This month Festival Director Denise Gossett spoke with Janet Loftis, 2009, 2012, 2017, 2018 screenplay finalist and 2015 semi finalist!
DG: What is your name and company URL?
JL: Janet Loftis, writer.
I don’t really have a company/URL, but here are the links to my e-book on Amazon, and my WordPress blog.
http://smile.amazon.com/Skin-Bones-Janet-Loftis-ebook/dp/B00E19DQHA/
https://janetloftis.wordpress.com/
DG: What is your specialty…filmmaking or screenwriting?
JL: screenwriting. preferred format: shorts (for now…)
DG: What are you currently working on?
JL: I’ve just started a new short for Shriekfest 2019 (of course). And I’m in the process of adding a couple of new stories to my horror/dark fantasy collection “Skin & Bones” which currently is only available in e-book format. Once that’s done, I’ll be creating a print option.
DG: Nice! Who do you consider your mentor and why?
JL: I’ve had several over the years, from teachers to friends, and even friends of friends (who I’ve never met in person) who were generous enough to read & critique. And a special nod to my friend, Xina Uhl, who is the one who encouraged me to try e-book sales. We often give each other virtual “kicks-in-the-rear” to get back to work.
DG: That is so important. Why do you think the horror/sci-fi genres have such a large following?
JL: I think horror/sciffi offers the most variety, incorporating every other genre in any combination – where else could you create a story about a time traveling amphibious alien serial killer who falls in love with Rasputin, his next intended victim? Hmm…now there’s an idea I haven’t tried yet.
DG: LOL What do you love most about this business?
JL: I love the family feel, the inclusiveness. I met so many incredibly nice people at Shriekfest who welcomed me with open arms, instantly making me one of their own.
DG: That makes me happy! What do you dislike most about this business?
JL: I’m not sure. Probably the same that others dislike: how hard it is to break in – what does it take to get that one break? that leap from finalist to winner to getting a script made into film?
DG: What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
JL: My last two finalist placements in Shriekfest, especially since, I must confess, I wrote each of those two days before the final deadline.
DG: Wow, that’s impressive! Any advice you’d like to give newbies?
JL: Sit your ass down in a chair, move the cat off the computer keyboard, and write.
DG: LOL Great advice! Anything else you’d like to say?
JL: See you in October!
DG: Thank you It was great chatting!