Interviews

The Spec Script Library

Screenwriter : Terri Reid

Terri lives in Lena, Illinois.
She used to live in Chicago but wanted a slower paced, small town atmosphere. Now she has five acres, an old farmhouse
and lots of green.

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What is your passion?

I suppose my writing is my passion - it's there all the time -
new ideas for stories/scripts coming from
innocuous comments.

What is your pride?

My children.

What is your greatest fear?

That someone I love will be hurt.

What does adversity do to you?

Adversity is the refiner's fire - it makes me stronger.

What is your best quality?

I am compassionate and empathetic.

What is your worst quality?

I really like to be in control.

What irksome habits do you have?

Why none - I'm practically perfect, just like Mary Poppins.
Actually, I worry too much, something my children
readily point out.

If you could have your time again, what would you do that is different?

Nothing - I like where I am and what I've done.

What would you like to change about yourself?

I'd like to be a little more disciplined and a little more organized.

About others?

I'd like people (gross generalization) to be a little more patient.

How important is goal setting to you?

Very!!! Especially in this business,
where you don't have someone else setting deadlines
for you.

What goals do you have?

I want to sell a screenplay
before I'm forty - nope, I'm not going to tell you how far away that is!!!
This year, on January 1st, my husband and I sat down and listed all the things
we wanted to accomplish and how we planned on doing them (short term and long term goals). Then we prayed about it and worked as hard as we could
to make them happen. It worked!!! This has been an amazing year for us.

What is your ultimate goal?

If you're talking about spiritual things,
I'd say to make it through this mortal test and live with my family forever.
If you're talking about my down-to-earth ultimate goal - it's to be
very satisfied with who I am and the work I do. To be able, when I'm 90,
to look back on my life and sigh contentedly and say,
"Yep, I'd did pretty good after all."

What heroes do you have?

My mother is one of my heros.
Steven Speilberg, Ronnie Howard, Mel Gibson - not for the monetary success they've made, but because they stuck to their values and didn't let the money
get in the way.

What inspires you in others?

Perserverance,
hard-work, determination, and being true to yourself.
And being a nice person to everyone -
not just the important people.

What inspires you in yourself?

Faith.
I am sometimes amazed at the things I've accomplished so far -
and I know there are many more amazing things out there. But, it's like
I'm just along for the ride. I have a great deal of faith that Heavenly Father
will lead me to where I'm supposed to be. Of course, I sure better be pulling
my weight along the trail.

What will be written on your headstone?

Beloved mother, understanding wife, good friend.

What does success mean to you?

Ultimate success is being able to do what I want to do
because I want to do it.

How do you measure success?

Not in dollars -
although I admit money is a very usful commodity. You measure success
in what you can do to help change the lives of those around you for the better. And, for writers, hwo your work can influence the lives of others for good.
(Not some big - "I'm going to change the world" deal. No, much simpler.
Can I make this person think about how lucky they are? Or can I make
this person smile? or cry? or squeeze his sweetheart's hand
a little tighter?)

What are your pet hates?

Hate is such a strong word.
I don't like people who are cruel. I could do without those who try to intimidate others through force. And I think that there is a special hell for those who
abuse children and other things weaker than they.

What are your pet loves?

I love sunshine, birds singing, the smell of the dirt after it rains,
a really good rootbeer float, kittens, baby animals, my children's knock-knock jokes, hot oatmeal cookies, cookie dough (oh, I knw we're not supposed too -
but I still snitch some), I guess I could go on forever - but you get the idea,
I hope.

What do you think of pets?

I think everyone should have several.

When are you happiest?

When the bills are paid and there's still more in the checking account.

When are you hardest to please?

When the something has to do with my children.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

In high school when I was a freshman, I slipped on the ice
and fell right in front of this really cute senior.

What's the most exhilarating thing you have done?

Other than giving birth to my children - helping a ewe give birth to a lamb
that was turned the wrong way in the birth canal. I was so glad I had finished "All Creatures Great and Small!"

What is it about screen writing that gets your fired?

Being able to put all the pictures I have in my head down on paper.

What screenplays have you written?

The Girlfriend, Quest of the Heart

What is your favorite pastime?

Doing things with my family.

What is your favorite motto?

If you think you can - you can!

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If you would like to contact Terri
please mail her

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