Welcome to the March newsletter for Jen Grisanti Consultancy Inc. The goal of the storyteller is to tap into the truth of the emotions inherent in the story that is being told. How do you find the truth? Through the telling of the story, you learn how to reveal it. Emotions are the key to connecting your audience to your vision. Learning how to mine your own emotions and extract them from your life experience takes tremendous courage, wisdom and strength but it will add a layer to your story that reveals how you feel, connects you to your audience and transforms a tale into a truth. For more, go to my BLOG.
My Past Blogs for The Huffington Post
RECENT MEDIA CNN Cover Story (Mentions "Story Line" in a quote I gave.) Script Magazine Interview (Interviewed by Chad Gervich) Newsweek Magazine Podcast "For Your Ears Only" with David Alpern WriteonOnline Interview with Debra Eckerling Just Effing Entertain Me Podcast interview with Julie Gray HollyScoop - What's Your Story Line? Writing Wednesdays "The Log Line of Your LIfe" - Steven Pressfield Script Magazine - Fictionalizing Your Truth Article
STORY LINE: FINDING GOLD IN YOUR LIFE STORY
I am very EXCITED to announce that my book STORY LINE: FINDING GOLD IN YOUR LIFE STORY is now available on Amazon.com and in bookstores. You can learn more about it by watching this video promo:  The more people who order during the next two weeks, the better. Also, if you do buy it, I would LOVE it if you could post a review on amazon.com. This is a whole new world for me. I appreciate your support! My hope is that STORY LINE unleashes in you a whole new way to approach your story. "STORY LINE" currently ranks #1 under HOT NEW RELEASES at AMAZON.COMREVIEWS POSTED ON AMAZON.COM5.0 out of 5 stars You have FOUND THE GOLD!!, February 27, 2011 This review is from: Story Line: Finding Gold in Your Life Story (Paperback) Jen Grisanti has given writers a true gift with her book, STORY LINE. Storytelling is one of the most effective means for all of us to communicate our life's most intimate and impactful experiences. However, learning to master the craft of storytelling can sometimes appear quite intimidating and elusive. What Jen has done here is to not only simplify that process but also remind us of our greatest resource: the life we are presently living. We don't need to read a million books or take tons of classes to learn about storytelling. Jen has transformed an age old maxim of "write what you know" by challenging writers to discover the deeper truths in their own lives. She then shows us how to fictionalize these truths into compelling stories that will truly touch others. Jen's book is written from the heart and with utmost adoration, respect and support for all writers seeking the courage and inspiration to tell their stories. To me the net effect of this book is like hearing the theme song from ROCKY, "Gonna Fly Now." You will feel capable of anything. This review is from: Story Line: Finding Gold in Your Life Story (Paperback) If you allow it, Story Line: Finding Gold in Your Life Story will take you on a sometimes painful, always insightful and ultimately rewarding journey of "developing from within" to access your unique, authentic voice. FIRST BOOK REVIEW FOR STORY LINE WRITTEN BY ANN BALDWIN BOOK SIGNINGS FOR STORY LINE: FINDING GOLD IN YOUR LIFE STORY
March 3, 2011 - The Writers Store from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. There will be a panel discussion titled Finding Your Voice In Story: A Panel Discussion on Writing Unforgettable Characters for the Big and Small Screen. The first 32 people there will get seats for the panel. The book-signing will begin around 8:15 - 8:30 p.m. So, if you can't make the panel, would love to see you there for the book-signing. Panelists include; Me, Diane Drake (WHAT WOMEN WANT, ONLY YOU), and Pilar Alessandra (COFFEE BREAK SCREENWRITER, ON THE PAGE). It is being moderated by Laura Brennan. Sign up here March 19, 2011 - UCLA after my seminar How To Tell A Story That Sells March 24, 2011 - MASSE from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (There will be cupcakes & champagne.) April 15, 2011 - The Drama Book Shop in NYC from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
STORYWISE SEMINAR: HOW TO TELL A STORY THAT SELLS
UCLA - Saturday, March 19th 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
In this class, we will go over the components of what makes a strong story in TV and features. (For a list of what this includes, click here.)  I will be teaching from my book STORY LINE: FINDING GOLD IN YOUR LIFE STORY. Books will be available for sale after the seminar. I will also be putting together panelists from the feature and TV world as a way to get you the most current information. Sign up here Panelists so far; Ted Humphrey (THE GOOD WIFE), Vanessa Taylor (GAMES OF THRONES, GREAT HOPE SPRINGS, JACK & BOBBY), Wendy West (DEXTER), Paul Ruehl (HARD TIMES OF RJ BERGER) and Janet Tamaro (RIZZOLI & ISLES) STORYWISE SPEC AND PILOT TELESEMINARS SPEC TELESEMINAR BEGINS SUNDAY, MARCH 27th at 4:00 p.m. PILOT TELESEMINAR BEGINS SUNDAY, MAY 15th at 4:00 p.m. There is a promo on YouTube that explains it in more detail that was produced by Superneato Productions. Write a TV spec and pilot script in 10 weeks under the guidance of a veteran studio executive who has worked in the business for over 18 years and has successfully helped to staff over 15 top prime time shows and is currently the Writing Instructor for NBC's Writers on the Verge.
This program is designed to prepare you for the network writing programs, prepare you for staffing and development season and to help you build your network/community of other writers.
 Sign ups have begun. Last year, there were 100 people participating in this teleseminar. Three of the participants made it into writing programs based on scripts they wrote in the teleseminar. Level 1 is open for both the spec and pilot teleseminar.
* The upper level for the pilot telseminar is SOLD OUT. There is still one upper level spot for the spec teleseminar.
For more info, click here.
Testimonials For Storywise Seminars and Teleseminars 
MovieMaker Institute - Screenwriting Success Conference - June 11th and 12th, 2011
2001 Hunter College, New York Moviemaker, the best independent movie magazine in the world, announces the Screenwriting Success Conference. Speakers include; Jen Grisanti, Patrick A. Horton, PhD, Marilyn Horowitz and Pen Densham. Topics include; How To Write a Sellable Screenplay, Mastering the Art of Storytelling, Structuring Your Script, Writing Dynamic Dialogue, What Makes A Great Logline, Pitching Your Project, etc. The link says April 16th and 17th but it was just moved to June 11th and 12th. To sign up, press here FRIDAY NIGHT DRINKS The next Friday Night Drinks is Friday, March 4, 2011 at the X Bar at the Century Plaza Hotel at 2025 Ave. of the Stars. These events have had a huge turnout the last three months. I recommend that you take advantage of this and come out and connect.
PODCAST SERIES
My new podcasts include; Matthew Salsberg (WEEDS, ENTOURAGE, CURB), Blair Singer (FAIRLY LEGAL, MEMPHIS BEAT, MONK), Seth Greenland (BIG LOVE), Nancy Marie Pimental (SHAMELESS, SOUTH PARK, THE SWEETEST THING)
 You can listen to all my podcasts on my website or iTunes. EVENTS AROUND TOWN The Writers Guild Foundation - Anatomy of a Script Series Wednesday March 9: Steve Levitan on Modern Family - Get tickets
Screening: 6:30 pm Weds, March 16: Mike Werb & Michael Colleary on Face/Off - Get tickets
Screening: 4:45 pm - Mike Werb wrote The Mask and will discuss his transition from solo writing the wildly humorous The Mask to writing a sci-fi thriller with a partner. Weds, March 23: Marta Kauffman & David Crane on Friends - Get tickets
Screening: 6:30 pm Weds, March 30: John August on Big Fish - Get tickets
Screening: 5:00 pm Character Writing Master Class with Julie Gray Saturday, March 19th in West Hollywood RESTAURANTS Pizzicotto 11758 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049 This is a fantastic Italian restaurant in Brentwood. It has a very authentic ambiance and the food is great. I had the Pollo Al Limone grilled organic breast of chicken with a sun-dried tomatoes, capers, lemon, fresh herbs, white wine sauce. I highly recommend! Bar Toscana 11633 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, CA This is a great new spot to have a group dinner or a date. The ambiance is beautiful. The drink menu is fantastic and the food is incredible.
CONGRATS
Chitra Sampath - For her first produced episode of "Southland."
Kuang Lee - For making The Tracking Board's Runway list of best original unproduced pilots of the 2011 season for the pilot "Funny Ha Ha" that he wrote in WOTV.
Julie Whitesell - For placing in the The Tracking Board's Runway list. WOTV alumni.
Nikhil Jayaram - For placing in The Tracking Board's Runway list.
Adam Stein - For placing in The Tracking Board's Runway list.
John Kapral & Adam Jensen - For placing in The Tracking Board's Runway list.
Chris Rogers & Christopher Cantwell - For signing with ICM
Brian Anthony - For signing with the Brant Rose Agency
If you have an interest in how my business works, you will want to watch this promo video produced by Superneato Productions.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
Maya Angelou
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