Hi everyone my name is Kyle O’Connor. I’m a novelist and screenwriter, over 13 years into the journey (novels only first then both the last 4 years or so).
I started out writing young adult fantasy and science fiction because that was definitely my main reading genre since I was little.
My first completed novel I of course though needed only a once over before publishers would be fighting over the chance to put it out into the world. Lol. Got a couple requests but was a learning experience. Book two was also young adult fantasy, better by a lot and garnered good interest and requests but no representation. At a conference in nyc I had 4 household name editors request, and so thought I was definitely on my way. 24 and naive. Book 3 was adult military sci fi and marked me crossing over into very very close to publication. Serious interest. I had an agent for it and also actually worked w a big 5 publisher on the first 50 pages but never got a contract/sale. Before we could continue working he left the publisher for a new job. I also had a great producer interested in it for film. The Big Five all eventually passed, so I stepped back and reassessed. I put it out myself and am proud of the result. More good learning and development.
I fell in love with screenwriting. And it’s absolutely helped me as a novelist. I’ve completed a tv comedy pilot, a feature comedy, and a feature drama most recently. All have received requests but no options or sales.
I had to learn to fall back in love with the process of developing a project, the writing itself. Getting too caught up in the business side of this industry took me away from what made me first decide to try writing a story.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone cross over that goal line, and I’m very glad I stumbled across stage 32. Hoping to connect with people in the industry and of course fellow writers.
Hope everyone is doing well and their current wip is flowing!
Best,
Kyle
Hey Kyle! Novelist and screenwriter here as well! I wrote novels first and then made the shift when I adapted a novel into my feature THE PERFECT FILTER. Cool to hear your story!
Nice man! That’s awesome I thought about that too. Very cool you actually did it! And thanks!
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Hi Kyle, great to hear your background. I am also an author of 25 books turned screenwriter. I think you hit the nail on the head--it is easy to get so caught up in the business side of it that it takes energy away from writing. One of the instructors on a state 32 webinar recently said, "If we love writing and are passionate about it, and develop our craft, our work will be found." So remembering to balance the art of writing and improving in it, with some work in the business side is a great balance that I am cultivating. I too am working on both true story dramas, and fantasy films for kids, teens, YA, and adults who still are kids at heart!
Wow 25 that’s so amazing! And thank you! Yes that balance is so important.
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THIS is how you do an Introduce Yourself post. Appreciate you sharing, Kyle. Fantastic to have you, your talents and your experience here on 32. Look forward to seeing you around more often.
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Thanks Richard! Back at you!
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Welcome and thank you for sharing your testimony!
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Thanks Tasha and Aray and E! Appreciate it.
And E, I considered this with my third novel but I think at that time I was ready to move onto something new and started another novel. I had worked for so long on and intensely on that one I could hardly stand to read it anymore haha. Legitimately. You’ve got me thinking about my first and second novels though as potential scripts. Maybe at some point!