Hurrah for Indie Films! See Beasts of the Southern Wild

Not just because I was born in New Orleans, I was bowled over by the new indie film, Beasts of the Southern Wild. This first time filmmaker created a dramatic film unlike anything made before. Intense, it transcended tragedy by adding a mythic dimension to a very human story – providing a catharsis for the audience. This is what Shakespeare and the Greeks did so that a tragedy is raised to a transcendent experience.  More and more, I am convinced that the rise of independent filmmakers will save cinema. Don’t miss Beasts of the Southern Wild.

It’s been a busy yet productive time. August I was teaching a 5-day Way of Story at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA, and was taken by surprise when awarded an outstanding teaching award. They call it the Esalen Oscar and it’s a statue of the famous Red Woman statue there.  It was a great group of students, all ages and backgrounds, and, as always, I learn teaching them.One of my students was a descendent of William Shakespeare and yes, that’s his last name!

Completing the new book now, Heal Your Self with Writing. My publisher tells me it will be available in bookstores or www.amazon.com by August 2013.

My twelfth year as final judge for the Ojai Film Festival (10/25-28) in Ojai, CA.

The festival’s theme is “The triumph of the human spirit through films.” so no excessive violent action movies here. It’s an international film festival for short and feature documentaries and dramatic films. Also animated films, short and long.

www.ojaifilmfestival.org      Oct 25-28, 2012

Family visits occupied late August and early Sept. Then Sept 15, I taught a 1-day Saturday workshop in Ojai. (I do this every six months with small groups so next one is Feb or March 2013.) Some students like to return (for inspiration and a jump start) so I mix new students with returning ones.

Schedule for 2013 will let you know when workshops are. Meanwhile there are 3 online courses available: www.wayofstory.com

Just completed an article, Visioning Your Story, and as soon as the magazine sends me a link, I will put it up here so you can read it.

Writing, like life, is a process. I have learned to honor the process, and after writing professionally (plays, screenplays, books, stories) for thirty-four years, I can say with gratitude that what I honor has honored me as well!

Keep writing. Write in order to know yourself!