I started writing screenplays a long time ago. They are a unique animal in the writing world. Very little in the way of description but lots of dialogue and action pushing a plot along. I eventually completed a Certification in Professional Screenwriting Program at the University of Washington. I wrote a beautiful script for a Roman Era fantasy. I won't mention the emperor, as the screenplay is no longer protected under copyright. Shhhhh.
I kept at it. I wrote a screenplay about a modern Wiccan in Seattle. I submitted it to the Cinequest Screenwriter's Competition and placed in the Top Ten. The Director of the film festival told me he would have voted for it if he could. I wrote another about a special ops soldier hiding in the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness. Then I wrote The Last Solo Roller.
As you can see, it's now a novel with four sequels. But, it would never have reached this point had I not gone back to college and gotten a worthless degree. At least, my ex-husband thought it was. I not only got a BA in Communication Studies in 2012, I was having so much fun that I went on and finished the Master's as well two years later.
I studied the ins and outs of interpersonal conflict, conflict communication, how to mediate and negotiate arguments, how to engage in effective public speaking, and how to run a business office efficiently. I learned about dignity and bullying. I learned how to actively listen and promote constructive dialogue.
I developed all the "soft" skills most businesses need to succeed and are seeking these days. But, I'm done with the business world. To be honest, I witnessed and experienced so much verbal abuse in the office setting that it made me anxious to retire. No amount of knowledge as to why that kind of behavior is unacceptable and how to replace it with productive communication would have improved the toxic environments I found myself in.
I am glad beyond glad for the Communication Studies Department at the University of Montana in Missoula. I came to love and now sorely miss all my professors. They all instilled in me a depth of desire to do my best. And they all expected it from me.
My novels reflect my "worthless" education. I don't waste a word. And every one of them participates in a beautiful dance celebrating the glory and power of life and love. Exactly what we all deserve and desire. If we can't have it in the real world, we can at least get lost in a well-written story exemplifying it.
Now, I'd like to get a degree in Law.
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