As an indie author who saw her first novel make a brief appearance on the New York Times bestseller list, Debbi Mack never anticipated that the first feature film script she wrote would make the quarterfinals of a major screenwriting contest. With words of encouragement from friends and family, she plunged into the world of screenwriting. Things became serious when she took a course on indie film production. From there, she threw herself into learning everything she could about the creation and sales of screenplays, as well as other aspects of the filmmaking business.
Debbi’s unfortunate tendency to learn through immersion in any activity led her to feel as if she’d been dropped into the ocean with only a paddleboard to keep her afloat. There are numerous moving parts involved in the filmmaking process. And so many opportunities. So many skillsets one can develop. Not to mention the many and varied ways of “breaking into” the business. And Debbi will be the first to tell you that the world of entertainment is a place where initiative tends to be rewarded, and it’s essential to be your own best advocate. So when the opportunity to direct her own short film came along, it seemed like an absolute no-brainer to take advantage. And it only took her 14 years to reach that point.
She’ll be happy to share her story and answer any of your questions!
Zoom link coming soon!
Debbi Mack is the New York Times bestselling author of the Sam McRae and Erica Jensen mystery series, along with two standalone novels and several short stories. Her podcast, the Crime Cafe, in which Debbi interviews other crime, suspense, and thriller authors, just finished its tenth season. Debbi also co-hosts Dark and Twisting Alleys: A Film Noir Podcast with author F.R. Jameson. She has written several short scripts, as well as two feature films adapted from her work, an original feature film screenplay, and pilots for a one-hour crime drama and two half-hour dramedies. She’s currently in pre-production on her first short film.
Website: http://www.debbimack.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbimackwriter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbimacktoo/
DAMAGED GOODS - 2021 Shamus nominee
Free fiction: http://bit.ly/WeeklyRead
Audiobooks: https://bit.ly/DebbisAudiobooks
The Writers Guild of Texas presents Guest Speaker / Program meetings on the 3rd Monday of each month in person at the Richardson Public Library and via Zoom. Visitors are welcome to attend.