ELIZABETH APPELL
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Where do you live?
I live in Marin County across the Golden Gate from San Francisco.
 
Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel?
LESSONS FROM THE GYPSY CAMP was my latest script that was honored as a Finalist. I first wrote it as a novel which was published by a small company. 
 
The idea came from my experience as a young girl in a small town snuggled up against a levee. Always I was intrigued by the rumors that swirled that there was a gypsy camp on the other side. One day I disobeyed my parents and went over to the other side. I skulked around until I found what I was looking for. A wild cougar in a cage. I was stunned and ran home never to return. I lived with the image of the big cat for years. Finally, I wrote about it. I loved writing the story. When the book got published I was proud, but wanted to bring it to life as a film.
 
How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process?
I wrote the novel in 2004. On and off I’ve tinkered with the script. In the last year, in between writing several other scripts I became more and more enamored with the story. Recently I tried writing it as a TV series but I think the structure calls for a feature so that is the form it lives in now.
 
The novel served as a guide for telling the story. I did some outlining for the novel, but not for the screenplay.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
I want to see my work on the big screen. I did write, direct and produced two short films. Both won Gold in Houston, and both were selections and winners in many screenplay festivals. I loved making these films. Now I’m working on enticing a producer to take on LESSONS. There are two juicy rolls for young actresses and a part for a male actor that might put him on the map!
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Taiki Waititi manages to dig deep below the surface and still weave humor into the story.
Quentin Tarantino spends an enormous time in dark stories, but somehow shines amazing moments of light in the darkest of scenes.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show
My favorite all-time episodic is Breaking Bad. Vince Gilligan is a brilliant writer and director.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
I would say keep submitting. Every time I get notes back I learn something about the craft. Some competitions encourage writers to resubmit. I think they keep track of names of writers and when they last submitted.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I’m working on a story, MOON WALKERS, about a young gay boy who is trying not to shame himself in the eyes of his fathers. There’s a suicide in the story. I’ve had several family members take their lives. It’s a heart stuttering experience. Maybe it will help someone getting through the enormous loss.

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