MIRIAM RUSSELL
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​Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Troy, NY
 
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?
The story for my script for the short film titled, “Born a Secret” came from my memoir, Suddenly Single: A Life After Death” published in 2017. I am inspired by stories of women who a forced to deal with life-changing events. The fact that the two major women characters are lesbian partners is deliberately not an issue. In fact, a sub theme in this short film shows how their personal relationship is not a problem, rather an asset as July is a constant support to Lu as she searches for her birth parents.
 
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?
In crafting my script, the duration varied, but I primarily drew inspiration from my memoir's narrative. Opting for a chronological approach, I aimed to spotlight the characters' emotions. My writing process involves thorough revisions, typically before submission or when I conceive ideas to enhance dialogue that amplify emotional resonance. While I don't strictly adhere to a specific outlining method, I find that emphasizing emotional impact is crucial in my storytelling.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
All artists aspire to capture attention with their creations, whether presented on the big screen or displayed in an art gallery. The same holds true for the craft of writing screenplays.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
I found the series for “Sex and the City” inspiring to watch as the three women sought different goals and challenges. In spite of a few dustups, they help each other, making life more fun and fruitful.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
Over the years, I have enjoyed  watching the veterinarians in “All Things Bright and Beautiful” as it explores the lives of good people who help each other and often stand between life and death for beloved animals.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
In any writing pursuit, the best advice is persistence. Deadlines help, so if you don’t have an explicit date, create one for yourself.