Hi everyone! I'm new here. I was an HS English teacher for over 20 years. Currently, I own a business where I contract out self-created online, self-paced courses for teachers at local universities. I've written ten books in a cozy mystery series and currently, I'm working on a psychological thriller (script--why I'm here!) based on true events that hit national U.S. news five years ago.
In the last three years, I've written for educational blogs, publications, and affiliations as well as the 10-book cozy mystery series. Also, I've written articles on marketing for indie authors (I have a minor in marketing and spent a few years in the marketing industry before jumping into education). Currently, I'm involved in an international YA series project with other writers and educators from around the world with a publishing company in CA.
I have no human children but have eight cats (my fur babies) and an AMAZING second hubby (my first ex-husband was the one who made national U.S. news that the psych thriller script is focused on).
That's me in a nutshell. I'd LOVE for some people to network with me and connect with me here--I only have two so far :-( Honestly, I'm such a newbie and so green here that I don't really know of any questions to ask yet. I did purchase Final Draft 11 and I'm currently training myself on that software so I can take the novel I wrote and get it into a first draft script. Also, I'm working on creating a five to ten-page pitch for the thriller too.
I'm also in the Writer's Room, too!
I look forward to getting to know all of you and learning from your experiences! Have a great day!Jodi Rath
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Hey, Jodi Rath! My name is Kay, I'm the Community Manager here at Stage 32. If you'd like to learn more about myself and the Stage32 Team, we have an intro blog: https://www.stage32.com/blog/Meet-the-Stage-32-Team Nice to meet you and welcome to the community!
Wow, congrats on your education and writing career, that's awesome! I think you could add "Author" to your occupation list, just so members know you do both.
It sounds like you may need some feedback on your psychological thriller script? It's pretty standard to get feedback before revisions. I would suggest starting with Coverage by an Industry Reader (https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/coverage/buy?id=23&affid=mjm) as it's anonymous feedback that gives you actionable notes. When you're ready to have an executive read your script, definitely reach out to our Director of Script Services, Jason Mirch, who is excellent at matching projects with potential executives (or possibly managers, in your case?): J.Mirch@stage32.com
I’m sure you’ve already discovered the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting), but definitely reach out on the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting) for insight into characters, dialogue, and even when you want to generate interest in a virtual table read!
Keep in mind that these lounges are like the VIP Filmmaker's Lounges at Film Festivals, so this is where you can meet the people doing the work, get advice on anything you're working on, and/or give back to those who may need advice. We're a very supportive and encouraging community! I think you'd also enjoy my intro blog post on how to engage with the Stage32 Community:
https://www.stage32.com/blog/Find-Your-Community-on-Stage-32
Enjoy exploring the lounges, and don't forget to comment and respond to others’ posts, too! It's the best way to really connect! And, of course, feel free to reach out at any time. Cheers!
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Hi Jodi! Welcome to Stage 32.
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I love all your creative outlets!
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"my first ex-husband was the one who made national U.S. news" - WOAH!! That's intense. What's the book?
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Great to meet you Jodi!
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Karen "Kay" Ross thanks so much for all the great info! I obviously don't know how to quickly find my old post to see who comments. LOL! I did find the lounges and I did subscribe to the Writer's Room too! I will save the links you shared to read soon. That will help me a lot. Thank you! Also, Frank Gaimari , Kae Roshun , Patricia A , FV Everleigh , and Rosie Ferdin Cruz thank you all for welcoming me. FV Everleigh the first script that won a competition was called Midnight Lights--I sold the rights straight out--I was very green then. The one I'm currently working on is called Blurred Mirrors and is in the same vein as Midnight Lights.