Introduce Yourself : No more OTR! by Ca Melo

Ca Melo

No more OTR!

Hello everyone. My name is Cornelius and I'm a screenwriter in Florida. My favorite genres are horror, thriller, drama and comedy. I first joined Stage 32 from behind the "lines" in 2021. I was not out of the storm but I could see the sunlight in the background. I started driving a Semi tractor trailer shortly after signing up for the platform. Unfortunately, it took me away from the craft that I love.

I would spend weeks at a time on the road at a time with about 45 K pounds of cargo in my trailer. On the interstate I didn't have any Wi-fi. It was only accessed at the truck stop or McDonald's. When my federally mandated time would call for me to shut down, I would scramble to get some things done and then take a nap. Many times I would have to pull over on the side of the road to sleep if there was no room at the Truck Stop or Rest Area.

But recently I walked away from the OTR and sought a local position. That way I can focus more on my writings and less on the road. I had to delete my first account with a lot of you on my network because somehow cyberthieves were able to steal my information and my accounts were compromised. (But the bank put it back). Praise God. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to interacting with you all again and I wish you all the best.

Abdallah Saleh

I used to drive trucks but did very little over the road. Can attest how hard it is to find time to write either way so I have tremendous respect for anyone who does it. Good luck and take care

Maurice Vaughan

Great to meet you, Ca Melo. When I read your post, I thought, "This could be a movie." Sorry to hear your information was stolen, but I'm glad you got your money back.

Ca Melo

Thank you both for your support. You make the community what it is.

Shellie Schmals

Hi Cornelius, so nice to meet you! And what a time you've had - identity theft is awful, I've had my cc numbers stolen before and it's such a hassle. Happy to hear you are on the other side of it! And being creative again! Any inspiration from your days in the truck?

Ca Melo

Hi Shellie ; Thank you for your support. Being the victim of identity theft is horrible. You literally have to fight with the creditors to prove that it wasn't you. I did that with a credit card company and they turned around and sent me the bill. I was like, excuse me. I'm the victim. Anyway, sent the story up to the executive VP and he forwarded it to their advocacy dept. And in three weeks it was resolved. Praise God. But I didn't find any inspiration. Most of my down time I was just trying to shower,, eat and sleep. Finding a place to park can be a beast.

Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, Ca Melo. Glad you're in the community.

Ca Melo

Thank you. I've got a action/comedy that's got more kick than a Bruce Lee flick. Do you know anyone that's interested?

Maurice Vaughan

"more kick than a Bruce Lee flick." Haha I don't know anyone who's looking for an Action/Comedy, but if I hear anything, I'll let you know, Ca Melo.

Karin Knebl

Hi Cornelius! It sounds like you’ve shifted things in your life to follow your dream. It’s not always easy but you are doing it!!

Ca Melo

Thanks guys! It takes Patience, Persistence and Perseverance.

Maria Teresa

Hi Cornellus, you have been thru a lot, but the important thing is to stay on track. You found it!

I am an actress of stage, film, v.o. and playwright. If casting, think of me. Thank you. Take care!

Ca Melo

Hi Teresa.

Nice to meet you. And I certainly will stay on track. Writing screenplays to me is like writing music. You have to know what your audience wants. And once you figure that out, give it to them. One of the most important things that I found out as a writer is that "EVERYONE" wants to laugh. And all of us were "hand crafted" by G-d with a built in faculty to laugh. Laughter is so powerful that it brings healing and relief to a depressed soul. Laughter is good. It's a GIFT!

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