers share thoughts and experiences on where they get theirs. Some are conventional, others— not so much. The trio also chat about Jessica Chastain's Oscar winning portrayal of Tammy Faye in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye”!

Rejection is a huge part of the screenwriting journey. In this episode of FFF the trio share how they digest and process the inevitable NOs— and what fuels then on toward those sought after YESES!

In this episode the writers talk about the balance of marriage & family, work, church & community service, and WRITING!! Begs the question: is finding true balance a myth?

Taking inspiration from our personal wounds and how the timeline of our healing can influence a story. Plus a mini movie review of Maggie Gyllenhaal's THE LOST DAUGHTER. This episode resonates!

In this 2nd Episode of FFF, the trio discuss the importance of finding screenwriting resources, mentors, book manuals, and software. Plus how deadlines can be a big motivator especially when it comes to submitting your script to contests.

This is the first episode in a series that documents the experiences of three female screenwriters trying to navigate careers in TV and Film. In this episode the women introduce themselves and share what compels them to write— as well as the paths they've taken and some of the inspiring people met along the way.