Mid-Year Review

This has been, without a doubt, the most exciting year I have experienced as a writer.

It began with the news that my drama, “Ravine” finished third in the StoryPros Screenplay Awards. Six months later, my romantic comedy “Outclassed,” would finish second in the same contest.

In March, we began rehearsals for my stage play “Invincible Summer” in preparation for a production the first week of May at the Hole in the Wall Theatre in New Britain, Connecticut. I only missed one rehearsal, when I flew to New Orleans to attend the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival–because I had won the one act play contest. A staged reading of the play was performed at the festival, and it will be published later this year by Bayou Magazine, the literary journal of the University of New Orleans.

I also received word from the Depot for New Play Readings will be doing a Zoom staged reading of my play, “Save the Man” for their autumn/winter schedule.

In April, rehearsals for “Invincible Summer” continued, and in May was the performance. I haven’t yet written about it, but that will be the topic of my next blog post. It was a wonderful experience, and I am so proud of the cast and crew that brought my work to life.

Also in April, a Zoom table read of my screenplay was held thanks to the good people at Actors’ Think Tank.

In June, I learned that my screenplay “Season of Mists” was in consideration by three different production companies.

In July, I learned that my screenplay, “Leviathan” was named a finalist in the Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival. Six minutes later, I received word that my stage play, “Save the Man” is a finalist in the Mystic Film Festival. I will be attending both festivals, which are the final two weekends in September.

I also learned that two of my stage plays were accepted for the Off Page Film Festival, also in Philadelphia. Since they festival only selects one play per playwright, I was asked which one I would prefer to see move forward and be performed at the festival. I have selected my play, “All Sales Final,” because it is new (I wrote it in January) and I am anxious to see and hear it on stage. The festival is in November, and I will be attending.

And guess what? It’s not even August yet. I can’t help but wonder what the rest of the year will bring…