Wow!  It's been so long since I've posted here.  I'm not even sure if I still have my readers around. lol  But in case y'all are still here, check out the link below for my e-book titled LOVELESS.  I hope you enjoy it!

Click Here for my Romance Novel

An excerpt from the book I am currently writing:

He yanked her ponytail, and pulled her to the floor with his hand still gripping her hair.  He dragged her on the carpet, causing the phone receiver to slip from her grasp.  Little did Eddie know, Rebekah was quick on her feet.  Just before Eddie snatched her away from the phone, she dialed 9-1-1 expeditiously in hopes of the operator hearing the commotion in the background.  

EDDIE

Go in your damn room!

REBEKAH

I wanna call my mom.

EDDIE

What the hell did I tell you?

Rebekah manages to escape from his grip and stands up on her feet.  Eddie immediately takes both his hands and wraps them around her neck.  He begins choking her, forcing her to fall on the couch.  Eddie uses all his strength to suffocate her as Rebekah's head is jammed up against the sofa.

Moments later, loud knocks are being heard at the front door.  Eddie looks at the door with sweat beading on his forehead and veins popping from his neck.  The loud knocking is now replaced with banging, causing Eddie to release his hold from Rebekah.  Rebekah runs to the corner of a wall and slides her back on it until she is sitting on the floor.

VOICE OUTSIDE THE DOOR

Police! Open the door!

Eddie furrows his eyebrows as he glares at Rebekah.  He walks to the front door and reluctantly opens it.  Two police officers  barge in and one notices Rebekah crouched over against the wall.

POLICE OFFICER #1

There was an emergency call made.  Ma'am is everything okay?

Rebekah looks over at Eddie who is standing by the other officer.

POLICE OFFICER

Ma'am, you don't have to be afraid to speak.  We're here to protect you.

Eddie scowls at Rebekah as she slowly opens her mouth to speak.

REBEKAH

I, uh-

(TO BE CONTINUED...)

Just wanted to give you a little taste on one of the things I am working on.  I do plan on publishing this book once it's finished, so be on the lookout.  In addition to that, I am working on an outdoor stage play that will take place in October at an amphitheater in Los Angeles.  I am the Head Writer and I'm super excited to be a part of the project!  More details coming soon.  

I am still making time to help other writers.  So keep your requests coming!  I truly do feel blessed to be able to do what I love while assisting others with their stories and ideas!  Everyday I receive inspirational phone notifications and daily devotionals... and just the other day one read, "Your imagination brings great joy to those around you."  I took that as a confirmation that I am definitely doing what I was called to do! 💓

HELPING WRITERS WRITE RIGHT 

Screenwriting 101 Workshop in LA!

I’m really excited about this.  Teaching Screenwriting is a blessing, but teaching it in LA is blessings on top of blessings!  My first workshop (a couple years ago) was in Atlanta and I was able to help out a lot of writers out there.  The industry is still growing in Georgia and I saw a need to use my skill to help inspiring or discouraged writers.  Since then, I have moved back to my hometown, Cali, and have continued my focus on helping other writers.  My plan wasn’t to do workshops out here, because I felt it was a challenge since most writers in LA have honed their skills.  But I continued editing and proofreading scripts.

Suddenly out of nowhere, referrals from LA started contacting me again to help flesh out scripts and write their synopsis.  That’s when I knew that I had been holding myself back since my return to Cali.

... Of course I should have continued instructing workshops... Not only has my knowledge and passion for Screenwriting benefited many writers that have used my services, but I have a strong background to back that up as well.  I have been fortunate to receive reviews from clients that remind me why I started my writing services in the first place.  I am also blessed to have had USC and UCLA professors and alumni educate me during graduate school at California State University, Northridge.  Without a doubt, this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing.  I thank God he has opened up this door for me to hold my workshops in LA, and I'm excited to meet new writers!

If you are interested or know anyone who may benefit from my services, click on the following link:

Screenwriting Workshop Registration

P.S.  Be on the lookout for info about a stage-play I am writing that will be held at an amphitheater in Los Angeles.  Great things happening! 

"Blessed are the vulnerable, they make good writers." - Karen Stiller

A couple of days before I left to work at Sundance Film Festival '18, I went to an amazing meditation event for entrepreneurs.  It challenged me to open up my heart and tear down walls... so I decided to start here on my blog, where I am the most vulnerable.

Some people have quoted that I am one of those strong independent women, that beneath me "lies a broken little girl who had to learn how to get back up and to never depend on anyone."  People who don't know me would never know that, because of either my infectious laugh or my ability to move on so fast.  But that is what makes me such a good writer.  Writing is my escape.  It is how I have opened up my heart without feeling vulnerable.  It is how I heal my scars and my wounds.

"The Story Lives In You"- Sundance 2018

A lot of the people who have hired me to write for them have asked me: how long did it take for me to be such a good writer/storyteller.  I usually say, "I don't know,  I just write from the heart."  But what I really want to say to them is... the many battles I've fought (that my loved ones don't even know about), have made me the writer that I am today.  But my wall has always prevented me from expressing any of that.

So for those people who have asked me, here you go...

"I write about pain because my self-protection stops me from telling mine.  I write about trust because the emotional wall I've built stops me from displaying it.  I write about revenge because Lord knows I'd wreak havoc if I did it myself.  I write about faith because it's what's kept me strong through all the turmoil and pain.  I write about love so I can live vicariously through the characters I create.  And I still write after 23 years, because writing is what saved my life from being in a negative state." - D. Patrice

Now that I've gotten that out, I am ready to start LIVING LESS OUT OF HABIT AND MORE OUT OF INTENT.  As any GREAT WRITER/ENTREPRENEUR should.  It's time to start allowing more doors to open up for me as I tear down those irritating walls.  But make no mistakes; I still won't tolerate any mess! 😉

Nature Has An Amazing Way Of Inspiring The Creative Mind

As I write this, I am in a cabin in Big Bear Lake and I feel very blessed to be surrounded by beauty during my writing retreat.

I had to first feed my muse.  So I went on a hike yesterday (while listening to music through my pink headphones), read some books, and drank plenty of water (because this elevation of 7,500 feet is no joke).  I am in a very peaceful state and all of these activities have given me the fire to produce more inspirational stories.

Before I started this blog, I spent my day writing the last three episodes (including revisions) for the first season of my drama series I've created.  I wish I can be here all week and work on my new novel!

I advise every type of writer to go on a writing retreat, even if it’s your own.  I suggest this especially to the writers who have distractions at home, have writer’s block, or who just can’t find the needed inspiration to get those words rolling.  Prepare yourself with a list of writing tasks before going on your retreat and allow yourself to fully enjoy the environment you’re in.  I promise this will give you more energy to help you write easier, and ideas will just start flowing.

T.N. Suarez said it best, “Creativity bleeds from the pen of inspiration.” 

#PowerOfStory #ArtFilmWeekend

For the past three weeks, I have had the honor and privilege to work with some amazing people at the Sundance Film Festival, and it was a wonderful experience! Within these three weeks, I attended a panel titled, 'Power of Story: Art of Episodic Writing'.  The panelists included Issa Rae (creator of Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl and Insecure), Gina Prince-Bythewood (writer for The hit TV show A Different World as well as writer/director of Love & Basketball, The Secret Life of Bees, and Beyond The Lights), Larry Karaszewski (creator of The People vs. O.J. Simpson), Marti Noxon (writer for shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Grey's Anatomy), and Jill Soloway (creator of Transparent).


This was a panel that was definitely beneficial to any and every writer.  There was also a live stream viewing at the Festival Base Camp for those who couldn't make it into the Egyptian Theatre.  Therefore, anyone interested had the opportunity to hear the discussion on writing unforgettable characters and reaching large audiences in these changing times.


During the discussion, Gina Prince-Bythewood made a comment that I really admired.  She basically said that even though they say to choose your battle... when it comes to your voice... you have to fight every single battle.  I appreciated that advice because your voice is what makes you stand out and what makes your story authentic.  If you let someone change that about you, then (in my opinion) that story is no longer yours.  Let's use Issa Rae for example.  Her voice is bold and honest and represents the side of Black women that we haven't seen since the 90's.  That same voice is what helped her start from her hit webseries on YouTube to eventually creating a hit comedy series on HBO.  She kept her style of writing and her content has made such a huge impact on a large audience.


So with that being said, remember to always keep your voice and if you don't know what that is yet, do what one of the panelists recommended: "Write what you want to see."

As I always say, never give up on this interesting path you have chosen to take... no matter how long it's been.  If it's in your heart and you don't see yourself doing anything else... KEEP WRITING!    

    

Encouraging writers with Kenya Barris, Creator/Writer/Executive Producer of the ABC family sitcom 'Black•ish'...

In my mission to Help Writers Write Right, I have asked Kenya Barris (Creator/Writer/Executive Producer of ‘Black∙ish’ and Co-Writer/Co-Producer of ‘Barbershop 3’) to help me out by answering a few questions that many writers have asked me:

D. Patrice: Thank you so much Kenya for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help me encourage other writers during their journey. 

So, I’ve been meeting a lot of writers who have joined the Web Series community in hopes to get some type of development deal.  Especially after “Money & Violence” on YouTube was picked up by Jay Z’s Tidal.

Kenya:  I think a Web Series is a great opportunity for a Writer or Director to present their voice and find an audience.

D. Patrice: Definitely.  Are there any Web Series that you find yourself watching in your spare time?

Kenya:  I haven't found myself watching many Web Series of late, but I really enjoyed Broad City and I feel that Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, the two stars and creators of the show, did a really good job creating fun and honest characters with a specific voice.  And it's a funny show. 

D. Patrice: Yes, it is funny.  And the fact that it started as a Web Series on YouTube and then was later developed  into a TV show on Comedy Central, with the same main actresses who’ve written a lot of the episodes now for three seasons… that’s pretty damn awesome and inspiring.  It inspires writers and directors to want to keep creating great content.  What do you feel we need more when creating a Web Series?

Kenya:  I think we need more creative people to find their voice. 

D. Patrice: Definitely.  As a writer, your original writing style is what makes you stand out from the many writers who are trying to get produced or published.

I always say that as a writer, when you decide that’s the career path you’re going to take, you really have to put your heart into it and really want it.  We all know it's not easy to get that one door to open up for us.

So, how did that door open up for you? Was it extremely challenging before landing your first writing gig?

Kenya:  I'm not sure my struggle is different than anyone else's.   It's basically about working hard. I started off as a P.A. and managed to work my way up through being an assistant to finally getting staffed. I also think finding a really good mentor to help you navigate through the industry can really be helpful in nurturing your career. 

D. Patrice: Having a mentor really helps.  Or even just words of encouragement or some advice does the trick.  Years back when I first met you, when I was an intern, there was a piece of advice you had given me that I still remember to this day... it helped me as a writer.  There are some writers I work with now who get really disappointed at times and feel like they’re not on the right path.  What advice would you give to a discouraged writer?

Kenya: Read any and everything. Watch movies and TV shows and most importantly write.  I think it's very important to find your voice.

D. Patrice:  Yes!  That’s the best way to master your craft.  So what makes a script good to you?  And what should people avoid when writing one?

Kenya:  I think what makes a script good is when it jumps off the page and you find yourself lost in the world.  I think writers should write what they know, and tell their story from an honest place.

D. Patrice: Okay and last question… what do you look for in a script when reading someone else's work?

Kenya:  Originality.  A voice.  Dialogue that's interesting and unique. 

D. Patrice:  Awesome.  Well thank you so much Kenya and congratulations on all your writing success!

If you would have asked me two weeks ago what's been the highlight of the path I have taken of 'Helping Writers Write Right', I would have told you: the great feedback I've received and especially the feedback from my Screenwriting workshops. Which by the way, the workshops were very successful (I will post the reviews next week). 

But last week, I found someone on social media who I used to mentor (when she was about 17 years old) and what she told me reminded me that no matter how challenging this entrepreneurial life is... I have to keep in mind that you never know who you are inspiring.

"It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness."- Seneca

Last year I decided I no longer wanted to have a personal Facebook account. So I deleted it. A few months ago, I got back on social media for business purposes. When I found the young lady (who is now in her late 20's) she basically told me how she's been looking all over for me because she has decided to write a book, and before I deleted my account I was her inspiration to not give up on her goals. She brought up the conversations we had, when she was a teenager, about her wanting to go to college and she remembered my goals of wanting to be a successful Writer. I was shocked and I found it amazing that she even remembered the discussions we had over 10 years ago. She was looking up to me after all these years and I had no idea. Now I will be editing her book as she writes it and I couldn't be more proud.

Needless to say... that right there would be the highlight! I am so honored to be able to empower others.

2 dates left! First class is on Monday, June 20th. Space is limited and it's almost full... Don't miss out!


To register, click the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screenwriting-101-workshop-tickets-25467376609?aff=eandprexshre&ref=eandprexshre

Also, to check out what's been keeping me busy these past few weeks check out my instagram (@dpwrites), where you will find pictures of the Web Series I am working on. I am responsible for revising the scripts of all 10 episodes. 


Have a great week and... Happy Writing!

Screenwriting 101 Workshop Admission

Happy Monday!!! 

So it's finally official... you can now reserve your spot for one of my one-day workshops by clicking on "Screenwriting 101 Workshop Admission" above.  I am so excited to be able to share my gift with you.  My goal for anyone who attends my workshop is to leave them feeling more confident about their script and great about their skill.

We will go over character development, formatting, structure, and plot. I will also give one-on-one assistance with the outline and the script of your original story.  So make sure to bring your laptop along with your creative thoughts.   I am looking forward to being a part of your amazing journey!


For those who are new to my site, here's some information about me... I have received my Masters Degree in Screenwriting from California State University- Northridge in 2007.  Since then I have worked in Development for Features and TV projects alongside Writers and Producers such as Felicia D. Henderson and Mona Scott Young. I have previously written and directed short films and is currently providing Script Coverage and Script Editing services to Film/TV Writers.  In addition, while attending graduate school at CSUN, I had the privilege to teach two of Professor Eric Edson's (very successful Screenwriter and book author) undergraduate film courses.

If you are ready to go to the next level of Screenwriting, make sure to click the link above.  There are three dates available with limited seats.  So make sure to reserve your spot soon.  See you there! 

Script Coverage... Is It Worth It?

Whenever I receive reviews like these, my heart just melts. If you haven't guessed it by now... being a Script Reader & a Script Editor is more than just a career for me, it's something I am very passionate about.

I know it's not easy being a Writer, it can be very emotional. Sometimes you want to quit, sometimes you don't feel successful, and sometimes (because you may not be trained or you may not know the importance of certain elements) you make mistakes that you don't realize you make until you get that Script Coverage. And most of the time, that (well written) Script Coverage is exactly what you need to get you going.


Knowing all of this, I have to be ready as an Editor or Reader to have difficult discussions. But because my goal is to make sure that Writers feel confident and great about their skill, it comes natural to me. I love being able to share my gift with Writers. And you know what? I am especially excited to be able to share my gift this summer at my Screenwriting workshops that I'll be teaching at Boob Tube Studios. It even has a "Writer's room" feel to it. So not only will it be educational, but it's also going to be epic. Check out the room:

If you would like to find out more information about my Screenwriting 101 workshops, please contact me at https://www.facebook.com/WriteMePink or you can find me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dpwrites.

And as always, feel free to leave a comment or contact me via Facebook or Instagram if you would like to inquire about my script coverage, script editing or proofreading services.


Have a great week... and HAPPY WRITING!!!!

I meant to write this sooner, but these past couple of weeks have been filled with meetings, writing script coverage for feature length scripts, proofreading scripts, and a few days of being a Scripty on an independent production.  But I wouldn't have it any other way! I'm so thankful for the opportunities. 

(where all the magic takes place ;)

One thing that I love about being a Script Supervisor is that I get to utilize my keen eye for detail in an environment that I consider home... #setlife.   When you are passionate about your craft, like I am, you aim for perfection by all means necessary... even when we know nothing is perfect.  ;) I believe that's why my clients who have used my Script Editing and Script Coverage Services keep coming back for more.  Because it's evident that I want their scripts to be perfect and I want them to believe in their skills as much as I do with mine.

Additionally, my 10 years of Production experience in California has really helped me identify the do's and don't s in this industry and specifically what is expected on any set from a Script Supervisor and from a production as a whole.  Right now, I am in Atlanta where film and tv is still growing and I am so excited to see where it will be in the next few years.  

I appreciate the young filmmakers who are making a way for themselves in this industry and taking advantage of the platforms we have now.  I recently worked with a couple of awesome Production Assistants who found my job to be very interesting.  I admired their curiosity to know what exactly it was that I was writing in my script daily logs and also the notes on my scripts.  I excitingly shared my knowledge with them in hopes of them becoming the awesome filmmakers they aspire to be.  I remember how challenging it was as a PA to get some one-on-one time with some of the crew I worked with.  I look back and laugh at how I used to run around like a chicken with his head cut off, just so that I could perform my PA duties while at the same time finding ways to shadow Directors, Scripties, etc.  So it's only right for me to turn around and help those willing to learn.

Speaking of "willing to learn"... I will be teaching Screenwriting 101 this summer and I am super excited about it.  I love love love helping my fellow Writers! As soon as everything is finalized, I will post the details.

In the meantime, here are some tips for those who are looking into Script Supervising:

1. Sit down with the Director beforehand to establish the communication that is expected by each party during production.  Communication is key.

2. If anything doesn't look right, remember (no matter what) the continuity falls on you and your name is attached to the project.

3. Writers have different styles of writing.  So read the script(s) way ahead of time, in case you have to meticulously break-down the script.  This is important so that you and the Editor will clearly understand what you are logging.

Have an awesome week... and HAPPY WRITING!!

To help start off your week, I’ve added some writing quotes below that I have found to be very motivating over the years.  A couple of them I recently found, and hopefully they can encourage my fellow writers who may have some difficulty writing. :)

But before I get to that… if you’ve checked out my Instagram, then you may know that I assisted adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities for 4 years.   They have a special place in my heart and I want to do all I can to spread the word about April being Autism Awareness Month.  If you would like to support, make sure to rock the color blue and research the facts about Autism.  Many people don’t know that Autism impacts 1 in every 68.  And like I wrote on my Instagram, it doesn’t mean someone with Autism doesn’t have abilities… it just means they learn things differently and they should still be accepted in society just like anyone else.  #LightItUpBlue!

 #AutismAwarenessMonth on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Have a great day y'all, and be on the look out for my next blog when I share my Script Supervisor experience (with helpful tips for Writers who plan to shoot their scripts) on a new Web Series I am working on this week.  Stay tuned!

“If you wait for inspiration to write, you’re not a Writer, you’re a Waiter.” – Dan Poynter

“You don’t start off writing good stuff.  You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it.  That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.” – Octavia Butler

 “The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.” – Maya Angelou

“You fail only if you stop writing.” – Ray Bradbury

Happy Spring Writing! 

  

I think most Writers would agree that we all pretty much have the same goal: for our hard work and creative talent to be published, sold, filmed, or heard.  But what makes our individual goals unique are the different paths we have taken that has led us to proclaim, “I want to write” or “I AM a Writer.” 

Just this past week, I met a Screenwriter who needed me to edit her script.  I read it, and I thought the story line and the characters were simply amazing.  After finding out the story was written based on some of the Writer’s past experiences, I became intrigued and asked her if she wouldn’t mind sharing her full background with me.  What she disclosed to me was so powerful, and I commended her for the strength she had to create a story from her past situations.  She gained a reward from it.  Which is, she is finally being heard and getting her power back.  Since the day she made the decision to write, many doors have opened up for her.  And we Writers know how difficult it can be to make a career out of our passion.

    

So I say all that to say… My fellow Writers, if you ever feel like quitting on your dream, I want you to pause that thought and start thinking about why you started writing in the first place.  DON’T GIVE UP!  If you work hard at it, SOMETHING will come from it.  Whether it is something monetary or spiritual, your determination will be rewarded. 

I started writing over 20 years ago.  It was therapeutic for me.  It was the only way I could vent or release the pain I was secretly going through at the time.  Eventually, writing became a habit.  I wrote to live.  The first script I ever read was an episode of Family Matters.

This week has been very exciting for me.

I went to a BWFN event in Atlanta and met some very creative women. I am enthused about working with the Writers I connected with that evening... they are so dope.

Also, I received some great reviews from my clients, this past week. You can check them out on my new instagram: www.instagram.com/dpwrites. One was from a Web Series Creator that I have been so blessed to work with as a Script Supervisor. His episodes are so much fun! I enjoy reading his scripts and making sure the continuity is on point. I also received a review from a new client who is a Screenwriter. I am now her official Script Consultant and I am grateful for her sharing my company's info on her Facebook and on her Twitter page! Thanks Ms. Lewis! 😊 😊 Keep writing those great stories!

Oh and btw, I started a Facebook page for my company Write Me Pink Productions. Please feel free to check it out! 😊 And it would be so kind of you to like the page and share it with your friends.

Last but certainly not least, I have made more new clients this past week. I've been on my grind promoting my services, and the reward from it is more opportunities given to me so that I can continue Helping Writers Write Right! ❤❤❤ I really love what I do and I am excited about what the future holds for Write Me Pink!

Before you leave, check out this old review I received when I first started my business #IamGreatAtWhatIdo...

If you are looking for someone who has an excellent reputation for conscientiousness and precision, then look no further!


I have been providing script coverage and proofreading services to Film/Television Writers since 2008. As one of my clients has stated, I “have an incredible gift that has helped Writers deliver outlines, treatments, and screenplays (to networks and studios) with a great deal of confidence about their level of professionalism.”


I welcome and value constructive feedback from my clients. Which, many have stated they “appreciate my quick turnarounds, competitive prices and useful feedback on structure, format and plot.”