Welcome to my universe of words..."Affection is the last and final and most precious reward than any man can win, whether by character or achievement." -- Mark Twain I feel that teaching and helping other writers is a path God chose for me while I made other plans. Here's something 2008 Austin Film Festival screenplay competition winner Anita Skibski said about my help: Dear Skip, I was thinking about you on the plane home last night... I was remembering how you were the FIRST professional I sent the script to for coverage, and how much you helped me. Your comments were right on the money, and I can honestly say that MINE hasn't changed much since that first, post-Skip rewrite. :) ... When I come out to LA again, I'd like to take you to lunch. Pick somewhere swanky. I began teaching at UCLA Extension Writers Program in 1992 with "How To Write What You Want & Sell What You Write" - that became my first writing book. The latest edition was published by Barnes & Noble Books in 2005. The little book that won't quit! It's helped a lot of people get book deals. Three editions of my "Writer's Guide to Hollywood Producers, Directors and Screenwriters' Agents" put me in touch with aspiring writers all over the world. A better book called "The Ultimate Writer's Guide to Hollywood" debuted November 2004 from Barnes & Noble Books. My "Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting" became a best-seller also available in Russian, and in 2008 became available in a revised English language third edition. There is an electronic version available also. See the "Works" page. Giving Hollywood advice led to being asked to develop the "Your Screenwriting Career" course. I have other courses available on marketing and on turning a screenplay into a novel. See the Services page for more info. I believe everyone should be able to write well. Literate people tend to be more sane. If you need my help let me know. Good writing and good times with good people floats my boat. Need a ghostwriter or someone to edit your manuscript and help market your work? I ghost-wrote Joe Brown's "How a Shy Guy Like Me Earned Over $1 Million in Network Marketing" and it rose to #1 in its category on Amazon.com. My latest book is the autobiography of legendary singer Patti Page, covering her 80 years of life (so far) and 65-year amazing career that's still going strong. It takes a professional approach to get a book, novel, or screenplay in shape. I have to like the project and the person; but I generally like most people, so get in touch.  In my office by a poster of "Street Song" - one of my earliest scripts that might still make a decent film. 2008 has been the busiest year of my life, with three original television shows in play with major people, a movie I'm helping rewrite that was the last script by an Oscar winner, and the biographies of three music legends (one being published, another sold, and the other up for sale). I arranged a sale of the first book in five years for a New York Times best-seller but she blew the deal. We keep learning... And then there's the demands of being a father of teenagers. I hope to get some rest in December, but not until I write something for you! My prices are explained on the Services page. When people work with me, they're getting a pro 20 years into a career. I've made money with plays, books, novels, articles, videos, scripts and just about any other kind of creative writing you can name. I've put on conventions, spoken all over the U.S. and much more. About Paypal: You can pay with any credit card or debit card. If you are not a member, however, I can send you an invoice and you just follow the links to pay. I'm also old-fashioned; I'll take a check or even an occasional barter! I've used PayPal for years to accept money from all over the world, with never a snag on my end. The site is owned by eBay. Never give up on your greatest dreams"Heaven, when it is about to place a great responsibility on a man, always first tests his resolution, wears out his sinews and bones with toil, exposes his body to starvation, subjects him to extreme poverty, frustrates his efforts so as to stimulate his mind, toughens his nature and makes good his deficiencies. Men for the most part can mend their ways only after they make mistakes. Only when they are frustrated in mind and in their deliberations can they stand up anew. Only when their intentions become visible on their countenances and audible in their voices can they be understood by others. As a rule, a state without law–abiding families and trustworthy Gentlemen on the one hand, and, on the other, without the threat of external aggression, will perish. Only then do we realize that anxiety and distress lead to life and that ease and comfort end in death." Chinese philosopher Mencius, Book VI Kao Tzu, Part II, 15 |
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