Hi all, I am not an actor, a film producer or a screenwriter. I am just a 73-year-old great-grandmother who had a dream, to write a book and maybe one day see it become a movie or a documentary or TV series. We can all dream…right? A friend told me about Stage 32, so I joined and have found it very helpful. I will ask for help with a screenplay soon. But for now, I am enjoying reading all your comments.
I've lived a life that's been nothing short of extraordinary, and I've always dreamed of sharing my story. It wasn't easy, mind you—I'm no scholar—but I never let go of that dream.
You would not believe the journey I've been on! With limited schooling, it took me over 30 years to jot down my amazing memories and another 12 to 14 years to get it published. But guess what? I never gave up!
My life was no walk in the park. Travelling on a ship from Cyprus that nearly took my life and my mother's. Growing up, I travelled all over Australia with my dad, who was a real character. He was a barber, a chef, a medium, a con artist but above all he was a lovable larrikin. He taught me how to be street smart, to love, gamble, run a business, hunt, and fish - an education no classroom could provide.
How I survived some of the hair-raising dangerous situations I was exposed to is a miracle in itself.
At only 13, I was pulled out of school. By 15, I was engaged, and by 16, I was married. At 17 I became a mother. A war and the traumatic birth of my second child, only made me stronger.
When we were evacuated to London, my family and I spent two long harrowing years, trying to return to our Aussie home. When we finally got back, I faced my biggest challenge yet: saving my son from an evil spirit.
My book, "Like a Dandelion in the Wind," is part memoir, part unbelievable adventure. Those who read my book laugh, cry, are amazed, shocked, and maybe even a little scared! as they travel across three counties with me and my incredible journey.
Apologies for the long post
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Wow! A life made for the big screen, Andrea. IP is being sought by a lot of companies you can find listed here at 32, ISA, etc.... Cheers, Matt
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Wow! Your life story would make a great film and I am a scriptwriter. Let`s talk.....
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Andrea Johns Hi, and great to meet you. What an introduction! What a life! Feel free to reach out with any questions.
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Thank you all for your lovely comments,much appreciated
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Your life has been extraordinary, Andrea Johns! When you're ready to ask for help with the screenplay, let the Stage 32 Team (www.stage32.com/team) or Lounge Moderators know. We'll let you know which resources to use.
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You can do it Andrea! i am too!
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Maurice Morgan...thank you i will indeed.
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You're welcome, Andrea Johns.
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You can do it, Andrea. As Rodgers and Hammerstein said, "If you don't have a dream, how are you gonna have a dream come true?" I became an attorney at 55 and practiced for 22 years, published my first novel at 75, and now dream of having my current crime-solving series become a streaming series.
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Judith Erwin It's only around 10 am on the East Coast and that's the second "South Pacific" reference I've read today and I've gone at least 40 years hearing no "South Pacific" references at all! LOL.
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Judith Erwin, thank you. Your words of encouragement give me hope. Bless <3
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Congratulations on your book Andrea! I love your story.
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Your story sounds both amazing and inspiring! Congratulations on your book!
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Wonderful post and story, Andrea! Congratulations on your book!
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Thanks for sharing your story.
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Thank you all for the lovely comments <3
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Welcome, Andrea. Thanks for sharing. Here if you ever want to talk more about your writing.
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You're welcome, Andrea Johns.