Welcome to my universe of words..."Affection is the last and final and most precious reward than any man can win, whether by character or achievement." -- Mark Twain
Teaching and helping other writers is a path God chose for me while I made other plans. See many more client successes on my Services page, but you might like this story. At the 2008 Austin Film Festival screenplay competition one client came in second, and the winner, Anita Skibski, said this about my help: I was thinking about you on the plane home last night... remembering how you were the FIRST professional I sent the script to for coverage, and how much you helped me. Your comments were right on the money, and I can honestly say that MINE hasn't changed much since that first, post-Skip rewrite. :) ... When I come to LA again, I'll take you to lunch. Pick somewhere swanky. I got this heart-warming note from Tony Ducklow after I coached him on writing a novel then told him where to find an agent: They picked up my manuscript! If it wasn't for you, there would be no Summer of the Crows, you gave me the correct input to turn my short story into a children's novel. Now, I have to find a publisher, but at least I'm part of the way there. I helped Gleb Kaminer with his fine script "Profile 21" and he became a semi-finalist in the Academy's Nicholl contest (the reader called him to thank him for writing such a great script). Then there's this from Canadian screenwriter Barry Cowan: I just wanted to send you yet another “thanks”, not only for your book but for your online group as well. After having one children’s fantasy/adventure feature produced, I have three contracted assignments for some low budget direct to video flicks – but at least they all have green lights and distribution deals already. As I said before, I just wanted to thank you not only for your comprehensive book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting which is how I got into writing screenplays in the first place, but for your time and effort that you put into the group. So… Thanks Skip!!! I began teaching at UCLA Extension Writers Program in 1992 with "How To Write What You Want & Sell What You Write" - that became my first writing book. The latest edition is published by Barnes & Noble Books. It's helped a lot of people get book deals. Three editions of my "Writer's Guide to Hollywood Producers, Directors and Screenwriters' Agents" put me in touch with aspiring writers all over the world. A better book called "The Ultimate Writer's Guide to Hollywood" debuted November 2004 from Barnes & Noble Books. My "Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting" became a best-seller also available in Russian, and in 2008 the English language third edition debuted. Giving Hollywood advice led to being asked to create my "Your Screenwriting Career" course taken by thousands of students. I have other courses also available. See the Services page. I believe everyone should be able to write well. Literate people tend to be more sane. If you need my help let me know. Good writing and good times with good people floats my boat. Need a ghostwriter or someone to edit your manuscript and help market your work? I ghost-wrote Joe Brown's "How a Shy Guy Like Me Earned Over $1 Million in Network Marketing" and it rose to #1 in its category on Amazon.com. My latest book is the autobiography of legendary singer Patti Page, covering her 80 years of life (so far) and 65-year amazing career that's still going strong. It takes a professional approach to get a book, novel, or screenplay in shape. I have to like the project and the person; but I generally like most people, so get in touch.
 By a poster of "Street Song" - an early script of mine. That's actress Sandahl Bergman in the poster with me. 2008 was the busiest year of my life, with three original television shows in play with major people, a script I helped rewrite that was the last project of an Oscar winner, and the biographies of three music legends (one published in 2009, another sold, and the other up for sale). And then there's the demands of being a father of teenagers. I finally got some rest in December, three days sleeping in, I think it was.
2009 has been, like it has for most folks, difficult. I did have three books come out, however, and there are more on the way, but it's been a juggling act trying to get everything done, take care of my kids, and get very close to setting up projects with superstars only to be disappointed (even though the door is still open). In 2009, I've had former students come out with a first book, gotten agents and managers for people, and experienced the joy of seeing others succeed. So if you are looking at making a leap of faith toward a great dream of yours, whether being published, selling a script, or anything else, please let me know. In these economic times, you can MAKE ME AN OFFER on any of the services and courses I offer. I don't get many complaints, so get in touch. My prices are explained on the Services page. When people work with me, they're getting a pro 20 years into a career. I've made money with plays, books, novels, articles, videos, scripts and just about any other kind of creative writing you can name. I've put on conventions, spoken all over the U.S. and much more. About Paypal: You can pay with any credit card or debit card. If you are not a member, however, I can send you an invoice and you just follow the links to pay. I'm also old-fashioned; I'll take a check or even an occasional barter! I've used PayPal for years to accept money from all over the world, with never a snag on my end. The site is owned by eBay. The only catch is you might not be able to pay more than $2000 at any one time without being a member with an account.
Never give up on your greatest dreams"Heaven, when it is about to place a great responsibility on a man, always first tests his resolution, wears out his sinews and bones with toil, exposes his body to starvation, subjects him to extreme poverty, frustrates his efforts so as to stimulate his mind, toughens his nature and makes good his deficiencies. Men for the most part can mend their ways only after they make mistakes. Only when they are frustrated in mind and in their deliberations can they stand up anew. Only when their intentions become visible on their countenances and audible in their voices can they be understood by others. As a rule, a state without law–abiding families and trustworthy Gentlemen on the one hand, and, on the other, without the threat of external aggression, will perish. Only then do we realize that anxiety and distress lead to life and that ease and comfort end in death." Chinese philosopher Mencius, Book VI Kao Tzu, Part II, 15 |
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