I'm a screenwriter, lecturer and former college screenwriting prof. I've taught at Loyola Marymount, AFI, and The Los Angeles Film School. I've been writing screenplays since getting my MFA at UCLA in their once great film department. Over the years, I've written in film and television, on assignment and specs. I had a spec script sell and get made. I've authored several books on screenwriting. I've also done script consulting. I have a new screenplay that follows a character I introduced in a short film, a suicidal boomer disillusioned with her life now. The trailer is on my profile page. Currently, I'm in thinking mode. I've watched the industry change over the years, and though it's always been hard, the times now are especially tough. The industry doesn't know what it wants to be. But no matter what, it is about stories. People want and need stories to help them understand their own lives. Write what matters to you.
Introduce Yourself : Linda Cowgill by Linda Cowgill
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Hi, Linda Cowgill. It's nice to meet you. Hope you're having a great week! Congratulations on all your accomplishments!
Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. Producers, executives, directors, writers, actors, and more. www.stage32.com/blog/the-importance-of-community-and-collaboration-in-th...
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And it's Stage 32's November Write Club. It's a chance to connect with writers, directors, producers, etc., and it could help you reach a goal(s). There's prizes too! If you're interested in joining Write Club, Week 1's blog came out Monday (www.stage32.com/blog/november-write-club-week-1-how-to-find-build-the-cr...).
I agree! Write what matters to you.
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Hello, Linda Cowgill. I took one of your classes at LMU. Good luck on your new script!!!
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Hi Linda,
It's inspiring to see your continued commitment to writing after such a distinguished career—both in the classroom (at institutions like AFI and LMU) and with your books like Secrets of Screenplay Structure and The Art of Plotting.
I especially appreciate your point: "The industry doesn't know what it wants to be. But no matter what, it is about stories." It's the grounding truth we all have to return to when the business side feels chaotic.
I’m currently focused on packaging my feature action-thriller, THE SAFE HOUSE, and your work on structure has been a major influence in ensuring the plot mechanics support the high-stakes character journey.
I wish you the best with your new feature about the suicidal boomer and the Georgian gangsters—that's a highly original and compelling concept!
Best,
Salisu Abdullahi
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I'm glad the books were helpful. I had fun writing them, and they were instrumental in my growth as a screenwriter.
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Hi Linda,
That's wonderful to hear—it's always reassuring when the tools you create remain valuable to your own process. The fact that the books were instrumental in your growth shows their true value!
Best of luck with getting your new feature made.
Sincerely,
Salisu
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Hi and welcome! Nice to meet you.