Hello!
I'm not new to writing, but I'm new to Stage 32 and new to screenwriting. I'm the mother of nine children, three of which passed from this earth while still babies/children (13 days, 5 days, 6 years). I've homeschooled my children for twenty-nine years and am on the last leg of the journey, as my youngest turns sixteen in July. My entire family is pursuing creative careers (writing, composing, film-making, acting, music performance, photography, etc.).
I've enjoyed writing most of my life, but due to time constraints (raising/homeschooling children), I only moved it to a potential career path once I was forty. I've written four books (two non-fiction, two fiction) and have been writing screenplays for a couple of years with a few acknowledgments from contests.
It's never too late to pursue anything if you have the will and ability to go for it, and writing a screenplay that makes its way to the screen is a goal I plan to strive for until it happens (or I'm dead.) Impacting hearts and lives with my words has been and always will be important to me. I look forward to meeting people and learning more here. Thanks for reading!
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Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself. So sorry to hear about your kids that passed.
What kind of work do you write?
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You're right, Lynette! It's never too late to follow your passion.
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Hi Lynnette - it’s great to meet you here in the community! I’m the Director of Education here at Stage 32. If I can ever recommend any of our education for you or be of any help on your Stage 32 journey please reach out to me directly at edu@stage32.com. Also, here is a link to the Stage 32 education landing page so you can check out all of the webinars, classes and labs that are your fingertips as a community member: https://www.stage32.com/education
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Thanks for being so open and sharing your story with us Lynnette, luckily you now have the Stage 32 community to keep you motivated and committed to writing. Congrats on your 4 books, by the way!
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I'm a late bloomer too (67, former journalist and copy editor turned screenwriter and film historian), so we may be kindred spirits. I write comedy features, mostly rom-coms, and try to blend a modern-day approach to life with old-school wit. Keep the faith!
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My condolences to you and your family, Lynnette Kraft.
Welcome to the community and screenwriting. Stage 32 has so many resources for screenwriters. One of the best resources on here is the Screenwriting Lounge: www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting
Congratulations on your achievements and hope you find success on here! :D
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Welcome to the Stage 32 community, Lynnette Kraft! We're so excited to have you here!
The best way to network here on Stage 32, is just to put yourself out there by posting, commenting, and connecting with people from all over the world. The most effective networking comes from building genuine relationships over time. A great way to start is by checking out the Authoring and Screenwriting Lounge where you can join discussions, pose questions that you may have, provide advice or insights, and share news/announcements that interest you.
You can find the lounge through the toolbar at the top of your browser window. Simply click on "Lounge", which will direct you to a new page listing all of the current lounges available to you.
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Thanks so much for the warm welcome, everyone! I appreciate all of the encouragement. ☺️
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Stephen Folker My writing is a bit hard to categorize. I tend to write character-driven stories where the protagonist is dealing with some personal complication (phobia, physical/emotional challenge, traumatic life circumstance.) and often takes place in a semi-fantasy world.
However, I am still soul-searching and establishing what I want to communicate as a screenwriter, so expanding my horizons is in the works!
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That's cool! Do you have a favorite movie?
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Stephen Folker Hard to narrow down when you love movies so much, but two of my absolute favorites are: Rocky and Princess Bride. I also love some Woody Allen and Nora Ephron like When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail, Magic in the Moonlight, Hannah and Her Sisters and Blue Jasmine. What about your favorites?
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Lynnette, my "Stand Tall!", while on the surface a somewhat goofy rom-com (Vegas casino waitress is accidentally tripled in size, becomes a showroom icon and falls in love with the scientist whose mishap made her a giant), also examines her internal as well as the obvious external growth and the complications she faces. Now a towering 16-foot-1 1/8 and increasingly comfortable with her size, Colleen Cossitt - physically abused by her ex and consequently unable to have children - could've employed her new power for vengeance. Instead, she decides to "act big" as well as be big, protecting those being bullied. "I look out for the little guy - I once was one myself," she said. "Stand Tall!" doesn't just refer to Colleen's super-stature, but her desire to do the right thing. .. which makes her such a memorable character.
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You're welcome, Lynnette Kraft. "Rocky" is one of my favorite movie series. Have you seen the "Creed" movies?
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You sound like a very interesting person, and I'm looking forward to seeing your work. I recently finished the series Ted Lasso on Apple TV. It was such a heart felt series, showing how one person can make a huge difference in the life of many. I totally loved every minute of it.
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Welcome to Stage 32 Lynnette, lovely to meet you!
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Lynnette Kraft - "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" is my all time favorite movie.
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Stephen Folker I can understand why. I also love that movie!
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Truly a classic. I usually watch it 3-5x a year.
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Maurice - Yes, I'm also a fan of the Creed movies - just watched Creed III for the second time this week!
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I saw "Creed III" too, Lynnette Kraft. I won't give any spoilers. I'll just say the boxing scenes were my favorite parts of the movie.
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Very glad you're with us Lynnette Kraft ! And you are absolutely right. It is NEVER too late to pursue your heart's desires! Welcome to your tribe.