Introduce Yourself to the Group

[Quincy Cooke]

Quincy (Quinn) Cooke

1 script.

To write great horror.

Something unique: Until I was 11, the family business was meat processing and running a local store in rural Texas. I’ve been watching animals being slaughtered since I was 4.

[Lawrence Fraly]

1. Larry Fraller

2. 3 scripts, but only one is good enough to admit to

3. Conventions of horror and a good screenplay

4. Lots of strange and unusual things about me. One is that I have two half-brothers named Jon who don’t know each other exists, though this is probably not so uncommon these days.

[Paige Macdonald]

Hi all,

1. Paige Macdonald

2. Dozen-plus, but only 3 are worthy of showing around

3. I’m in the MSC16 class and am thinking of writing my first horror script — not a slasher, but one with gothic/Lovecraft-tone elements within it. I need to hone the conventions. I do have a starting idea.

4. I’m married to a full-time professional magician. We market him as The Gentleman Wizard. He’s one of the key performers at the Magic Castle for Halloween week this year. And we have a pet crow named Vincent (after Vincent Price).

[Deborah Daughetee]

Hi Paige: I’m also married to a magician, though he’s not a working one. He’s a magician member of the Magic Castle. Maybe I’ll talk my husband into coming into town for Halloween so we can catch your husband’s show.

[Paige Macdonald]

Deborah: Very cool! What is your husband’s name? My husband is Georges-Robert (professional name) — he’s the face of the ad campaign for Dante’s Inferno for the Castle.

[Deborah Daughetee]

My husband is Paul Daughetee. As I said, he’s not a working magician, but he does have professional membership to the Castle. I’ll ask him if he or his friend Pete Studebaker (who is a working magician) if either knows him.

[Jennifer Snodgrass]

Hi! I am Jennifer Snodgrass

I am in the process of completing my second script, with MSC 15. I am planning to join MSC 16 to start another script – probably Horror.

I want to learn conventions of Horror, so that I can create unique versions of Horror and terrify audiences for years to come.

At an age (and in a town) where most people are retiring I am just beginning to work. (My new job as a substitute teacher, and my career – as a screenwriter.) I have spent the past 30+ years as a volunteer in schools, hospice, and community theater.

[Carmen Mosley]

Hello! My name is Carmen Mosley, usually go by Camie.

I have written 5 scripts, started a 6th – but decided to pivot and take this class again as a refresh. I would like to complete this script by the end of the year.

I hope to refine and fine-tune my horror scriptwriting. With all the elevated horror in the market – it is an exciting time to be a horror writer and I always aim to do my best to elevate, entertain, frighten, and promote terror!

Usually what is unusual or strange about me is that I am a Horror Writer (I am a mother with two grown children and a teen at home). I quit corporate America last year and started my own production company in January and I am working on co-producing a film – from a Paid Writing assignment with my Mentor.

I am very excited to embark on this Horror journey with all of you!

[Whitney Hamilton]

Hi!

Whitney Hamilton

A dozen or so scripts. Three of my features have been produced and are streaming.

To learn the ropes of creating good high concept horror. I work in historic drama usually. I’m looking forward to this class!

I had to disguise myself as a boy in order to participate in Civil War reenacting battles that I used as B-roll for 2 feature films.

[John Garofolo]

Whitney, Glad to see you made a film about a woman impersonating a man during the Civil War. Evidently, there really had been a fair number of women who fought in wars before women were officially allowed to join the military (and militaries around the world).

It’s definitely a unique story.

Congratulations.

John Garofolo

[Mac McCord]

Hello! My name is Mac McCord. I am an older transman living with my wife in North Carolina. I have written ten,(the horror script will be my 11th), feature scripts; mostly animated, family, a trans story that no one would read and a fantasy drama involving Irish legends and the abuse of power by the Catholic Church. I have been writing short screenplays, radio plays,one produced), and stagE plays. I have also had a good bit of my poetry published along with a number of genre short stories. I have been a puppeteer since 1969 and have worked as a dog and horse trainer. I was a piccolo player in the Army Bandfield and now play and teach violin and viola. I hope to learn how to better use the conventions of a particular genre to tell and unique horror tale.

[Deborah Daughetee]

Hi Everyone:

I’m Deborah Daughetee. I’ve written too many tv scripts to count but have only written 5 screenplays.

I hope to come up with a horror movie that can be turned into a franchise.

The most unique thing is I’m a double-lung transplant. Someday I’ll write a horror script around that.

[Carolyn Bliesener]

Tell us the following:

1. Name?

Hi, my name is Carolyn Bliesener.

2. How many scripts you’ve written?

I’ve written 2 scripts.

3. What do you hope to get out of the class?

My second script is a horror-comedy. I wrote it during the ProSeries (which I just finished) and thought I should take Hal’s horror class to find out what the hell I was doing. I had a great time writing a first draft and now want to put it through the paces here and see what I come up with. Hopefully something completely different. That would be fun.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you?

I like bugs. Most people freak out when they see a spider, but not me. Now ask me about rats. You’ll see a different reaction entirely. Also, I never thought I would write horror (attempt to at least) and have only recently, in my 5th decade, started watching horror movies, which I’m enjoying immensely.

[Giles]

1. Charles Ferrell

2. Zero

3. An understanding of screenplay and more specifically horror development frameworks/conventions.

4. Was once a Funeral Director & Embalmer (my family is not in the business, I chose it…or maybe it found me)

[Gary Frazier]

Gary Frazier – I write under the byline of G. Robert Frazier

I’ve written:

– a horror/web series (3 episodes) (which was a finalist in the Scripted Digital Series category at Austin)

– a historical-crime thriller with a friend (which has placed as a semifinalist with both Nashville and The Script Lab and as a quarterfinalist with the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards)

– a comedy pilot (which was a semifinalist at Nashville)

– a spec episode of Young Sheldon

– a family/Christmas adventure with my brother (which we are currently revising)

– several horror short scripts (including one that was a quarterfinalist with Killer Shorts).

I’m hoping the class will help strengthen my horror writing and push me to finish a full-length horror feature or two.

The big toe on my right foot is larger than the big toe on my left foot.

[George Shepard]

Hi, I’m George Shepard

I’ve finished two scripts and am well underway on a third.

I hope to learn more about this genre which is a doorway into professional writing.

I was a semi-professional motor sports writer.

[Jason Lassen]

Hi I’m Jason Lassen, and I’ve written a handful of scripts and one multi-award-winning book.

I’ve had this horror script idea rolling around in the ol’ noggin for a few years now and I’m hoping this course can help me refine it and hopefully get it produced.

I’ve been keeping a journal since I was 18, I’ve been hit by lightning, and I was once held as a political prisoner during the Yugoslavian civil war. And yes, I’m a supporter of the Oxford comma.

[Somair Feroz]

Hi everyone,

My name is Somair. I have written two features, seven shorts and am in the process of collaborating on a horror feature.

I hope to gain insight on writing tools & techniques that embolden the horror in a script and hope to apply them in my horror feature.

In addition to my pursuit of screenwriting, I have published a children’s book (with my daughter), work in a senior position in IT, volunteer in two schools and my local community.

Looking forward to this course.

-Somair

[Alex Chew]

Hi, I’m Alex!

I’ve written over a dozen scripts, but this is going to be my first slasher.

I’m hoping the class will help me craft a horror feature that is truly scary, yet meaningful, and marketable.

I taught middle and high school film for a decade until 2021, so this is technically my first year not going into a classroom every day since I was…five. Unsurprisingly, my slasher concept takes place trapped inside a high school.

[Douglas Ryan]

Douglas Ryan

5 features, 3 shorts (currently working on 2 more)

I would love to get some great tips on how to make more interesting horror.

I have been into horror since I was 9 and saw “Hellraiser” I actually wanted to be in SFX but after reading “The Gunslinger” and “The Watchers” at 11 I fell into the love of writing, but had to take a break while I was serving in the US Coast Guard. I have had a standing date with my oldest daughter to watch at least 1 horror film every weekend since she was 9. She has enjoyed most of the classics and enjoys John Carpenter most of all.

[John Garofolo]

Douglas,

We’ll have to do some Coast Guard talk down the line. It’s pretty rare to run into a former Coastie in Hollywood.

John

[John Garofolo]

Hi everyone, nice to meet you (virtually),

Thanks for sharing your stories. It’s great to see such a diverse group of writers in here.

About me:

1. Name: John Garofolo

2. I’ve written 4 screenplays, a couple of pilots, 3 spec TV episodes (none produced), have had a book published (and have had the privilege of spending a small fortune publicizing it)

3. I’ve never written a horror script before and I think it’s probably been to my detriment, since Horror is such a popular, enduring, genre (hence, more sellable) I probably would have been better off writing 3 horror scripts instead of the one’s that I decided to write.

4. There’s nothing special, unique or particularly strange about me, but I’m a retired Coast Guard officer, worked in entertainment eons ago and have done some teaching (including at the Coast Guard Academy). I live in Southern California.

[Douglas Ryan]

Hi John! Yeah my first script was about 3 cooks serving in the USCG in Miami during a lockdown due to protests. (Actually happened to me) I’m currently rewriting it with the backdrop of the end of “don’t ask don’t tell” era. I’m actually in MD, but I grew up in SoCal, hence my Dodgers hat, been a fan since 88′ when I went to my first game (before they won the WS) so not a fair weather fan. LOL.

Best

Doug

[Christopher Harboldt]

Hello everyone,

1. My name is Chris Harboldt.

2. I’ve written 4 feature length scripts and have co-written several shorts.

3. I’m here to learn and up my Horror writing.

4. I’m a pretty good mimic of celebrities and cartoon characters.

[Jennifer Thym]

Hi, I’m Jen Thym!

Produced scripts: 1 web-series, 1 horror short

Unproduced scripts: 3 pilots, 3 features

Would love to improve my writing planning process, especially how to improve bits that don’t work. Also looking to enhance my ability to put audiences on an emotional rollercoaster.

Something odd: Every time I drive through an intersection I can hear cars t-boning. I know it’s not real, but it’s that weird feeling that I can’t shake. I wish it was only just intersections.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 7 months ago by  Jennifer Thym.

[Felisha Norman]

1. Name: Felisha Norman & Nicci Bates

2. How many scripts you’ve written: variety (25 web series episodes, 2 shorts, 1 feature, several plays

3. What do you hope to get out of the class: A formula for writing a powerful horror flick without watching too many. 🙂

4. Something unique, special, strange, or unusual about you? Our company name is Norman Bates Co.

[Ricki Holmes]

Hello, my name is Ricki Holmes

I’ve stumbled through about a dozen scripts and a couple of books.

By accident I wrote a horror short and it became a finalist in a competition – the next day I saw this class so thought it might be an idea if I actually had an idea of how to do it.

After reading Jason’s I have nothing.

[Mark Hammond]

HI everyone, my name is Dr. Mark Hammond I have written two comedy scripts, and got one option that fell through. Out of this class I hope to master the horror genre. I didn’t watch horror movies until now, so I will be relying on you to help me get a handle on this genre. I guess I am what you call a Renaissance man. I have a background in advertising, a former Army chaplain, and a pastor of a church in California. I am also a Christian family counselor -please just call me Mark. I’m excited about working with this class.

[Verena Faden]

Hi my name Verena Faden

I am mainly a Commercial Producer, but have written 3 feature scripts none which I want to think about.

I hope to stop overthinking, procrastinating and return to when writing was just fun. Also, learn more about the horror genre which I know very little about.

After a hard day, I unwind to true crime documentaries and feature films about serial killers.

[Mac McCord]

I did reply to this but have not been able to upload my other assignments. I am working on; perhaps it has something to with the fact that I am trying to use an iPad for everything. I have done stuff but will redo them and try and get them into the forum assignments.

[David Gutosky]

Greeting everyone, it’s Better Late Than Never. You can call me Dave Gutosky.

I have finished 1 script, a fresh combo of Trilogy of Terror’s third act and its sequel.

I’m looking for anything that can help me sharpen my skills. I’ve been a horror fan for over 40 years and look forward to breaking down popular horror to see what’s underneath.

I’m 56 and am just starting my journey. Finding time to write is difficult working 10-12 hours a day in manufacturing. No excuse, right?

[Mark Doddy]

Hi all,

My Name is Mark J Doddy.

I have written 6 screenplays. 2 of them I am wanting to polish up after the creative mastery class and then I want to get them to market.

I’ve always wanted to write horror but I spend so much time making fun of the conventions when I watch them (although I love them), I thought it was time that I eat my word and write a proper horror script.

Something unique about me is even though I worked in Government TV for 15 years I spent the last few years running a series of dry cleaners that I converted into Organic/Non-Toxic cleaners. We sold this business during covid so now I can get back to my dreams of working in film again.

[Halloween Bloodfrost]

I’m Halloween Bloodfrost.

I’ve written 15 plus scripts and I hope to get a re-fresher course in writing horror.

I’m currently an undergrad at The University of Pennsylvania

[Sophia Lee]

Greetings everyone! Not sure if there is a separate section for 2025 or not, but going for it regardless.
I’m Sophia Louisa Lee, a screenwriter/actress/producer living in Los Angeles. I started with Hal and Cheryl’s courses in 2015, and have been hired by producers to co-write scripts, which has been an exciting process.

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 15 with a producer, 10 of my own

3. What you hope to get out of the class? accountability

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I work in a law firm (day job). Have a special needs adult daughter who is awesome. During the blip the world had, I wrote, directed, produced and editing 3 short films that won awards in film festivals. I have a podcast. And co-wrote a woman’s memoir that is currently with the publisher that I plan on writing a series for. Just gotta keep going.

Looking forward to working with you all!

[Bobby Sacher]

Hey guys, my name is Bobby Sacher.

I’ve written 8 scripts – mostly horror and horror-comedy, though there’s a fantasy and a detective thriller in there.

My goal is to get this concept I’ve had in my head for a while down on paper. It’s the most pure horror idea I’ve had (tend to do more horror-comedy)

About me: I’ve raised three boys, and teach high school English – small wonder, I tend to write about teenagers.

[Karyn Laitis]

Hi all, My name is Karyn and I’m a little late with posting assignments. This is actually my second attempt at completing the class. The last 1 1/2 years have presented it’s challenges. I haven’t completed my Horror script–but I’m getting closer and will hopefully be able to finish this time. I’ve completed two scripts and I still want to make some improvements. I want to complete my horror script. I’ve been an educator (corporate, public, private) for over 50 years.

We look forward to working with you all!