New Novel: THE TWO SISTERS

My new novel, THE TWO SISTERS, is available for purchase: The Two Sisters by Terri Dawn Arnold. The story has crime, drama, and mystery. Lannie and Kellie suffer from manic depression. They are unable to manage the mental health problem, and clash with university classmates.

Creative Writing: The Mystery, Suspense, Crime Story

I am teaching Creative Writing: The Mystery, Suspense, Crime Story on the Udemy Web site. The course is intended for beginning mystery-suspense-crime writers, literature students, and writers interested in writing thrillers.  In the class I show the creative writing process (plot structure) and how to maintain awareness of the genres of mystery, suspense, and/or crime.

I teach students how to get started by planning the story with an outline and a treatment. During the course, students will write either a novel, teleplay, or screenplay. Since I have written all three, I include instruction for the different formats: novel, teleplay, and screenplay.

When writing a story, research is important and I share the research process I utilized for my crime-drama screenplay, THE TWO SISTERS, which is an independent film I also produced and directed, receiving Best Screenplay award nominations from film festivals.  Overall, the course is for people who enjoy mystery, suspense and crime, and individuals who want to learn the story writing process. For more information and to enroll visit https://www.udemy.com/creative-writing-the-mystery-suspense-crime-story/.

The Two Sisters Screening in Australia

My movie, THE TWO SISTERS (http://www.tdaentertainment.com/The%20Two%20Sisters.htm), has been accepted by the DeReel Independent Film Festival! The screening will be on Saturday, May 9th at 8:30 p.m. in Beaufort, Victoria, Australia. If you are in the area, I hope you can attend (http://www.dereel.com/sessions.htm).

The Entertainment Industry Has Changed

The economy is the cause of some of the changes in entertainment, but not all. I just know that as an independent filmmaker I have to do things differently than I did three years ago. It has always been important to have a good cast and promote projects, but now it is smart to keep the budgets low because distributors are paying less (this is because of the economy) and the World Wide Web exists.

Several famous actors are still becoming independent filmmakers. Several famous producers and directors have done the same. I am noticing that they have chosen to show original programs and movies on the Internet instead of on television or dealing with theatres (http://newteevee.com/2008/08/28/justine-batemans-fm78tv-says-tv-is-dead/). However, DVD is still a preferred choice of distribution. Many are even distributing DVDs themselves.

The Internet has made it possible for audiences to view projects that otherwise would not have been available before. This is good news. Major studios are no longer the sole distributors. Many people are unaware of this and still look for films the traditional way: go to the movie theatre, and then buy the DVD or wait for cable to broadcast them.

In addition, I urge you to go to film festivals and support independent filmmakers. Some of the movies screened at festivals will never be available anywhere else. Very few receive widespread distribution. For example, through my company, TDA Entertainment, I distribute my DVD of THE TWO SISTERS, but if people want to see it in other formats they must be in Australia or New Zealand because those are the countries where it has distribution.

Internet Social Networking

It seems Internet social networking sites are becoming more popular. I am even connected, and have been able to keep up with my busy friends through these sites. If you are on LinkedIn (professional networking), Plaxo, or Facebook you may connect with me so we can keep up with each other as well. Right now I am talking with people about my book, GROWING PAINS – 10 short stories about growing up. Please visit my Web site at http://www.tdaentertainment.com to read descriptions of the stories and see places where you can buy the book. We are also selling THE TWO SISTERS on DVD and via streaming VOD, as well as collectible items. If you are not on any of the above mentioned networking sites, the TDA Entertainment Web site has a Guestbook you may use to post comments.

The Two Sisters

Some friends and people who meet me are surprised I wrote THE TWO SISTERS because they think it is dark. Just today I told someone that my book, GROWING PAINS – 10 short stories about growing up, is totally different from THE TWO SISTERS, so I guess I am just versatile. Storytelling of any kind has always fascinated me; I was the kid in school who loved when the teacher read to the class. I guess that is why I read to my students now.

During the writing process for THE TWO SISTERS, I learned a lot about bipolar disorder, including how it affects people who have it and the people around them from the film's consultant, psychologist Charlotte Houston, Ph.D. Not all bipolar people are violent, but being the reasonable person that I am it made sense to provide a reason for having the two sisters be angry and subconsciously seeking vengeance for how their mother died. Celeste Yarnall, who plays “Nurse Louise,” suggested that I include an illness and she was correct. It made the story more realistic and I received two award nominations for the script. Celeste (http://www.celesteyarnall.com/) used to manage screenwriters, so I kind of thought it would be a good idea to follow her advice.

Thank you for the feedback. I love creativity and embrace the gift I was given. I plan to write many more stories that will intrigue.

Ron Millkie Dedication

My friend, Ron Millkie (http://www.officerdorf.com/), has suggested I start a Blog. As a result, I dedicate this first entry to him. Many of you know Ron is an actor ("Officer Dorf" in FRIDAY THE 13th) and acting instructor.

Ron made an appearance in my first feature film, THE TWO SISTERS. I thought his performance was great, and working with him was a wonderful experience. Ron was extremely professional, and also very humorous. On our day off we even hung out together.

Ron: Thank you for the idea to create this Blog. I will do my best to make it interesting. I hope you and others enjoy reading. Everyone: Please feel free to send comments and/or ask questions.

I hope you are able to check out our movie: THE TWO SISTERS. The DVD is available at IndieFlix (http://www.indieflix.com/FilmDetail.aspx?tid=14652&name=TheTwoSisters) and you can stream it on your computer at Eye Soda (http://www.eyesoda.com/film/8). We definitely need your support, as my production company, TDA Entertainment, is independent. We want to make more great films for you, so please support independent film.