“Stories make us more alive, more human, more courageous, more loving.” —Madeleine L’Engle
The heart of captivating entertainment is Empathy– that ability to see ourselves in the characters and jump on the journey with them. As a screenwriter, I strive to create and adapt stories that build bridges of empathy and understanding between diverse cultures and worldviews.
–jan martinet
Represented by:
Epicenter Literary Agency & Production Company, Allard Cantor
Brendan Buckley’s Universe (Adapted screenplay for the book by Sundee T. Frazier )
Brendan Buckley, a ten-year old, biracial science enthusiast, accidentally meets his white grandpa for the very first time and launches an “investigation” to solve a family mystery—why haven’t they met before
Applause:
- Winner of the 2008 Coretta Scott King / John Steptoe New Talent award (ALA)
- An OPRAH’S Book Club Kids Reading List selection
- One of Bank Street Bookstore’s “40 favorite books from the last 40 years”
Cowboys & Indians (Original Screenplay )
A rodeo star reluctantly travels to India to collect an inheritance, only to be roped into a criminal sting operation, a family he didn’t know existed, and a reckoning with the mother he never knew.
Applause:
- Austin Film Festival: “2nd Rounder”
- Screencraft Fellowship: Quaterfinalist
- Page International Screenwriting Awards: Quarterfinalist
Leaving Iowa (Adapted screenplay for the play by Tim Clue & Spike Manton)
A jaded East Coast writer returns to Iowa and is forced to find a new “perfect resting place” for his father’s ashes prompting a quirky journey towards reconciliation through hilarious and tender family road trip memories.
Applause:
- Premiered at Jeff Daniel’s Purple Rose Theatre near Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Nominated for Best New Play in the country by the Detroit Free Press
- Produced in hundreds of repertory theaters, high schools, colleges and community theaters throughout the US and played to packed audiences and fantastic reviews.
There’s always more in the works…