Look and Listen

Biography

Born and raised in Arlington, MA, by a New England father and Italian mother. That means I'm very emotional, but I never show it! I spent every summer of my childhood on Martha’s Vineyard Island, a place still near and dear to my heart. It’s also provided plenty of story ideas. Now live in Orlando, Florida and work as a Civil Engineer by day. At night I slip into my secret identity as a writer and filmmaker. I've written three novels - a murder mystery and the other two the first in a young adult series along the lines of Harry Potter, only they're sci-fi. Had an agent for the murder mystery, but we parted ways a few months ago. The first book in the sci-fi series is about to be published by Amira Press. I’m more than willing to help others, either by reading and reviewing their script/outline or brainstorming ideas etc. I love good comedy and good sci-fi. The Marx Brothers were a big influence on my childhood; I always wanted to be like Groucho. I’m also not so egotistical to think I know all there is about storytelling; I look forward to learning as much as I can from other members. My first script - Wiccans Lair - was made into a motion picture by a local Indi Company, PC Productions, Inc. We’re currently trying to get distribution for it. Although no interest yet, a representative for 20th Century Fox called it “engrossing and well made.” I was also the Head Writer for a TV show produced by PC Productions called “The Green Room,” which played – briefly – in central Florida. I've written close to a dozen other screenplays and am trying to get an agent or company interested in optioning them. They run the gamut from romantic comedies to horror to sci-fi to family-friendly comedies. I’ve got another half dozen outlined, just looking for the time to work on them. I’m married with one child, daughter age 15, which explains my interest in stories with strong females. Most of my scripts feature women and/or girls as the main characters. I met my wife doing community theatre and we had a theatre-theme wedding. I’ve been active in theatre since early childhood and couldn't begin to list all the shows I've worked on or been in! I wrote a few one-acts in college that I put on with a little help from my friends.

Inspiration

My writing has come from a number of places. Memories of my childhood on Martha's Vineyard, a desire to give my daughter positive role-models, and just about any poorly done story that made me think: "I could do better than that!" Also, I'm a sucker for an underdog and always looking to help one overcome an obstacle.