45 Seconds of Fame

All writers secretly live for praise–any degree of affirmation that we’re not wasting our time. That what we do really matters to someone. You never know exactly when or where you’ll come across an encouraging word. I found this video simply because from time to time, I Google myself to see what’s being written about me.

I have a script I wrote, something I really like. “Mrs. Strissel and The Dogs” is a family drama set in 1964, inspired by a true story. An elderly woman, a so-called spinster, dies and leaves instructions in her Will for her two beloved German Shepherds to be euthanized because she’s worried that no one will care for them.

Connie Strissel, who runs the local boarding kennel, is shocked at the decision and refuses to surrender the dogs. Instead she mounts a court challenge to try and spare their lives. It took me awhile to get this story on paper and the script has done OK in competitive screenwriting contests. Chances of it ever being produced are minimal, but that’s not why I write.

But how wonderful to come across this video on Youtube, posted by a Scriptmatix judge and read the script and shared his reaction online. I guess you’d call this my 45 seconds of fame, but it thrills me to hear his words, his enthusiasm, and it makes me want to continue.