HOLMAN & MATTHES
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What inspired you to write a script rather than a novel or short story?
This story depends heavily on pace and action, as well as laughs. It seemed like a movie, with its capacity to showcase actors and sharp camera work, would communicate it best.

Was there a specific film, TV show, or personal moment that first made you say, “I want to write like that”?
I like a lot of movies of many different kinds. What they all have in common is that they’re immersive, in the sense that my disbelief is effectively suspended, and they’re cathartic. To achieve both these qualities simultaneously demands a high level of craft. That’s my aspiration.

What’s your writing routine like?
Do you follow a strict schedule, or are you more intuitive about when and how you write? I plan to write every morning. For me a writing practice is very similar to exercise. You must maintain a consistent routine, or you will lose capacity.

When you're starting a new script, how do you shape your ideas? Do you use outlines, beat sheets, or dive right into scenes? What inspires your scripts? Characters? Plot? Theme? Action?
For The Full Vampire Charlie and I kept a weekly phone call to work out the story. We set goals based on the Act Breaks, and divided up the scene writing. Most importantly, we set and met deadlines.

How do you handle writer’s block or those inevitable moments of self-doubt?
It’s useful for me to remember that, to paraphrase Matt Bell in his book Refuse To Be Done, it is never your job to write an entire screenplay today. You are only responsible for today’s three plus pages, and they don’t even have to be good. That is generally doable.

What tools—software, methods, rituals—do you consider essential to your writing workflow?
I prefer Scrivener for writing first drafts. The organization tools are superior to Final Draft in every way. Also, as noted above, it is necessary to maintain a consistent routine, no matter what.

Do you write with production realities in mind, or do you let the creative vision lead first and adjust later?
In a previous life I worked in theater. I learned there that if I could not carry it up a flight of stairs myself, it was best not to include it in the script.

When a scene isn’t working, what’s your go-to strategy for fixing it?
Rewrite, workshop, walk away—or something else? It saves a ton of time and anguish to have a fresh pair of eyes on problems. I recommend, whenever possible, work with a trusted collaborator. To repeat the sports metaphor, you are much more likely to complete the marathon when you train with friends.

How many scripts have you completed? How many have you started and not completed (we all have those)...and why are they still unfinished?
Usually a script does not emerge from the treatment phase until all the story elements are in the correct order. That often requires a very long time, and many versions of the story from different points of view and in different media, such as stage plays or novels. The good news is that once the story elements are correct, writing the script goes very fast.

Have you earned recognition in this or other competitions? What’s your strategy when submitting your scripts, and how has contest feedback shaped your work?
Nope. This is the first.
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Have you done anything at this point to promote yourself or your writing (besides entering online contests)? If so, how would you gauge the effectiveness of those efforts?
It is incredibly difficult to succeed in any project without willing collaborators. I would say that the second most important quality, after discipline, is generosity toward one’s collaborators.

Have you pitched to producers or taken meetings yet? What have those experiences taught you about the business side of screenwriting?
Nope. I did learn this as an actor: generally speaking, I landed the roles I auditioned for. I mean really auditioned; prepared, took it seriously, showed up early. I did not land any roles I did not audition for.

What do you see as your greatest strengths as a writer? Your greatest weaknesses?
My strength is that I am old enough to understand what persistence means, and which behaviors support persistence. My weakness is my tendency to choose behaviors that undermine persistence.

How do you balance your writing with your “day job”?
I plan my day so that writing is the first thing I do. That often requires getting up early, before anyone else in the house is
awake. That’s ok. Once the quota is met, I am free to give my complete attention to the day’s other tasks.

What message or emotional response do you hope audiences walk away with after experiencing your work?
As noted above, I aspire to write work that is immersive and cathartic.

What are you working on right now the world needs to know about?
Novels and plays based on Greek mythology.

Where do you see yourself five years from now as a screenwriter—and how do you plan to get to that place?
Fortify discipline, expand community.

What advice would you give to any aspiring writer hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Creativity is social and collaborative. If you are doing it alone, something is wrong.