Introduce Yourself To The Group

[Ian Greenham]

1. Ian Greenham.

2. 6.

3. Learn the skills of writing thrillers.

4. I’m from Australia; a retired Corporate Banker; have published 2 novels and a volume of 4 novellas.

[Jennifer Miller]

Hi Ian. I’ve never visited Australia but I hope to. It seems like an interesting and lovely place. I look forward to hearing more about your writing.

[Judith Watson]

Judith Watson

Live in California

I want to become more confident in my thriller writing.

I have two dogs a Basenji and a Corgi.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Judith Watson.

[Jennifer Miller]

Hi Judith. I love dogs! I have a four pound giant that I found one stormy afternoon in 2013. It’s been a love affair since. I look forward to hearing your story, improving together, and growing more confident with thrillers.

[Janet Knowlton]

1. Janet Knowlton

2. 4

3. I want to improve my Thriller writing skills, especially mapping.

4. One of my hobbies is making crystal chandeliers.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Janet Knowlton.

[Jennifer Miller]

Hello Janet. Wow. Crystal chandeliers. That’s interesting. I love stones and crystals. You’ll have to post one of your creations for us to see. I can’t wait to learn the skills to create the sorry map, too. It’s going to be a great class.

[Gary Mraz]

1. Gary Koz Mraz

2. I’ve written 200 travel stories for major travel and lifestyle magazines, 9 books 4 non-fiction, and 5 fiction books. http://www.kozmoto.com

3. I want to ramp up the thrill level of my ” Midnight Rider on a Graveyard Run” Trilogy

4. I have traveled the world on 2-wheels. Motorcycled the Himalayas, throughout China, Indonesia, etc. Currently, I publish a magazine http://www.spiritofsedonamag.com

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Gary Mraz.

[Jennifer Miller]

Hi Gary. You have a fun life! I love motorcycles. I had dirt bikes as a kid, and later in New Orleans I rode around on a 1971 Vespa. It was incredible fun. Best of luck with your trilogy. Great title.

[Mona Miller]

Mona Deutsch Miller

I’ve written four movie scripts, an original TV pilot, and two spec scripts (for Northern Exposure and Monk, which tells you I’ve been around for a while). I also wrote and produced a short movie for the 48 Hour Film Project in 2014. I’m a playwright, and have written 4 full length plays and lots of shorter plays.

I really want to up my screenwriting game significantly. I have written a screen drama with some thriller and horror elements (bad, bad – I just learned that from Hal!) and have an idea for a pure thriller, but I need lots of help.

I grew up in a large family that loved music. Both my older sisters became world class professional musicians (one is a retired concert pianist, the other is a composer), so I got to hear the entire classical piano repertoire worked from the inside out every day from babyhood on. (We had two pianos in the house so they could both practice when I was very small.) I love classical music (and blues, jazz, folk and many other styles). Brahms is my favorite composer.

[Patricia Milton]

1. Patricia Milton

2. How many scripts you’ve written? A dozen produced full-length stage plays, about 150 shorter stage plays.

3. What you hope to get out of the class? I am writing a thriller and would like to make it the very best it can be.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I once worked in an office with a man who turned out to be a serial killer.

[Jennifer Miller]

Hi Patricia. A serial killer– that is wild. I once covered a serial killer story in New Orleans for the news. It was terrifying. The Louisiana serial killer was Derrick Todd Lee. I saw him on death row at Angola State Penitentiary. He was a lot bigger in person. That is a summer I will never forget.

[Eric Humble]

Hi everyone! My name is Eric Humble. I’ve written about six scripts or so, with a few half-completed ones in there. I’ve been taking ScreenwritingU classes for about 10 years and have upped my writing game after each one, so I’m super excited for this class. My main goals in this course are to learn how to structure and outline thrillers better and to be able to outline faster. As a stay-at-home dad to two kids (with a third on the way), my writing time has been vastly reduced, and I find myself getting frustrated as I try to plot out scripts using the techniques I’ve been using for years which used to take a few weeks and now drag on for months and months simply because I can’t devote more than a half hour a day or so to writing. As a thriller writer, I’ve also been frustrated a lot in the past by the complexity of thrillers — it usually takes me an extended time to work out the plots, in general, so I’m excited to get some new tools and techniques under my belt to arrive at my destination faster and more directly without some of the false starts I usually encounter. I’m also an aspiring artist, working on my first graphic novel at the moment.

[Gregory Olson]

Hello everyone. My name is Greg Olson and I am new to screenwriting. I have been working on a thriller idea for quite some time and thought this class would help me “figure it out.” I am especially interested in the process of developing the Thriller Map and utilizing it to help me structure not only this project but also scenes and story lines for other projects. Originally from Montana, I have also lived in Japan, Washington, DC and now reside in Southern California.

[Jennifer Miller]

Hello. I’m Jennifer Miller. I look forward to being part of this group! I’ve been like a kid waiting for Christmas morning for this class to drop. I have written 8 scripts. I studied screenwriting at UCLA. There I had a short produced and was a finalist for Sundance’s New Voices Lab. I’ve sold three romantic comedy scripts. The first one aired in December, which was a true thrill and a dream come true. I watched the premiere with my parents. Yet, while working professionally I discovered that my process is flawed and it exhausts me and it causes me a lot of stress– deadlines, spinning wheels and all. Oh la la. Recently I decided to move away from romcoms to focus on thrillers. Yet again I struggled, but then Hal’s Thriller email landed in my inbox. It was truly an answered prayer. He covered all the things I wish to accomplish – a streamlined process that comes in bite size pieces stemming from intrigue. Perhaps this will seem strange to some and unique to others, but currently I am studying the law of mankind, not the legal system of codes and statutes, but the law under god. The knowledge is a most interesting journey to discover what is real and what is fiction. It’s wild. I can also two-finger whistle like Holly Golightly.

xoxoxox,

Jenn Miller

[Stanley Parks]

1. Hi Everyone, my name is Mike Parks

2. I have written 6 scripts and have a published novel, which is part of a trilogy and that I am in the process of writing vol. 2

3. My Vol 1 has set the stage for vol 2 of my trilogy and I want to learn how to make my story a compelling intrigue/thriller book

4. I have always been on the cutting edge of business and technology, having founded several highly ranked companies. I have traveled extensively and had extremely highly placed individuals in government and business as mentors. My hobbies are equestrian polo and photography.

[Sherri Coffee]

Hi everyone, my name is Sherri Coffee and I am writing from Atlanta.

I have written 3 scripts that are not ready for prime time.

My career started in Marketing and Sales but after graduate school, I joined the Government Affairs profession.

I have traveled extensively but my favorite place is on a tennis court or a bike ride.

Look forward to learning with you!

[Warren Goldstein]

cheryl Hi and how do you introduce yourself “below” where do you enter the information? thanks Warren

[Warren Goldstein]

Oh, I see you can only “reply” in order to post. Correct? No instructions. thanks

Warren

[James Chesky]

Hi, I’m Jim or james. I write a lot.

[James Chesky]

Who can share with me the call in number for this class

[Christopher Newell]

1. Chris Newell

2. A couple of shorts, but I’m hoping to expand to features

3. A good start on a feature screenplay, using the conventions of thriller as the basis

4. I spent six months living in Brazil back in my late 20s.

[Richard Ell]

Rick (1)

2 (2)

Want to put more intrigue into my writing….gotta keep ’em hooked throughout….especially first 3 – 5 pages (3)

Been a lotta of places, situations….Huge Experience base. Now, how to ‘cash it in’??? (4)

[Ian Patrick Williams]

Ian Patrick Williams

11 scripts

I’ve written in other genres; time to give this one a try

I’ve been a professional actor for 40 years

[Warren Goldstein]

Warren Dan Goldstein. I’ve been in the music biz originally produced and recorded and help train Andrea McArdle prior to her role as Annie on Broadway. I was only 24! I written five film scripts, two stage plays, produced a stage play prior to the Olympics in L.A. in 1984 which was picked up as a film musical by Universal with completed full recorded soundtrack I composed, but MCA couldn’t guarantee release prior to the Olympics so I chose “instead” to do it live, and to a great L.A. Times review. “Here’s to the Winners has all the elements of good Broadway musical theater.” Majorie Stradinger April 1984. Went to NY Stewart Lane Palace Theater but Broadway went on strike and came back to L.A. I’ve been in numerous films etc. so look at my imdbpro https://pro-labs.imdb.com/name/nm5630218/?ref_=sch_int.

I’ve already had classes taught by Chris Soth, Pilar Allesandra, had film business classes at UCLA in 1980 and have listened and read many of Hal’s topics and presentations which won me over! Seems he has a great “boots on the ground” focus on Thrillers and I need more of his expertise training which I feel from just his intro he will give us. Thanks so much! Warren

[Jennifer Miller]

Hello Warren. I love musicals. And, what an interesting life! I love Annie and I have always wanted to work on a musical. I look forward to learning more about you and your work as we move forward. I am confident we’ll be a supportive community for each other. All the best!

[Hailey(SU04.02.22) Reede]

1. Hi, all! My name is Hailey Reede.

2. I’ve written at least a dozen scripts, some for an upcoming short form comedy series (with a creative/business partner).

3. Creative/business partner and I pitched a thriller to a producer and we are invited to submit the script! And, yikes! We need our script to be the best it can be.

4. I studied biomedical science under the mentorship of a Noble Prize winner – and then went to law school, and have published three novellas.

[Jeff Hall]

1. Jeff Hall

2. approx 10

3. To become a professional script writer.

4. I buy real estate, play guitar, and write songs.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  Jeff Hall.

[Nadia Huckeba]

Hello to everyone, and best wishes on our respective journeys!

1. Hi, I am Nadia Huckeba

2. Writer of a hefty portfolio of some 25 screenplays…5 tv pilots…3 plays…numerous poems…and lastly, a fulfilling and fun untitled children’s novel, impending publishing!

3. Hmmm…The nearly personalized roadmap, through Mr. Croasmun’s guidance to writing an exhaustive, successful Thriller. Of course, to catch the keen eye of an enthusiastic Producer, not knowing he/she’s seeking the story I’ve written, but ultimately can’t stop thinking about it!

<font face=”inherit”>4. We are all unique and special, but, what to say </font>when the evidence of a curse lurks in your shadows? When one’s vulnerability is ever present. But because of one’s faith, has been able to withstand the very situations that leave one scratching their head!

There’s a <font face=”inherit” style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>twist in my world with some serious proof of being cursed…</font>

[Nadia Huckeba]

Hello to everyone, and best wishes on our respective journeys!

1. Hi, I am Nadia Huckeba

2. Writer of a hefty portfolio of some 25 screenplays…5 tv pilots…3 plays…numerous poems…and lastly, a fulfilling and fun untitled children’s book impending publishing!

3. Hmmm…The nearly personalized roadmap, through Mr. Croasmun’s guidance to writing an exhaustive, successful Thriller. Of course, to catch the keen eye of an enthusiastic Producer, not knowing he/she seeking the story I’ve written, but ultimately can’t stop thinking about it!

4. We are all unique and special, but what to say when the evidence of a curse lurks in your shadows? When one’s vulnerability is ever present. But because of one’s faith, has been able to withstand the very situations that leave one scratching their head!

<font face=”inherit”>There’s a twist in my world, with some serious </font>proof of being cursed…

Whom do you trust?

Whom do you suspect?

[Barbara Jacksha]

I’m Barbara Jacksha

I’ve written four scripts, but am primarily a novel writer and poet. My ProSeries script has morphed into a 3 book trilogy that I’m working on now.

I’m here to learn more about adding intrigue, mystery and suspense

Something currently unique: I just broke my collarbone so it is hard to type with my arm in a sling. Expect short answers from me for a while.

[J.R Riddle]

Hi Everyone,

Happy to be involved with you all today. I’ve written 3 scripts and have started another 1/2 dozen that need a push for completion. I’m optimistic that this class may help that initiative. From Las Vegas, NV. I just returned last night from Hollywood and the TCM Classic Film Festival – enjoyed a great many suburb films, listened to the actors, directors and producers discuss what works and doesn’t work. Plus met some very interesting people, including TCM Hosts, Ben M. who had to pull info out of Warren Beatty, and Eddie M. who spoke about fascinating noir films. Excited now to begin fresh, implement some new techniques and ideas from this class.

[Farrin Rosenthal]

Hi all,

My name is Farrin Rosenthal. I’m a professional optioned screenwriter who’s been taking ScreenwritingU classes for years, (lover them!), completed the ProSeries and MasterClass.

I’ve written more than one and less than a million scripts.

What matters more than how many is if I’ve learned and grown as a writer from every script I’ve written and I have.

I specialize in writing comedy, so taking this Thriller class is a thrill which is out of my comfort zone. I came up with a killer thriller concept that I’ve been thinking about a long time, started with an image, and hope to master Thriller writing with this class, then write the best script I’ve ever written.

I’m not sure how much I will do in real time during this class as I’m taking the Writing Incredible Movies class at the same time. If I try to do both at the same time, I fear my head might explode, which is good in a thriller movie, but not in real life.

Something unique about me? In 2013, I was lucky to acquire the last remaining original Jurassic Park Lithograph sets that Universal sold in 1994. I started a website, DinoArtPrints.com and exhibit my Jurassic Park Collectibles at various comic conventions in the Western U.S.

[Alia Munn]

Hi Everyone!

My name is Alia and I had created a series and written the pilot for that some time ago. It had been dropped by our producer and I haven’t written anything since! I have a new series concept that I am working on and have yet to write a script for it – but have taken this class as a way to re-frame my perspective based on the Thriller Map. Grateful to be here and looking forward to delving in! I love to binge-watch series while crocheting rugs and bags out of used tee shirts like a mad woman.

[Jack Sherry]

1. Name Jack Sherry

2. How many scripts you’ve written? 9 Features, 3 Pilots, 5 Shorts

3. What you hope to get out of the class? Turn some of my completed scripts into thrillers

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? Retired Lawyer, been to Russia 11 times, have played the harmonica for 40 years. I produced, then sold 4 shows that aired on Discovery and spent 7 years working on my own time as Associate Producer of The Life and Times of Bobby Jones, which aired on CBS before the Masters Golf Tournament

We look forward to working with you all!

[Isis Richards]

1. ISIS RICHARDS

2. 8 scripts

3. I hope to learn the formula of Thriller Mapping developed by Hal & his colleagues!

4. I have been working in theme park industry for nearly 25 years, from concept thru installation in parks around the globe. I come from a long line of Royal Hawaiian bloodlines on my paternal side. My mother is a psychic, I grew up surrounded by an eclectic group of meta-physicians. I possess & practice several modalities of healing that I freely share with those in need. I have an Andalusian mare, Kentucky Rocky Mountain gelding, 3 Japanese Akita’s 2 are long haired rescues, 4 cool cats & currently feeding a young red stray tabby & her 5, 5-week old kittten’s almost ready for their new homes, hint-hint!

[Bob Onufer]

Bob Onufer

Have written seven screenplays and about a dozen spec teleplays.

Looking to be able to add intrigue and other thriller aspects to all my writing.

Spent three years commuting every week between LA and NY in a bicoastal marriage

[Jean Cinotto]

1. Jean Marie Cinotto

2. 2

3. I want to learn the twists, turns, intrigue and subtext that makes a truly riveting thriller.

4. I’m a flight attendant for a major airline for 43 years, currently flying international. Once was a reporter for a newspaper. I’m a little late in getting started in the class. Just had my first grandson right before the class started so I was busy being Gigi.

[Daniel Turner]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Daniel Turner.

I have written several scripts, a couple of features and shorts.

I hope to learn not just how to write better, but what to write. To learn what makes a script a compelling read.

I was born left handed but I didn’t want to be different and use the special scissors , so I switched and am now right handed.

[Leonard Phillip]

Hi all. Late to the party here. 🙂

I’m Leonard. I’ve written 2 features and 5 short films. I’m hoping to help develop my process creating thrillers.

One unusual thing about me is that I was born where I currently live, but for the first 29 years of my life I lived somewhere else.