I named my story consulting service This Time Next Time after one of the many tools I’ve developed to stay connected to my projects despite the demands of living a life in the so-called real world. More on that here.

More importantly, if you’re here, you probably have an idea you want to bring to life—or maybe you’ve already wrestled it onto the page and are now trying to make it more like what you imagined. Whatever stage you’re at, and whatever your level of experience, I can help you move forward. I invite you to read my testimonials to see what others have said about working with me.

I offer my clients the same deep level of support I provide to creative collaborators, university students, and the talented screenwriters in the Almanack Screenwriters community. My process starts with a lot of listening and thoughtful questions. From there, I share honest, constructive feedback designed to help you realize your goals.

Working with me means collaborating with an actively working writer, someone who has been writing and developing ideas for over 20 years. I’ve written, directed, and/or produced a variety of projects—features, pilots, short films, web series, a musical for the stage - all sorts of stuff - including some (unpublished) fiction and organizational writing in the nonprofit sector. As a creative consultant, I’ve advised novelists, playwrights, graphic novelists, software developers, and of course, screenwriters. I also bring a strong background in education, with degrees in teaching, literature, and writing.

Over many years, I’ve honed my ability to respond to works-in-progress at any stage. If you have a complete or partial manuscript, I’ll provide in-depth notes, including detailed line-by-line comments; if you have the seed of an idea, I’ll work with you to develop it so you can move forward with confidence; if you simply feel the urge to write, I can demystify the writing process and help you explore your creativity freely; for organizations, I help craft simple, compelling, and effective stories and copy.

Below you will find descriptions of my services designed specifically for screenwriters but anyone with writing needs can schedule a free 15–20 minute call to discuss the possibilities. We can work by phone, via Zoom, and when possible in glorious person.

I look forward to hearing from you. Keep at it.

SCREENPLAY CONSULTING

Close Read and Notes Meeting - $675

As a screenplay consultant, I approach every script with the care and focus as if it were my own. I’ve come to realize that I’m a ‘slow reader’—in the best way possible. My development and revision brain is fully engaged as I read, which is why my feedback always includes a mix of detailed and overarching thoughts, questions, and suggestions. Here’s what you can expect:

  • I deeply read and take notes on your screenplay over a 3-4 hour period.  

  • I provide my unique blend of page and line notes, along with 3-4 pages of organized feedback that include specific pitches and actionable suggestions for your revision.  

  • We schedule a 75-minute call to dive into the notes and discuss your script in detail.  Along the way, if you need professional advice, I’m happy to offer it when I can.

What makes my page notes unique? As I read, I insert unfiltered comments, questions, and suggestions directly into your document, creating a live stream of my reactions as a reader. Writers of all levels find it invaluable to see how their story resonates in real-time. My notes are immediate and honest, which means I don’t sugarcoat every observation. While some comments may come across as blunt, this unfiltered approach ensures you get raw, actionable insights to strengthen your script.

My Signature Q&A Creative Consultation -

75 minutes $175

This low stakes session is the result of years spent supporting collaborators, students, friends, and Almanack Screenwriters alumni. During our 75 minutes together, you’ll - simply share your story - simply start talking - while I engage with questions and suggestions rooted in my extensive experience. Expect an organic, conversational process where I’ll occasionally interrupt to probe deeper or offer insights.

Clients, mentees, and friends alike consistently find this approach to be surprisingly effective. It’s a collaborative exploration that often unearths both problems and solutions, providing clarity on the core elements of your story and revealing actionable pathways for your revision process. 

One on One Feature Development - $1200-$1600

(depending on number of sessions)

This 6–8 week program is designed to support you through the process of actively writing a feature screenplay. It includes 6–8 one-hour sessions tailored to your specific needs and the stage of your project. Each writer and story is unique, so this is a fully bespoke experience aimed at maximizing your creative momentum. 

The journey begins with a 30-minute introductory session where we set realistic goals and intentions to guide the development process. My role is to provide targeted feedback and actionable advice to help you stay on track as you write.  As always, if you need professional advice, I’m happy to offer it when I can.

This program is ideal for writers who are in the midst of drafting or preparing to start a feature screenplay—not for those with a completed draft.  

SCREENWRITING WORKSHOPS

Stay tuned for several workshop offerings that will serve writers of all levels and at all stages of project development. These offerings are coming from years of developing and writing screenplays as well as years of writing curriculum for university settings and the popular five week workshop, Screenwriter Sessions, which has featured the most successful screenwriters in the business.