L.A. Nerd

About two years ago I was lying on my mother’s couch, a bowl of nacho’s and a box of tissues in front of me.

I didn’t know what the fuck I was doing. I was post-break-up sad. I missed having a partner, yet was rejoicing at being single at the same time.

I hated living with my mum, yet enjoyed the comfort of knowing someone who cared was around.

I had no idea of my next move. I wanted to get away. I wanted to start my life again doing something that was leading somewhere I actually wanted to be.

**

In an attempt to make myself feel better I was renting a romantic comedy movie every night. Listening to the DVD commentary of “Catch and Release,” I heard an interview by Kevin Smith with the lady below – writer / director, Susannah Grant.


She said she started screenwriting classes at 28. She said she had tried and failed in the past. She said she was feeling lost, before hand too. I related to her.

A little voice inside me said… "She started at my age! I can do this! I CAN DO THIS!" (or at least I want to do this, and as long as I try I won’t have any regrets.)

Susannah now has an oscar for writing Erin Brockovich and her other credits include: 28 Days, In Her Shoes, Charlotte’s Web and the Soloist. Wow.

This week at my latest nerd convention (LA Screen Writing Expo), I saw her speak. I shamefully waited around afterwards to thank her. I wanted to yell - “YOU’RE the reason why I’m here!!! – doing this!” But she didn’t get why people were treating her like a rock star, so I just mumbled something about 'DVD commentary - inspiring… what ever.’ And she graciously posed in a pic with me and my NY mate, Bee.


I will never wash my right shoulder again. I'm so happy.