MARIANNE ALECK

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 PictureMARIANNE ALECK
How did you discover The Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards and how did you decide to enter this contest among all the others?
I first came across the Palm Springs Screenplay Contest through a Google search, and from there I discovered the Santa Barbara Screenplay Awards through Where Hollywood Hides. After learning more about the contest and its focus on supporting diverse voices, it felt like a natural fit for my work, so I decided to enter.

Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Oroville, CA.

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? What inspires your overall journey into screenwriting?
Greenshoes is inspired by a true story, my experience as an out gay teenager in the mid-1970s and my first love. I first wrote it at nineteen as a way to process heartbreak. Around that time, I came down with bronchitis and had to stay home from work, which gave me the time to sit down at my typewriter and write the earliest version. Years later, I revisited that draft and realized the emotional core of the story was still there, even though the craft needed to catch up. I never saw it as a novel or non-fiction, just a movie playing in my head. That early experience, along with a film and television drama class I took in high school, is what first sparked my interest in screenwriting. Decades later, I picked up where I left off, but now I have the time to fully commit to the craft.

How do you decide which stories to tell, and what draws you to these particular themes?
I’m drawn to stories that come from something real, whether it’s a lived experience, a memory, or even a single moment that stays with me. Those are the stories that tend to linger, and I find they often have the strongest emotional truth. Greenshoes comes directly from my own life. I also adapted my screenplay The Liberty Club from my 500-page book, a generational family saga of the same name explores my own roots. More recently, I wrote a psychological drama, The Long After, inspired by something someone said to me years ago. An unsettling lie that left a lasting impression and eventually became the
foundation for an entire story. Across all of my work, I’m drawn to themes of identity, relationships, and how a single moment can shape the course of a life.

What is your typical writing routine? How do you structure your workday to stay productive?
I’m retired, so fortunately I don’t have to juggle another career. Some days I’m at my laptop from morning to night. Even when I’m not actively writing, the story stays with me. The characters live rent-free in my mind. I lie in bed and scenes or dialogue come to me. When I wake up, it’s the same. The vacuuming can wait. My characters can’t.

How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN?
For Greenshoes, I revisited the draft I originally wrote decades ago and completely rewrote it. That rewrite took fourteen days to complete, which included laying out the beat board. Each day, I worked from morning to night. From there, it went through multiple revisions, adding, removing, and refining scenes over the course of roughly eight drafts. In terms of process, I used the Beat Board in Final Draft 13 to map out the story from Act I through Act III. It gave me a clear structure and helped keep me on track, but it is not set in stone. It’s a guide. I allow the story and characters to evolve as I go.

How do you handle writer's block or moments of doubt (we all have them) during your creative process?
Good question. I started seriously writing screenplays in April 2025. Since then I’ve written three features and am currently working on a short, so I haven’t really experienced writer’s block.
As for doubt, I use contest feedback as a sounding board, but I also rely on instinct. I tend to be very detail-oriented. I go line by line through dialogue and ask myself if it feels authentic. I see the scenes clearly in my mind and ask, would this character really say it this way? Ultimately, I let the characters guide me. They tend to tell me what they want to say, and how to say it.

What tools or software do you find essential to your workflow as a screenwriter?
Final Draft 13.
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How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests?
I approach competitions as an opportunity to receive professional feedback and strengthen my scripts. I’ve learned that while notes can be extremely valuable, not all of them are meant to be applied.
Sometimes a reader may try to steer the story in a different direction, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of your own voice and the story you want to tell. I take in the feedback, evaluate what resonates, and trust my instincts on what serves the script. Ultimately, I let my gut be my guide.

Can you share a specific challenge you've faced in your screenwriting and how you overcame it?
One of the biggest challenges for me has been learning the craft while actively writing. Since I’m relatively new to screenwriting, I’ve spent time studying the process through interviews, videos, and books, focusing on the key elements of story and structure.
A lot of it comes down to trial and error. With each draft, I see improvement, and if I don’t, I know something isn’t working and needs to be addressed. After completing a draft, I step back, recognize the progress, and then challenge myself to do better. I hone in on specific scenes and then start again from the top with a fresh pass. Knowing your characters and where your story is going is key. For me, overcoming challenges means staying with the story and continuing to refine it until it fully matches the movie I see in my head. In short, I work through it.

Where do you see yourself in five years as a screenwriter?
I’m aiming high. I’m no spring chicken, so I’m focused on making the most of my time and getting my screenplays onto the big screen. For me, that means continuing to write compelling, character-driven stories that readers can’t put down and genuinely connect with. My goal is to build a body of work that resonates, finds the right collaborators, and ultimately reaches an audience. Securing representation is also an important part of that path.

What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
My ultimate ambition is to see at least one of my screenplays nominated for an Academy Award, and to win. I believe in setting the bar high. Dream big or go home. The film and television industry is constantly evolving. How do you see the role of
screenwriters changing, especially with the rise of streaming platforms and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence?
While the industry is clearly evolving with streaming platforms and new technologies, I believe the core of storytelling remains the same. Audiences still respond to authentic voices and genuine human experiences. From my perspective, those elements can’t be replaced. Technology may change how stories are delivered, but it doesn’t replace the emotional truth behind them. Strong, character-driven storytelling will always be at the heart of what connects with people.

Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Writers like Joshua Brand and the late John Falsey have inspired me, especially for their work on Northern Exposure. Their ability to create rich, memorable characters and explore human relationships with depth and nuance really resonates with me.
I’m drawn to character-driven storytelling, and their work is a great example of how powerful and lasting those kinds of stories can be.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
My favorite films are a toss-up between Tombstone, Gladiator, and A Beautiful Mind. All three have strong characters, powerful emotional arcs, and memorable dialogue that stays with you. For television, Northern Exposure stands out. Its character-driven storytelling and unique voice have been a lasting influence on me.

What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
I would tell them to keep at it. Writing is a process, and improvement comes with each draft. Pay attention to readers’ notes, but only apply the ones that truly resonate with you and serve your story.
It’s important to trust your voice, stay persistent, and not get discouraged. Every script you write and every round of feedback helps you grow.

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? (links to your projects?)
I don’t currently have links to share, but I’m actively developing new work. I recently completed a feature screenplay titled The Long After, a psychological drama.
Logline: When a man estranged from his teenage daughter discovers he’s dating her therapist, his growing unease leads him to uncover a disturbing truth rooted in a long- buried tragedy.
I am currently awaiting professional feedback on The Long After. I’m also outlining a short film, The King of Terrors, which centers on Henry Scott-Holland’s sermon following the death of King Edward VII. It’s a more intimate, reflective piece that explores themes of grief and faith, asking the question: What did the most comforting words about death leave out?

Where can the world find you online? (Social media links, etc.)
I’m on Facebook under my name, Marianne Aleck, and also on Instagram. While I’m not highly active on social media, I’m always open to connecting with fellow writers, filmmakers, and industry professionals.