I’m a freelance writer and photographer turning 60 in January 2025. In addition to working on my Substack (http://glenncook.substack.com), I’m putting together a photo book on the 5th anniversary of the pandemic. I walked more than 4,000 miles in 2020, mostly in Alexandria, Va., but also in NYC and DC, capturing what I saw mostly with an iPhone. It’s been an interesting project, especially during a time when business has been hit and miss.
Glenn, this photo book sounds amazing. I've just followed you, and look forward to hearing more. As you're a photographer, I want to also mention I curate a photo essay series every month here at 5AM STORYTALK. It's a communal exercise. Please consider submitting an every day moment of beauty you've recently encountered. I'd love to have you involved. Here's the latest issue: https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/in-search-of-beautiful-things-and-c1f. I just posted a Note calling for submissions to be shared in the comments there, but there's an email you can use in the article, too.
Hey Cole, as it ends this weekend I can't resist sharing a link to FALLOUT, my novel set at Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp during the decades long protest against nuclear weapons. It's the first work of literary fiction to be set there, and I've serialised it as a precursor to taking it to publishers. It'll stay available until I begin the submission process in a month's time, so catch it now while it's still here. Pull on your boots, raise your banners, it's 1982.... https://open.substack.com/pub/eleanoranstruther/p/introduction?r=1iyx7n&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
My friend used to go there when she was a girl with her mum who was part of that movement. She got arrested with Vanessa Redgrave at one demo when a teenager.
Waiting to hear back from a few agents who are reading my novel about a young woman who evolves out of her cultish church. It’s partly autobiographical and set in a fictional town in Colorado.
The blurb: When Abigail Murdy, a brilliant young secretary for a fundamentalist church, is allowed to take courses at a local university, she experiences a funny and dangerous awakening that threatens her marriage, job, and view of the world. Just before graduation, Abby discovers that her pastor’s shady investments are behind the church’s financial crisis, and when she’s ultimately forced to choose between her community and her degree, it will be an unexpected alliance that carries her through the open door.
Places We Ain’t Supposed to Go is a book about church secrets, curiosity, and female friendships, both ancient and modern. Friendships that can outlast marriages. Friendships that can take down kings.
Man I gotta ponder what the pastor was investing in? And gotta wonder how he spins it? Who knew the truth before hand, what kept them quiet? As they say it’s not the crime it’s the cover up!
I'm in post-production on my short proof-of-concept film "Romance Cleanup in Aisle Five." It's about two men, mystically connected since junior high, who go on their first date with each other in their 40s, and due to their busy schedules it ends up being a grocery date. One of the men is overweight and self-conscious while the other is an action movie star in a transactional marriage. The logline for the feature as it stands now is "An overweight gay contractor wins the bid to build a multi-million-dollar mansion for a mysterious celebrity and is blindsided when he learns it's for his junior high school bully/crush." I had so much fun directing the short, I want to rewrite the feature so that I can direct it too. But right now, I just feel listless when I sit down to write. The energy just goes out of me. I hope I get it back soon. Also, I'm applying to be a professor of Playwriting at the University of Iowa. (I have a treasure trove of plays I've written.)
Richard, the short sounds lovely and I hope you get a chance to write/direct it as a feature. Don't beat yourself up about feeling listless at the moment. The country -- presuming you live in the States based on the UI application -- has not been kind to many of us this past year and past decade and so on. It takes a toll, along with the rest of life in these uncertain times. None of this takes into account the existential uncertainty all artists live with. Be kind to yourself, is my point. I've been trough it myself, sometimes for long spells. Just keep scratching away until you find some of that old magic coming back. Best of luck with the short and that application!
It's a profile piece on Shannon Shaw, the lead singer of Shannon and the Clams, a 1950's doowop meets punk band from Oakland. The singer grew up here in small town Napa and I wrote about those early life lessons and how they turned her into the musician she is today, as her band tours the world with The Black Keys, Modest Mouse, Greta Van Fleet and others. It came out really well, and inspired me to kick start a live podcast series in town as well.
I'm in the early stages of creating what I'm calling a "Children's Book for Grown-Ups Who Didn't Get to Be Children". The words are pretty much written, and I'm starting to work on the illustrations.
I'm also working on a series of paintings focused on how it feels growing up as a survivor.
My Substack doesn't have much structure to it at the moment, but I've made a start, and that's the hardest step.
I'm not sure if you have to have a structure, if YOU'RE the voice. I'm highly organized here at 5AM STORYTALK, but there's no rhyme or reason to much of what I post except me. I just do me, as my wife would say. Maybe that's what you're doing, or just searching out loud...which is also okay. I love the idea of "Children's Book for Grown-Ups Who Didn't Get to Be Children"!
This is an invitation to promote. Promotion is also a necessary part of so many of our lives these days, at least those of us who work in any way related to the arts. I think I'm going to post one of these every three months, so be sure to come back and spread the word some more!
I enjoyed the video on your about page. I've just returned to the classroom this fall after a year away. I might be finding a better balance-there is such a thing as being too invested in the personal lives of my teenage students.
I'm a journalist still hoping to promote my 2020 book on servicemembers who dissent, now that such servicemembers are about to be necessary. It's called I Ain't Marching Anymore: Dissenters, Deserters and Objectors to America's Wars (The New Press, 2020) "A highly original book, at once scholarly and intimate, exposing the clash between personal conviction and social expectation whose significance stretches far exposing beyond the battlefield.” – Eric Jaffe, author of A Curious Madness: An American Combat Psychiatrist, a Japanese War Crimes Suspect, and an Unsolved Mystery from World War II
But this second I'm also working with my indy-publisher as the first book in my trilogy JEHANNE DARC ("Book One: From Domremy to Orleans") nears publication. It's a magical-realist treatment of Joan of Arc: the story of a traumatized teenager turned child soldier.
Both of these books sound intriguing, I AIN'T MARCHING ANYMORE especially speaks to me as the son of a serviceman who despised anti-war protesters (even though they probably saved his life by helping to end the Vietnam War). Care to post a link here for my readers?
Thanks for this Cole! The easiest things for me to share are my newsletter, where I ask guest writers to share their favourite Star Wars story and favourite historical site. It started with my own series chronicling the Star Wars books and comics timeline and the ancient sites which have inspired my WIP novels and short stories, following my first traditionally published writing, the article ART WARS in Star Wars Insider #226 (which looked at the real-world inspirations behind Star Wars's ancient art). https://buttondown.com/HarveyHamer/archive to find all the great guests I've had on (and I also share monthly updates on my writing/life journey as a 22-year-old writer of prose, screenplays and comics trying to find my way). I've also started writing for a site called Vlogger Beat, covering the YouTubers I admire, mostly jacksepticeye's multi-media multiverse, the ALTRVERSE. I recently had my first interview there, with Alejandro Arbona, writer of the Void Silver comic series in jacks's universe, as well as many other great comics. Those articles can be read here: https://vloggerbeat.com/author/hhamer
I should plug my latest self-pub book (number 30!), an Anniversary Edition of a sci-fi/fantasy short story collection (with a bonus essay and other content) which you can read about here: https://buttondown.com/HarveyHamer/archive/ten-years/ I'm also lead writer on an indie game coming to Steam next year, related to my self-pub universe (as they're both based on the same YouTuber's worlds). Otherwise, I've had my first full manuscript request this year, and have started volunteering at an English Heritage Roman villa - North Leigh near Blenheim in Oxfordshire!
Wow, Harvey - you've been busy. I believe you messaged me about the Star Wars project, too...and I failed to respond. I've been a bit overwhelmed. I've just been overwhelmed for a long time now, in fact. I'll try to get back to you soon. But congrats on all this wonderful output (secretly, I'm most jealous about the Gladiator II fun)!
Thanks so much, Cole! And it's totally understandable with all your output here and in realms unseen. And yes, that day was a lot of fun. And what better research for my historical fiction novel than actual marching practice with 300 soldiers plus cavalry all in costume?
Thank you for this, Cole. Love your posts here. I am writing a screenplay of a book I helped a survivor write called FOUND: The Michelle Corrao story. But while I work on that I am hosting this 2-day Storytelling Retreat that offers people who want to write their story support, tools, and a process to help them get their stories out of their heads and into the world:
I just went through a play development experience earlier this December with a Las Vegas theater company called A Public fit. And I published an essay in an anthology in October. I wrote about both of these experiences (and included a link to the reading of my essay below). Both were great experiences that required time that I tend not to have because I work full-time for PBS. But I am now super excited about the play because it went through several revisions via notes and feedback from the cast / artistic directors of the theater company and I was able to turn around pages very quickly. Great experience. It received a public reading mid-December. I hope to eventually see it staged properly. The play takes on the polarized society we in the US are living in, through the lens of two family members at odds with each other, and situates it around many of the current issues Las Vegas is facing. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the casinos or the Las Vegas strip.
This sounds fantastic, Autumn. I love this detail at the end: "And it has absolutely nothing to do with the casinos or the Las Vegas strip." I don't know nearly enough about Vegas's issues beyond water access, so I'm intrigued.
OK, stepping up to the Mic, I'm Steve Jacob and I write a Substack, "Radio Free Hollywood" https://agentontheloose.substack.com. I write about the issues and lives of the Filmmaking Artist, the "Boots on the Ground" as it were. Everyone from Actors to Camerapersons, Grips, Gaffers, Animal Handlers and Caterers. The hoards of Filmmakers that make a project happen. I also host a Podcast around the same subjects with Actor and Horror Legend John Kassir (The Cryptkeeper) named "The Line" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-line/id1735651310?i=1000677661933 We try to keep it fun, light and entertaining.
Thank you for this community! I produce two substacks: Read to Write Kidlit is a podcast where we interview children’s literature authors about their choices crafting one of their novels. My personal substack focuses on environmental literature and journaling 🍁
I'm glad to have you here, Brittany, and I hope to see you around. You should link to your Substacks here for those who don't want to bother clicking through your name and hunting them down. I want your work out there!
On my Substack Personality Disorder (https://brianhoward.substack.com), I tackle up-to-date hard-hitting issues such as: what is most disturbing horror movie ever made? (hint, it's Dirty Dancing), did the Rocky movies really happen? (nope, they were a psycho-drama in Rocky's mind), and what is the most vicious act perpetrated in the Jurassic Park movies (hint, it wasn't done by a dinosaur)?
good, finally someone tackling the big issues – now if you could just explain why a winged elephant flies out of the egg at the end of *Horton Hatches the Egg*, i'll be able to rest easy
excellent – i have a suspicion that the processes involved are similar to how Donkey (from *Shrek*) procreated with his dragon girlfriend – but I'm happy to be proven wrong
I am a screenwriting fire life safety director based in New York.
Job is very “New York”.
It’s the only place in the country that has the position. It’s a role that assist all emergency personnel in fire and non fire situations in New York’s massive commercial building market.
Just midtown alone has more buildings than all of Chicago. So in 1973 after a couple of disastrous fires in a couple of towers the fdny created the job. If you see a lone security guard in an office building in New York that’s an “FLSD”. In bigger buildings you wouldn’t be able to distinguish us. We look like other security guards.
But we outrank guards. Get paid more and have way more responsibilities. Job starts at twice the minimum wage with no experience. I have been at this 8 years and it has enhanced my screenwriting.
I got into security after trying the freelance filmmaker route.
I saw how FLSD’s make a killing. Always at work. Lots of OT and holiday pay. My theory is I can’t write when broke.
I tried. I wrote nothing while going through 2 evictions in 3 years. Then the long road back took another 4 1/2. That all changed with this job.
And the first thing I wrote, Lords of Brooklyn a tv show about modern New York residential real estate came to be because I’m not getting killed by rent in NYC.
I’m making the most money I ever have and as a result I’m writing better than ever. Now during the down time I read more than I could write. When I got the job (2017) I decided to finish something new.
That became LOB. So around 2019 I picked it back up. But then six months later the pandemic hit. And that’s where my job came in.
I missed no work. Made a shit ton of money during the pandemic, I’m consider a first responder. All of a sudden I’m in an empty building 40 hours a week. Nothing to do but write. I get on an empty train read what a just wrote. Go home watch two episodes of the Americans and then get back to writing.
When I got done I completely rewrote Lords of Brooklyn.
I sent it on my boy who worked with John Singleton in Baby Boy and he was floored. And as we speak I know Tubi had the script. I did another rewrite with a long time film and tv vet Malik Yoba who unbeknownst to me had been working in residential real estate the last 15 years.
Can’t make it up! As we stand now I have 3 pilots. Working on my coming of age feature. With another feature after that.
Here’s Lords of Brooklyn logline; The grizzly death of an undocumented worker threatens to expose the seedy methods a powerful New York landlord uses to intimidate unwanted tenants.
"And the first thing I wrote, Lords of Brooklyn a tv show about modern New York residential real estate came to be because I’m not getting killed by rent in NYC." *This part*. It's nearly impossible for most people to create through the haze financial anxiety creates, not when they leave their twenties behind. It's a fun fantasy, the starving artist -- lots of visions of American authors traipsing around Paris in 1915 -- but it's not conducive to a healthy adult life. Good luck with the work, James. LORDS OF BROOKLYN sounds great!
I’m a freelance writer and photographer turning 60 in January 2025. In addition to working on my Substack (http://glenncook.substack.com), I’m putting together a photo book on the 5th anniversary of the pandemic. I walked more than 4,000 miles in 2020, mostly in Alexandria, Va., but also in NYC and DC, capturing what I saw mostly with an iPhone. It’s been an interesting project, especially during a time when business has been hit and miss.
Glenn, this photo book sounds amazing. I've just followed you, and look forward to hearing more. As you're a photographer, I want to also mention I curate a photo essay series every month here at 5AM STORYTALK. It's a communal exercise. Please consider submitting an every day moment of beauty you've recently encountered. I'd love to have you involved. Here's the latest issue: https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/in-search-of-beautiful-things-and-c1f. I just posted a Note calling for submissions to be shared in the comments there, but there's an email you can use in the article, too.
You did the walk during the pandemic? That sounds fascinating!
The photo book sounds amazing; I'll be really interested to see that.
Hey Cole, as it ends this weekend I can't resist sharing a link to FALLOUT, my novel set at Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp during the decades long protest against nuclear weapons. It's the first work of literary fiction to be set there, and I've serialised it as a precursor to taking it to publishers. It'll stay available until I begin the submission process in a month's time, so catch it now while it's still here. Pull on your boots, raise your banners, it's 1982.... https://open.substack.com/pub/eleanoranstruther/p/introduction?r=1iyx7n&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
As mentioned elsewhere, Eleanor, I look forward to hearing what comes next for FALLOUT - best of luck with it, my friend!
Thanks Cole! I'll keep you in the loop. And I'd love it to be adapted for film if you know anyone interested in writing the script....
My friend used to go there when she was a girl with her mum who was part of that movement. She got arrested with Vanessa Redgrave at one demo when a teenager.
They are heroes, all of them. I did a ton of research - I thought I knew about Greenham until I looked into it. Such an incredible movement.
this is a great idea – the issues and the fight back then have a lot to say about our current circumstances – i can see it as movie, or even a series
I would love it to be transferred to screen.
Waiting to hear back from a few agents who are reading my novel about a young woman who evolves out of her cultish church. It’s partly autobiographical and set in a fictional town in Colorado.
The blurb: When Abigail Murdy, a brilliant young secretary for a fundamentalist church, is allowed to take courses at a local university, she experiences a funny and dangerous awakening that threatens her marriage, job, and view of the world. Just before graduation, Abby discovers that her pastor’s shady investments are behind the church’s financial crisis, and when she’s ultimately forced to choose between her community and her degree, it will be an unexpected alliance that carries her through the open door.
Places We Ain’t Supposed to Go is a book about church secrets, curiosity, and female friendships, both ancient and modern. Friendships that can outlast marriages. Friendships that can take down kings.
You can read the first chapter here: https://dmclemens.com/D-M-Clemens-Novel
This sounds like it's going to be a thrilling read, Daniela. I hope the agents love it!
this sounds like fun, and a timely and worthwhile story to tell
Man I gotta ponder what the pastor was investing in? And gotta wonder how he spins it? Who knew the truth before hand, what kept them quiet? As they say it’s not the crime it’s the cover up!
I'm in post-production on my short proof-of-concept film "Romance Cleanup in Aisle Five." It's about two men, mystically connected since junior high, who go on their first date with each other in their 40s, and due to their busy schedules it ends up being a grocery date. One of the men is overweight and self-conscious while the other is an action movie star in a transactional marriage. The logline for the feature as it stands now is "An overweight gay contractor wins the bid to build a multi-million-dollar mansion for a mysterious celebrity and is blindsided when he learns it's for his junior high school bully/crush." I had so much fun directing the short, I want to rewrite the feature so that I can direct it too. But right now, I just feel listless when I sit down to write. The energy just goes out of me. I hope I get it back soon. Also, I'm applying to be a professor of Playwriting at the University of Iowa. (I have a treasure trove of plays I've written.)
Richard, the short sounds lovely and I hope you get a chance to write/direct it as a feature. Don't beat yourself up about feeling listless at the moment. The country -- presuming you live in the States based on the UI application -- has not been kind to many of us this past year and past decade and so on. It takes a toll, along with the rest of life in these uncertain times. None of this takes into account the existential uncertainty all artists live with. Be kind to yourself, is my point. I've been trough it myself, sometimes for long spells. Just keep scratching away until you find some of that old magic coming back. Best of luck with the short and that application!
best of luck with it, sounds like a winner
I just had my first newspaper article published in two years!
https://archive.ph/wip/s8WCz
It's a profile piece on Shannon Shaw, the lead singer of Shannon and the Clams, a 1950's doowop meets punk band from Oakland. The singer grew up here in small town Napa and I wrote about those early life lessons and how they turned her into the musician she is today, as her band tours the world with The Black Keys, Modest Mouse, Greta Van Fleet and others. It came out really well, and inspired me to kick start a live podcast series in town as well.
Congrats, Damian! I've tried opening the article, but all I'm getting is the spinning wheel of doom. If there's a different link to share, please do.
Here! Try this link
https://archive.ph/s8WCz
I'm in the early stages of creating what I'm calling a "Children's Book for Grown-Ups Who Didn't Get to Be Children". The words are pretty much written, and I'm starting to work on the illustrations.
I'm also working on a series of paintings focused on how it feels growing up as a survivor.
My Substack doesn't have much structure to it at the moment, but I've made a start, and that's the hardest step.
https://substack.com/@debslyon
I'm not sure if you have to have a structure, if YOU'RE the voice. I'm highly organized here at 5AM STORYTALK, but there's no rhyme or reason to much of what I post except me. I just do me, as my wife would say. Maybe that's what you're doing, or just searching out loud...which is also okay. I love the idea of "Children's Book for Grown-Ups Who Didn't Get to Be Children"!
Thanks, Cole. I really appreciate your perspective. And I love the idea that I'm "searching out loud".
I've been touched by the number of people here at substack writing about survivorship. I hope your book gets traction!
Thank you, Ren; I appreciate that so much.
Not much promoting, but trying to connect with other educators and those with a vested interest in public education and classroom teaching.
https://open.substack.com/pub/adrianneibauer
This is an invitation to promote. Promotion is also a necessary part of so many of our lives these days, at least those of us who work in any way related to the arts. I think I'm going to post one of these every three months, so be sure to come back and spread the word some more!
Thank you!
I enjoyed the video on your about page. I've just returned to the classroom this fall after a year away. I might be finding a better balance-there is such a thing as being too invested in the personal lives of my teenage students.
I'm a journalist still hoping to promote my 2020 book on servicemembers who dissent, now that such servicemembers are about to be necessary. It's called I Ain't Marching Anymore: Dissenters, Deserters and Objectors to America's Wars (The New Press, 2020) "A highly original book, at once scholarly and intimate, exposing the clash between personal conviction and social expectation whose significance stretches far exposing beyond the battlefield.” – Eric Jaffe, author of A Curious Madness: An American Combat Psychiatrist, a Japanese War Crimes Suspect, and an Unsolved Mystery from World War II
But this second I'm also working with my indy-publisher as the first book in my trilogy JEHANNE DARC ("Book One: From Domremy to Orleans") nears publication. It's a magical-realist treatment of Joan of Arc: the story of a traumatized teenager turned child soldier.
Both of these books sound intriguing, I AIN'T MARCHING ANYMORE especially speaks to me as the son of a serviceman who despised anti-war protesters (even though they probably saved his life by helping to end the Vietnam War). Care to post a link here for my readers?
Thanks for asking! https://thenewpress.com/books/i-aint-marching-anymore
I also grew up in a conservative family (described in my post about Columbus Day.) Happy New Year!
Aaaaaaaaand now I'm remembering we've had this exchange before...haven't we? My brain has turned into pudding.
JEHANNE DARC sounds so interesting. Well done.
I write fiction and essays on "Made From What's Not Real" https://davidperlmutter.substack.com/ and animation criticism on "FOCUS!" https://focus966.substack.com/ I also write fiction and non-fiction books, which can be found here: https://books2read.com/links/ubl/create/
Good stuff, David!
Thanks for this Cole! The easiest things for me to share are my newsletter, where I ask guest writers to share their favourite Star Wars story and favourite historical site. It started with my own series chronicling the Star Wars books and comics timeline and the ancient sites which have inspired my WIP novels and short stories, following my first traditionally published writing, the article ART WARS in Star Wars Insider #226 (which looked at the real-world inspirations behind Star Wars's ancient art). https://buttondown.com/HarveyHamer/archive to find all the great guests I've had on (and I also share monthly updates on my writing/life journey as a 22-year-old writer of prose, screenplays and comics trying to find my way). I've also started writing for a site called Vlogger Beat, covering the YouTubers I admire, mostly jacksepticeye's multi-media multiverse, the ALTRVERSE. I recently had my first interview there, with Alejandro Arbona, writer of the Void Silver comic series in jacks's universe, as well as many other great comics. Those articles can be read here: https://vloggerbeat.com/author/hhamer
I should plug my latest self-pub book (number 30!), an Anniversary Edition of a sci-fi/fantasy short story collection (with a bonus essay and other content) which you can read about here: https://buttondown.com/HarveyHamer/archive/ten-years/ I'm also lead writer on an indie game coming to Steam next year, related to my self-pub universe (as they're both based on the same YouTuber's worlds). Otherwise, I've had my first full manuscript request this year, and have started volunteering at an English Heritage Roman villa - North Leigh near Blenheim in Oxfordshire!
Sorry for the length on this one folks - oh, I was also an extra on Gladiator II! https://extra-people.com/blog-feed/favourite-stories-part-two ...It's been a year!
Wow, Harvey - you've been busy. I believe you messaged me about the Star Wars project, too...and I failed to respond. I've been a bit overwhelmed. I've just been overwhelmed for a long time now, in fact. I'll try to get back to you soon. But congrats on all this wonderful output (secretly, I'm most jealous about the Gladiator II fun)!
Thanks so much, Cole! And it's totally understandable with all your output here and in realms unseen. And yes, that day was a lot of fun. And what better research for my historical fiction novel than actual marching practice with 300 soldiers plus cavalry all in costume?
Thank you for this, Cole. Love your posts here. I am writing a screenplay of a book I helped a survivor write called FOUND: The Michelle Corrao story. But while I work on that I am hosting this 2-day Storytelling Retreat that offers people who want to write their story support, tools, and a process to help them get their stories out of their heads and into the world:
https://www.emilysutherland.me/events/storytellingretreat
This retreat sounds wonderful, Emily. I hope it goes well!
Thank you for this.
🩷
I just went through a play development experience earlier this December with a Las Vegas theater company called A Public fit. And I published an essay in an anthology in October. I wrote about both of these experiences (and included a link to the reading of my essay below). Both were great experiences that required time that I tend not to have because I work full-time for PBS. But I am now super excited about the play because it went through several revisions via notes and feedback from the cast / artistic directors of the theater company and I was able to turn around pages very quickly. Great experience. It received a public reading mid-December. I hope to eventually see it staged properly. The play takes on the polarized society we in the US are living in, through the lens of two family members at odds with each other, and situates it around many of the current issues Las Vegas is facing. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the casinos or the Las Vegas strip.
https://autumnwiddoes.substack.com/p/merry-christmas-and-goodbye
This sounds fantastic, Autumn. I love this detail at the end: "And it has absolutely nothing to do with the casinos or the Las Vegas strip." I don't know nearly enough about Vegas's issues beyond water access, so I'm intrigued.
OK, stepping up to the Mic, I'm Steve Jacob and I write a Substack, "Radio Free Hollywood" https://agentontheloose.substack.com. I write about the issues and lives of the Filmmaking Artist, the "Boots on the Ground" as it were. Everyone from Actors to Camerapersons, Grips, Gaffers, Animal Handlers and Caterers. The hoards of Filmmakers that make a project happen. I also host a Podcast around the same subjects with Actor and Horror Legend John Kassir (The Cryptkeeper) named "The Line" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-line/id1735651310?i=1000677661933 We try to keep it fun, light and entertaining.
Sounds intriguing, Steve. I'm pleased to see someone on here paying attention to everyone behind the camera - well done.
Thank you for this community! I produce two substacks: Read to Write Kidlit is a podcast where we interview children’s literature authors about their choices crafting one of their novels. My personal substack focuses on environmental literature and journaling 🍁
I'm glad to have you here, Brittany, and I hope to see you around. You should link to your Substacks here for those who don't want to bother clicking through your name and hunting them down. I want your work out there!
On my Substack Personality Disorder (https://brianhoward.substack.com), I tackle up-to-date hard-hitting issues such as: what is most disturbing horror movie ever made? (hint, it's Dirty Dancing), did the Rocky movies really happen? (nope, they were a psycho-drama in Rocky's mind), and what is the most vicious act perpetrated in the Jurassic Park movies (hint, it wasn't done by a dinosaur)?
https://brianhoward.substack.com/p/the-most-disturbing-horror-movie
https://brianhoward.substack.com/p/rocky-reimagined
https://brianhoward.substack.com/p/sometimes-its-not-okay-to-pretend-adb
https://brianhoward.substack.com/p/superman-did-what
I like your approach here, Brian. I just checked out the Superman piece - hilarious (and accurate) stuff!
Ha!! Thank you, my brother! He demolishes a regular guy in a diner solely for revenge!
good, finally someone tackling the big issues – now if you could just explain why a winged elephant flies out of the egg at the end of *Horton Hatches the Egg*, i'll be able to rest easy
On it!
excellent – i have a suspicion that the processes involved are similar to how Donkey (from *Shrek*) procreated with his dragon girlfriend – but I'm happy to be proven wrong
I am a screenwriting fire life safety director based in New York.
Job is very “New York”.
It’s the only place in the country that has the position. It’s a role that assist all emergency personnel in fire and non fire situations in New York’s massive commercial building market.
Just midtown alone has more buildings than all of Chicago. So in 1973 after a couple of disastrous fires in a couple of towers the fdny created the job. If you see a lone security guard in an office building in New York that’s an “FLSD”. In bigger buildings you wouldn’t be able to distinguish us. We look like other security guards.
But we outrank guards. Get paid more and have way more responsibilities. Job starts at twice the minimum wage with no experience. I have been at this 8 years and it has enhanced my screenwriting.
I got into security after trying the freelance filmmaker route.
I saw how FLSD’s make a killing. Always at work. Lots of OT and holiday pay. My theory is I can’t write when broke.
I tried. I wrote nothing while going through 2 evictions in 3 years. Then the long road back took another 4 1/2. That all changed with this job.
And the first thing I wrote, Lords of Brooklyn a tv show about modern New York residential real estate came to be because I’m not getting killed by rent in NYC.
I’m making the most money I ever have and as a result I’m writing better than ever. Now during the down time I read more than I could write. When I got the job (2017) I decided to finish something new.
That became LOB. So around 2019 I picked it back up. But then six months later the pandemic hit. And that’s where my job came in.
I missed no work. Made a shit ton of money during the pandemic, I’m consider a first responder. All of a sudden I’m in an empty building 40 hours a week. Nothing to do but write. I get on an empty train read what a just wrote. Go home watch two episodes of the Americans and then get back to writing.
When I got done I completely rewrote Lords of Brooklyn.
I sent it on my boy who worked with John Singleton in Baby Boy and he was floored. And as we speak I know Tubi had the script. I did another rewrite with a long time film and tv vet Malik Yoba who unbeknownst to me had been working in residential real estate the last 15 years.
Can’t make it up! As we stand now I have 3 pilots. Working on my coming of age feature. With another feature after that.
Here’s Lords of Brooklyn logline; The grizzly death of an undocumented worker threatens to expose the seedy methods a powerful New York landlord uses to intimidate unwanted tenants.
"And the first thing I wrote, Lords of Brooklyn a tv show about modern New York residential real estate came to be because I’m not getting killed by rent in NYC." *This part*. It's nearly impossible for most people to create through the haze financial anxiety creates, not when they leave their twenties behind. It's a fun fantasy, the starving artist -- lots of visions of American authors traipsing around Paris in 1915 -- but it's not conducive to a healthy adult life. Good luck with the work, James. LORDS OF BROOKLYN sounds great!