SUZANNE BIRRELL
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Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
 Chimayo, New Mexico, USA
 
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?
My inspiration came from two local women who kicked ass.  The opening scene with the would-be robbers really happened. That was Sally.  Norma’s claim to fame happened a few weeks later when the pharmacy she was visiting was robbed at gunpoint.  The robber “didn’t pay her no mind” when he ushered everybody else to the back so Norma shot him in the back.
I wrote a short stage play inspired by Sally and Norma which was presented in 3 separate venues with different cast and directors.  In each case, audiences enthusiastically reported that they wanted to see these characters on stage.

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?
It took a couple of years to write my script.   I am a long-time member of a scriptwriting group and Sally and Norma had a couple of table reads.  Plus I paid for notes in contests that I entered.  It’s the first series pilot I’ve ever written.  I tend to write the story in free form as I see it and then cut- cut- cut -and edit.  I read everything out loud.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
Plain and simple, I would like to make my living writing.  I have lots of stories.  I like to write stories that give viewers pause to think.
I have several completed scripts.  Many have won awards but I haven’t been able to get in the door anywhere.  ( Marketing is not in my skill set). But I keep writing and re-writing. ) I have dreams of directing my scripts - I’ve directed a lot of stage plays however I think my ship has probably sailed on that.
 
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Film writer Jane Champion inspires me.  She dares to write great movies that don’t fit into the common narrative.  She’s considered an outsider and so am I.
TV writer J.J. Abrams is inspiring.  Not only does he seem to have unlimited imagination but he has the wherewithal to launch the projects.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
All time?  It’s constantly evolving.  Currently, I am studying the television show “Ugly Betty.”  It’s very well written.  “Lincoln Lawyer”  is another favorite.  I loved “The Queen’s Gambit.”
One of my all-time favorite movies was “Crash.”  I thought it was daring in its premise and I do favor ensemble works.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Keep writing and rewriting.  Join a screenwriter’s group so you can hear your words.
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
“Time Before the Fall” explores a family’s dark secrets and the fact that no one ever comes back from war.
“An Empty Chair”  is about confronting assumptions and family gossip and discovering who your family is.
“Phishing for Phoebe” is a real tear-jerker about gratitude and greed.
“Mangus Dam” is a comedy series in the vein of Northern Exposure.  I’ve changed the names and places but there is nothing like reality for entrainment value.
 
And I have more…..

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