I always figured I’d be some kind of writer.  I remember (way, way back) in elementary school writing stories — I think I was trying to write a biography once, as if so much had happened in my 8 short years…maybe it was meant to be some sort of diary — I still have some of them.  In fifth grade we had this great project to create a hardcover book, artwork and all.  I wrote a story about running away after my bike was stolen.  Oh, yeah.  Not a true story by the way.  I kept writing, but always struggled.  I rarely finished anything.  It wasn’t until many years later that I found my calling.  I had taken some time off from college, not finding a degree that I wanted to spend money on and then brag about later.  That is, until I found screenwriting.  I graduated with a film degree and loved pretty much every moment of it.  That is a satisfying feeling.

So for those of you interested in becoming a screenwriter, I just discovered an opportunity for you.  Sponsored by Stage 32, The Write Start Contest will give you a chance to study screenwriting for an intensive 8 weeks at the New York Film Academy.  You don’t need to have written a screenplay, just an idea (remember I just said something about how everyone has an idea?!).  Anyway…screenplays take a different approach then novels do.  You leave so much description, dialogue, and “fluff” by the wayside.  It may not be for everyone, but I find it liberating.  One can get so bogged down in the details, and with screenplays, those details are left to the hands of all those creative departments.

So if you’re thinking about trying your hand at screenwriting, this may be a quick, intensive lesson in whether or not it’s right for you.

Good Luck!!