Getting notes on a script can feel either “good” or “bad.” “Bad” is when you are hoping for accolades, for someone to tell you it’s really close, and instead you hear that things aren’t working for the reader, they don’t understand things you thought were clear, and they have thoughts — a lot of thoughts! … Read more
One of those days where as you make your commute it is clear you are in the slow lane on the freeway, but you don’t have enough will to change to a faster lane, and you have a feeling there’s a program more to your liking than the one on the radio, but decide it’s … Read more
Happy weekend, Ya’ll! So this week: I got an email from a screenwriting competition — through the Writers Guild, so a pretty good one — saying I had progressed to the next round. Yay. Then I did a pitch for a big job, and I didn’t get it. Sigh. Then I got an email saying … Read more
August 21, 2017 5:40 AM I open my eyes and squint at my glow watch in the dark. 5:40 am. No Paul in the bed. I make my way downstairs to where he sits on the couch with his laptop. “Are you and Mom ready?” “No. Getting ready was supposed to happen after you wake … Read more
I guess I’m posting to this blog, like, once a month now? I started to post earlier this week, but then the post got longer and more involved and I realized it was an essay. So now I have this essay I’m working on. That will take a few weeks, and then maybe I’ll submit … Read more
Our Those People: A Love Story crowdfunding campaign was a success! I’m not supposed to be surprised, but, between you and me, I am a little bit. There were two solid weeks where it wasn’t looking promising… But friends, family and fans came through with cash in spectacular fashion, and now it’s time for me to pony … Read more
Persian people like watermelon. Black people like watermelon. But there’s some history there, and miscommunications can occur, as in this scene where Mehran shows up at brunch to meet Taylor’s family for the first time…
For more than three years, I’ve been working as a co-writer (and reluctant (but proud!) producer) on a script about a black woman and an Iranian man who fall in love, how this affects their relationships with their families, communities, their feelings about religion and themselves. THOSE PEOPLE: A Love Story is a light drama–a love story. … Read more
A few weeks ago, I was delighted to receive an email from Colorado Review inviting me to be on their podcast. They would read one of my short stories from their archives, “Superman Falling,” and then interview about the process of writing the story. The podcast came out this week, here. (Or maybe I can direct to … Read more