Hi folks, I worked in the industry decades ago when I lived in LA, got my Masters in Professional Writing from USC (screenplay) and did all the usual freelancing/script reading/supporting myself with other jobs stuff one does when young. I'll admit I let all those misogynistic voices shut me down (this was the 1980's-90's because strong female leads "didn't sell." I left that work and became a victim advocate at Peace Over Violence (for all you Angelenos who know it). Life brought me to the east coast and eventually a similar job at UVA, where I also taught, and got a PhD. Then I retired, and through happenstance, rediscovered screenwriting! I also rediscovered fantasy fiction.
Most of my writing is not fantasy. I largely want to tell stories that are both personal and political--because to me, even the smallest decision can have political consequences. I'd love to connect with like-minded people. In particular, I'd love some feedback on one screenplay that I'm quite attached to, but I know it needs some work. I would say it's people who are feminist and committed to social justice, who would understand what I'm trying to achieve. And if you're into romantasy, it wouldn't hurt either, although that's not essential. Anybody out there?
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Hi, Claire Kaplan. Glad to see you at Introduce Yourself Weekend. I hope you're having a great year! Welcome back to screenwriting and Fantasy Fiction! I think it's incredible that you became a victim advocate!
Stage 32's next Community Open House will be January 28th. It'll also help you make connections. It's free to sign up for the Open House. You can find out more in today's blog (www.stage32.com/blog/whether-youre-new-or-a-longtime-member-the-stage-32...).
Stage 32 has feedback services I suggest checking out (www.stage32.com/scriptservices).
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Great to have you back, Claire Kaplan. Needless to say, you're in the right place. In addition to all the great information Maurice Vaughan provided, I highly recommend connecting with Geoff and the Development Team at success@stage32.com - They'll be able to point you in the right direction regarding your material.
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Welcome back Claire Kaplan! Your journey is incredibly inspiring—from USC to advocacy, a PhD, and now returning to writing with that wealth of perspective. It’s powerful to hear you’re channeling those personal-political stories now; that conviction is exactly what makes a script stand out. I’d be very interested in reading your attached screenplay. Please feel free to send me a direct message here. I’m certain there are many in this community who share your feminist and social justice lens and would be valuable readers. I'd also love to share this incredible blog about selling! https://www.stage32.com/blog/3012
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Hi Claire, I totally resonate with your story. I currently host a podcast all about romance and romantasy, so I have extensive knowledge of the genre. I offer premium script notes and a live consult from an actor-writer-producer perspective to help projects become market-ready. I'd love to connect and provide feedback.
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Hi Claire, this is really inspiring to read. Thank you for sharing your journey and for coming back to the work with so much clarity and purpose. Your voice and perspective feel especially meaningful, and it’s wonderful to have you here. Wishing you great connections and thoughtful conversations as you dive back in :) And a happy new year!
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Claire Kaplan Welcome! I hope you’re having a great day! Your career and work were very interesting to read about. I’m going to send you a connection request - feel free to reach out anytime to discuss work or just to chat.
Have a good rest of your evening!
Cheers,
Mikey
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Hey Claire Kaplan great to have you back writing! Thankfully the "market" has now come back around on strong female leads and in fact it craves them more than anything! Keep pushing on your romantasy project!