Free Fiction Reading Below
Dear Reader,
Is it just me, or is there a lot of big change happening in everyone’s lives lately? I keep hearing about how an artist is releasing an album (or film, or book) that they developed during the pandemic. People launched their retirements, started businesses, sold houses and moved, got married, are having babies, or are going on major trips they’ve been planning for two years.
We didn’t stop living our lives when the world stopped, in fact, the giant “pause” button seemed to be helpful to some. It forced us to slow down and re-evaluate where we’re at, let go of the FOMO (fear of missing out), and be honest about where we want to be. We then had to sit in that discomfort until we did something about it.
As mentioned in my last letter, the lockdown provided me with a lot of time to write and dive into studying the craft. When I was well into the thesis for my Master’s, I began to grow depressed because I could see the end: I knew I would finish, so there was no more challenge, or “unknown.” I began to wonder what was next for me and take stock of what the last few years of my degree taught me.
I had the opportunity to take a TV Writing course, and it was as though all the different facets of me finally came into alignment and made sense. It might have been obvious to those who know me, but I finally began to understand exactly how I could put together my love for stories and fascination with art. The more I learn about the entertainment industry, the more excited I become. Even the stressful, challenging, and yucky bits only pique my interest further.
My obsession with movies and television all this time, it turns out, was not an unhealthy method for escaping my problems (or at least not just that) but rather its own form of research.
I remember being in high school sitting in a theater, watching the latest “Lord of the Rings” in awe. I was filled with a yearning to be a part of that, whatever had just happened on the screen. I had no idea how, and frankly felt too small a person to even consider attempting to join the ranks of Hollywood in some format. Over ten years later, I see now that was an early resonance with my true passions and career aspirations.
Given my most recent trip to California, you’ve probably guessed where I’m headed with this. I’m currently in the process of sorting through all my worldly possession and picking which of them to stuff into my car for a cross-country road trip. In a week and a half, we drive out from Connecticut to California so I can launch a career as a writer-director in Hollywood. Thanks to some excellent friends, I’m pleased to report that I will hit the ground running working for a production company.
Don’t worry, you will get a book out of me eventually, and it will be an epic fantasy if I have anything to say about it. I will also continue writing fictional prose for this newsletter. Hopefully, before too long I will also be able to report to you all finished scripts and fully produced entertainment. I’m thrilled to have you with me as this career in stories and art takes off.
Follow me on Instagram to see how our cross-country adventure goes.
My Best,