2-minute read time.
I’m excited to share some good news: out of roughly 2,600 writers in the NYC Midnight Screenplay Competition 2020, I placed 11th and received an Honourable Mention. It was a wonderful surprise, and I’m grateful for the recognition.
Looking ahead, I’ve been developing one of my earlier submissions, Light Heart, into an animated short. Animation has a way of bringing a story’s tone and personality to life, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it evolves as the project moves forward.
I’m also considering adapting Sparks Flying either as another animated short or possibly as a children’s story. There’s a playful, imaginative quality to it that feels well‑suited to both formats, so I’m exploring what direction might serve it best.
For those curious about the judges’ feedback on Sparks Flying, here are some of the highlights. They responded well to the atmosphere, the descriptive writing, and the overall charm. The ideas of figments and writer’s block resonated, and the tone came across as warm and engaging.
They also offered thoughtful suggestions for improvement. Strengthening the tension during the scene where Stella and Tabitha try to add sparks to the writer’s tea could raise the stakes. Clarifying the writer’s presence and how it affects the urgency would help, as would making the witches’ stealth a bit more believable. They also recommended increasing the obstacles the characters face and adjusting the final line for a more impactful ending.
A few stylistic notes came up as well, such as establishing earlier that Stella and Tabitha are tiny, and giving Tabitha a bit more personal depth. They also suggested making the idea of “inspiration” more universal so the story stands on its own for a wider audience.
Overall, encouraging feedback that gives me a clear sense of where to focus as I revise.
Thanks for following along on this journey. I’m looking forward to what comes next.
Kristy
