Screenplays

Title: Loon

Genre: Thriller

Format: Screenplay and novella (35,000 words)

Year(s) written: Screenplay (1999/2000) / novella (2010)

Genre: Thriller / Small-town horror

Theme(s): The unbreakable bond of brotherhood; you can never escape your past

History: The screenplay has been options twice (2005/2006) by a small independent producer. My agent who handled the options was Susan Schulman.

When the screenplay was no longer under option, it garnered interest from a major studio. I had several discussions about the script with a person who wanted me to rewrite to make the story about child sexual abuse, already a minor theme. I said I would never do that and the conversations ended.

It was this experience that made me want to turn it into a book.

Synopsis:

Set in the untamed woods of Northern Maine, "Loon" tells the story of Martin, a wayward loner who returns to his secluded hometown after his parents' mysterious murder.  Martin is greeted with a much anticipated—and deeply embedded—resistance from the local townspeople. 

Though many years have passed—little has changed. Martin’s man-child brother Francis, now nearing 30 and a ward of the state, is the one and only living person that matters to Martin.

Knowing this, certain locals are willing to barter with Martin, though only in their own favor.

Among them is the town Sheriff, who not only oversees the local “law,” but adjusts it to his own agenda. Martin's arrival jostles a buried secret the two have shared from long ago. His wife Maggie is the head social worker who has a deep affection—if not obsession—with Francis, her guilt over his childhood injury forces her into a penance-like devotion that heals her deep, painful shame. 

And then there's Annie, Martin's high school flame, the love for whom has cost Martin any semblance of a normal life. But now, as far as Martin’s concerned, it's time for her to come clean on a childhood pact, one that could save Martin and ruin Annie -- especially in the eyes of the father of her newborn baby.

It's "In the Bedroom" meets "Of Mice and Men", as Martin attempts to approach adversity with strength and resilience, to assure the well-being of his helpless brother, and start his life anew.  But through Martin's mistrials and misgivings, it's his truthfulness the people of Cypress, Maine strive to quiet, and do so by framing Martin for his parents' demise. When he discovers the real murderer is actually too close to home, Martin devises a plan that will assure he and Francis a brand new beginning.

Title: The Sweets

Genre: Heartwarming Comedy

Style:

Year(s) written: 2005

It’s a little bit like…:

 Inspiration:

Synopsis: