Hello, everyone! This is long overdue, but today I'm finally introducing myself to Stage 32 at large with my Bio below. A belated "Thank you" to those kind souls that offered friendship and added me to their networks when my activity on the site was sporadic (I had a couple of surgeries + aftermath issues that are finally resolved.) The logline to my script, TUSK, is posted on my Profile Page, as well. A Synopsis was also posted, but the end got cut off; if anyone can tell me why, it would be appreciated!
BIO: I'm new to screenwriting but have had a love affair with words and storytelling since childhood. My work has included features, reviews, op-eds, poetry, and the occasional obituary. My cosmic horror tale, TUSK - first published as a short story - is my first completed feature script. As TUSK's ending suggests the opportunity for a sequel, I'm hoping this might be the launch of a new phase of my writing career.
While watching videos, constantly reading, and taking classes to improve my craft, I'm an architectural salvage enthusiast (there are 7 pieces of antique and modern stained glass in my house, which I designed), and I bake a mean scone :)
I'd love to connect with fellow creatives, especially those working in the mystery and horror genres, and exploring aspects of spiritual identity.
3 people like this
Hi, Stephanie O'Leary. Glad you finally introduced yourself! Sorry to hear about the surgeries and aftermath issues, but I'm glad they're resolved! You might just need to repost your synopsis so the end shows up.
3 people like this
Thanks, Maurice. As long as I'm alive and kickin', it's all good! UPDATE - the synopsis finally posted completely, I added "Comps" to my logline, and now have an image posted for the script, as well. As always, thanks for your help and encouragement!
3 people like this
You're welcome, Stephanie O'Leary. If you can't get it to work, email Technical Support (support@stage32.com).
3 people like this
Hey Stephanie — glad you made it (and glad you're feeling better too)! TUSK sounds like a killer cosmic debut, and I love that you’ve already built it out from short story to feature.
I’m a stand-up comic and screenwriter — just finished a manager outreach push for James Christ, a comedy about Jesus’s forgotten little brother. So, I guess we both explore spiritual identity... just from slightly different angles.
Looking forward to checking out your logline — and I’m always down to trade notes or scone recipes.
2 people like this
Hey, Randy - thanks for the warm welcome. I appreciate your offering to check out the logline for TUSK, too :)
I just read your "Introduce Yourself" post; congrats on the awards for "James Christ!" I'm guessing you know of comedian Stephen Lynch and his savagely irreverent song, "Craig" (if not, check it out on YouTube - NOT for the faint of heart.) My husband and I are flawed Christians, Stephen Lynch acolytes, AND huge Monty Python fans, so your "JC" sounds right up our alley!
Are your songs posted anywhere? I've tried lyric writing, but have a hard time boiling things down to fit everything I want to say in a 3-4 minute format.
Again, thanks for checking in and your kind words. Best of luck with all your endeavors!
3 people like this
Welcome officially! TUSK sounds fascinating—cosmic horror is such a rich space to explore. Glad to hear you're on the mend, and love that you're blending creativity with stained glass and scones! Looking forward to connecting and seeing where your storytelling journey leads.
3 people like this
Welcome Stephanie O'Leary ! You've come to the right place.
2 people like this
Thank you, Purushothaman. Cosmic and psychological horror draw me in because of the challenges to belief, the emotional stakes, and the layered complexity. There's been such a rich number of offerings in recent years - THE LIGHTHOUSE, THE BABADOOK, THE WITCH, PEARL, HEREDITARY, PAN'S LABYRINTH, MIDSOMMAR, NOSFERATU, etc. - and I rewatch them like I'm deciphering crime scenes. You may have noticed Robert Eggers' work appears repeatedly on that list. I love him because I have a touch of OCD and delight in small details: a carved face peeking out from the rafters of a chapel, embroidery on a vintage handkerchief, the unique trill of a shepherdess calling in her flock, etc. Eggers' insistence on detail in dress, customs, language, and set design moves me, and his storytelling is often revelatory. TUSK contains many such elements, and I hope it might someday be viewed as an homage to his work.
And yes, in my downtime, tramping through salvage lots and baking makes my heart sing. Give me a beautiful but busted Stained Glass panel to restore, and I'm off researching the history of sacred SG design vs. secular and hunting for radium glass rondels. Same in the kitchen: I crank out a few hundred of my famous Ambrosia Scones as gifts during the holiday season like a woman possessed. I do collapse afterwards for a few days, but hey, "go big or go home!" :D
Again, thanks for the warm welcome. Chores await, so I'll check out your wall and loglines later. Have a great night!
2 people like this
Thanks for the welcome, Patrick!
4 people like this
Hi there, Stephanie O'Leary, and welcome (officially) to the community! I’m Ashley Renee Smith, Head of Community here at Stage 32!
We’d love to have you join us for our free Stage 32 Community Open House happening Wednesday, June 25 at 12:00pm PT—it’s a great way to learn how to navigate Stage 32, explore all the resources available to you, and get live answers to your questions. You can register here:
https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-june-community-ope...
Also, feel free to jump into the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) or check out our Script Services if you’re ever looking for feedback from industry pros (https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices).
2 people like this
Hi, Ashley - thanks for the welcome and invites! The Wednesday Open House sounds great, but I'm on the East Coast, and 3 PM EST is often a problem for me on weekdays. Will the session be recorded for playback? This week is also Stage 32's Horror Pitch Fest, and that, too, begins on Wednesday (LOVED Geoff's whimsically ghoulish e-mail! xD). I'll be submitting written pitches, but I'm hoping to check into the live Lounge posts starting on Wednesday (as time permits). That's MORE competition for the Open House - UGH! It's nice to have so many options, though, so please don't think I'm complaining. Thanks again for sharing Stage 32's bonanza of resources and your offer to help me make the most of them!
3 people like this
Yes, if you register for the Open House, you'll receive the full recording on demand as soon as it's available.
3 people like this
Welcome, Stephanie! This is a great community. Good luck with Tusk. Love the logline.
1 person likes this
Thank you, J R! Best to you, as well *
1 person likes this
I wouldn't go see Stephen Lynch, too much swearing in that Craig song for me.
1 person likes this
Randy Sell, Stephen Lynch's comedy, as noted in my prior comment, is not for the faint of heart. He can be foul and vile, but I confess to being fascinated by his razor-sharp wit and clever songwriting ability. Billy Joel's song lyrics come to mind: "I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints" - sorry if that offends you.
2 people like this
Welcome and good luck with your journey. I'm here and open to connections as well, feel free to reach out, bounce ideas etc. Have a great one.
1 person likes this
Thank you, Ryan!
1 person likes this
Hi Stephanie O'Leary Welcome to Stage 32! It’s great to e-meet you, you’ve come to the perfect place to bring your creativity. Our community is packed with resources, connections, and opportunities tailored for filmmakers like you. Whether you’re looking to network, find collaborators, or dive into learning, we’ve got you covered. Any specific goals or projects we can help you with? Excited to see how we can support your journey!
1 person likes this
Thanks, Sam! Scriptwise, I'm waiting for responses to 5 pitches that I put out this week for TUSK, and assembling the framework to outline the sequel. Sitewise, I'm e-meeting some really nice people (like you :) I wish there were more hours in the day, but local writing assignments, grocery shopping, cleaning the house, spending time with my husband, and doing laundry have to fit in there somewhere (or we end up living as strangers in filth, hungry, and naked xD). But I'm counting my blessings; things seem to be opening up for me, and I am MORE than ready for some new adventures. Again, thanks for commenting and the offers of assistance!