Written by J. Barbara Alvord
Julie Joyce, third-year member of ISA, has worked extensively to polish her writing skills and develop as a script writer. She shared the following with me recently:
How and when did
you become hooked on writing, Julie?
I completed a fiction writing class at Notre Dame in 1981. It led me to writing
short fiction and to the Feminist Writers’ Guild in Chicago later. That
group showed me the value of having my writing critiqued. I received positive
feedback about my ability to write dialog, which led me into writing stage and
then screen plays.
In 1990 I applied for graduate school—to two universities for playwriting
programs, and seven for fiction writing. I was accepted solely by Smith to enroll
in their playwriting program. I studied there for a Masters in Theatre with
a concentration in Playwriting.
How have you been
involved with playwriting since you returned to Des Moines?
I joined ISA. I've had two helpful critiques of my work by members Steve Hakeman
and Dave DeBord, and I'm attending ISA writing groups. It motivates me to keep
writing, to focus, to have goals.
I also helped Director Tom Perrine with Voices, a stage play performed
at the State Historical Building of Iowa in Des Moines in December of 2004.
Tom designated me the Assistant Head Writer. At this time we are working to
cut the presentation down so that it can be presented more easily in other venues.
Currently I also am working with a paid online script consultant, pushing toward
my goal of finishing the first draft of a screenplay by the end of March.
Any advice to other
members about getting the most out of their ISA membership?
I would advise any member to get involved, to attend ISA writing groups, and
to take advantage of valuable critiquing by experienced writers. I know that
just meeting other ISA members and talking about our projects and writing issues
illuminates and enhances the writing process for me.