Open Query Letter

As an educator, I've witnessed many life-changing moments for both children and adults. As a writer, I’ve contemplated their struggles off campus. These stories share the real struggles of being a teacher, administrator, professor, and parent. You'll also learn a little about what I imagine was the experience of past generations, and what I think lies ahead for future generations.

I've lifted the curtain just a little on the world of education and the families of educators. None of the characters are real people, and none of the events actually happened, although a few came very close, but they are all based on a combination of people and experience from my life. 

For example, the inspirational parable about a retiring teacher:

Keepers, 100 pages, was the Winner of the 1st Scene Performance at the WildSound Writing and Film Festival, and Honorable Mention at the Palm Springs Diversity Screenplay Contest.

A disillusioned teacher on the brink of retirement is thrust into a chaotic world of
generational clashes and familial upheavals. As he reconnects with his estranged family, the weight of his past choices and current responsibilities forces him to confront the complexities of forgiveness, accountability, and legacy.

Analysis overall score 8, marketplace score 8 (Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards Diverse Writers Outreach)

 

Or, the love story of a recently widowed public school administrator:


Ed Code, 102 pages, was a Finalist at the Wiki: The World's Fastest Screenplay Competition

When high school administrator Edward Lehrer faces the tragic loss of his wife and daughter in a car accident, he must navigate the complex dynamics of a small-town high school while confronting his own grief and the moral challenges that arise from his choices, all set against the backdrop of escalating student conflicts and personal dilemmas. 

Analysis overall score: 7.7, marketplace score 7 (Wiki: The World's Fastest Screenplay Competition)


And the tale inspired by my own experience during the 1992 Los Angeles uprising:


Get Along, 100 pages, was a Semi Finalist at the Wiki: The World's Fastest Screenplay Competition.


A diverse neighborhood struggles for survival during the 1992 Los Angeles riot, a period marked by intense violence and civil unrest. Nate, a recent graduate of USC, wants to help the community surrounding his family-owned business in South Central by creating a tutoring center for the local students. However, his efforts and best intentions are met with resistance from Tameron, who’s revolutionary spirit challenges Nate to better understand the deeper issues faced by those he endeavors to support. As tension’s rise, Nate’s grandfather frames his ambition by sharing stories of their ancestors' 1880s journey from Prussia to New Mexico. Together, they navigate one of the most significant days in LA history, witnessing firsthand the power of community resilience amidst chaos. A story of empathy overcoming adversity, weaving hope through time and communities.

Analysis overall score 7.5, marketplace score 8 (Wiki: The World's Fastest Screenplay Competition) 

Plus, the shocking episode of the forgetful professor:

Revision, 101 pages, was a Finalist of the Hollywood Screenplay Contest, and a Quarter-Finalist of the Palm Springs International Screenplay Awards & Pitchdeck-Sizzle Reel-Trailer Festival

After a horrific experience during childhood leaves him with PTSD, Arthur tries to lead a normal life but is continually confronted with the trauma that leads him to discover alternatives ways to suppress those feelings. A thriller, romance, and psychological drama set in the early 2010s in Santa Barbara, California. Every writer edits their work, what if you could edit your life? One English professor can do just that. 

Analysis overall score: 5.2, marketplace score 4 (Palm Springs International Screenplay Awards & Pitchdeck-Sizzle Reel-Trailer Festival)

I am seeking representation and I look forward to meeting with you.



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