How are all my people on here doing??? Hope you guys are well! I had a emotional day today as I have been working on my third book/screenplay. Since it’s about the war I was in, in Bosnia 1992, and a refugee kid, and a new immigrant to this amazing country USA, writing these events brought me to tears, but good tears. Guys I’m sharing this because as I was writing the events where I slept at a refugee camp, ate donated food, only had a mattress to sleep on, wore clothes out of a dumpster and much more, I remember feeling and thinking back then if I was ever going to make it out of there. That was all I knew and all I saw, bullets, bombs, and being broke. This is life, right? But now as I sit here and n my comfortable sofa I looked back and smile. A painful childhood is an adults motivation. Once my parents brought me to America and said “this is the best we can do, ur life is in ur hands now” at age 13 I began to work and never stopped... when something scared you, you will work twice as hard to never go back. Anything is possible and high goals are hard to achieve, but what else are you going to do in life? That’s right! Not give up!
Screenwriting : New script by Dragana Stjepic
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Incredible story, Dragana. I'm so glad to see people like yourself sharing your life experiences and lessons learned along the way. The world needs it.
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CJ Walley thank you so much! Yes there is better, but there is always a lot worse too. Life...
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Congrats on surviving the bad times and enjoying what you've earned through hard work and perseverance.
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keep going for the dream. You'll make it.
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I am so sorry you had to go through all that. I am glad it is now behind you and wish you much success.
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Hello Dragana, most people on this planet will never know or understand what you went through as a child. Writing about your experience is not only therapeutic, it is powerful material that makes you write with all the emotions and strength that got you though it. Stay strong and write on.
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I'm glad you're here and writing about it! I'd love to give it a read as I'm interested in the subject. Keep us posted!
Thank you all for your love! You guys warm my heart. I will definitely keep you posted once the script is done.
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Zdravo Dragana Stjepic :)...went through similar unfortunate experiences back in the 90's...If u need some assistance on the script feel free to reach out. I would love to give it a read once it's done, nevertheless.
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Dragana, as bad as my childhood was (growing up in an alcoholic household...a household of constant verbal abuse with some of the physical kind thrown in, and all of that before going out to face this country's racism, classism, etc.), what I went through pales compared to what you dealt with as a child.
My first paid job came to me in the summer of 1969, when I was 13-going-on-14. I cleaned cars alongside my dad, who ran an auto-reconditioning service in Des Moines, IA (the city I was born in and spent most of my childhood in).
Dad and Mom didn't live together (he later remarried)...in fact, Mom was the alcoholic.
But that still pales alongside a childhood of bullets, bombs, AND lack of money...let alone wearing clothes that came out of a dumpster.
Enough of me...this is about you, Dragana. Thanks so much for joining Stage 32.
Wishing you all the VERY BEST...and looking forward to reading your screenplays!
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Good thoughts for crazy times.
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Truly emotional story. Adapting it to a bio pic or documentary is an excellent idea.
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Kiril Maksimoski thank you so much!!! Sure will keep that in mind
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Jim Boston thank you so much for sharing that! Yea my parents household was not all that peaceful either so I understand but that’s ok because when u had to work hard as a kid u will continue to work hard... u keep growing and going ... u r doing great!!
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Wow, Dragana. That's such an intense story about your childhood. Your comment, "that's life" is very poignant, because for most Americans that is certainly not anything they can even conceptualize. For you, and millions of other children growing up in war-torn countries, that is life though. Never. Stop. Writing. Much love!
Sarah Gabrielle Baron thank you so much! Much love!
Doing alright. Wasn’t able to redraft my screenplay for the Animation Contest but I’ll address that at a later date. Working on better advertising for my books. The story sounds very dramatic- I write horror but have also worked on some drama.
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William Schumpert that’s awesome! I’m sorry you missed the contest. I hope more opportunities come up in the near future. I know it’s hard work.
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I have a pitch meeting next week and two books to publish on Friday. Plus an upcoming promo. When writing horror there’s no rest for the wicked...
William Schumpert that’s amazing!
Vincent Paterno nice to meet you and thank you! I am very open. From drama to fantasy to romance and mystery. I believe I will also try a children’s book, more for teens though.
Aray Brown thank you so much for the love! I really appreciate the kind words. Your feedback and the love and support from the rest of you on here gives me more energy and vision to recognize that I have not done so bad. I have felt beat in many ways, but I love life and refuse to have bad guys take that away from me. Much love ❤️
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Tim Bragg thank you very much. Even when I try to forget it, I can’t. It won’t let me go and I can’t let it go either. And I do agree, right now in my life it has made a huge positive impact on me. I hated being in that position in my past. My childhood was ripped away, but now I understand life a lot more and I am very appreciative of it. ❤️
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You have a great fighting spirit. You're a survivor and you live to tell the tale. I only wish nothing but the best for you and your career. :)
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Thanks for sharing. I wish you the best of luck in your writing journey.
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Xaviera Iglesias thank you so much love! I wish you the best as well and much success.
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Maló Polite Xavier thank you very much! I wish you the same, much luck on your journey.
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Dragana, what a triumphant story! God has truly blessed to be in your right mind and have the capacity to do make art. What a blessing you are to the Stage 32 Community. I pray for great success in your upcoming :)
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Luemisher James thank you so much! It’s a pleasure meeting you!