About me
personally | professionally | in words
PERSONALLY
Having moved every four years up to the age of 12, I've always been something
of a restless soul ready to take on the next big thing.
I come from a small family, but have recently married into a very large family with a culture (both emotionally and politically) that is vastly different from my own. Rather than feeling lost in a crowd, the result has been a renewed sense of closeness with my own family. This renewal of family, and discovery of a new culture has permeated every aspect of my writing. It has affected the way I think about holidays, food, gifts, money, arts, and leisure - all of which have made their way into my writing.
As a recent escapee from Los Angeles I've made my way to the hills and lakes of southern Indiana and have found the life here relaxed and easy. While I may not stay here forever, and still feel the need for a regular "city fix", please don't tell the warden where I've gone.
My interests include, cooking, hiking, camping, sailing, small sailboat building/repair.
One of my ongoing special projects is finding and documenting art that has been hidden or lost in nature. (See "Wandering Aloud" for information on the Blue Rocks and Gazelle in Tafraoute Morocco, and the Spiral Jetty in Utah)
PROFESSIONALLY
As
a professional writer my greatest joy comes in working closely with a client
or subject, learning the intricacies of the people, places, and things that
make them tick. As I get to know my subject my mind automatically turns to
words.
My top priority is always crafting a narrative that clearly and creatively accomplishes the goals that the client has set with me. I'll use every word game, trick, benefit/feature comparison, point of view or perspective to fashion the most effective tapestry of words for my client.
My professional
background ranges from both Hollywood and independent motion picture production
to Fortune 500 facilities development, and international trade specializing
in Asian sourcing for the hotel, cruise, and airline industries.
I've written and designed promotional brochures for non-profit arts organizations,
written arts and culture features for small to medium-sized newspapers, written
content for (and designed) film festival websites, and have written articles
for corporate newsletters.
My travel writing has appeared both in print and on various travel-related
and culture-oriented websites.
I worked
in film/video production for over ten years before writing full-time. During
that period I worked on low/no budget and studio features, shorts, and experimental
projects as well as commercials and industrials. My work included gigs working
as a Production Assistant, Craft Service Specialist, Production Coordinator,
Location Scout, Location Manager, Line Producer/Production Manager, Producer,
Sound Recordist, Boom Op, Picture Editor, Sound Editor, Sound Librarian, and
Driver.
I have written numerous screenplays, and have researched and written extensively
about screenwriting. I teach an introductory screenwriting class at People's
University in Bloomington, IN.
Words have power.
Words must be used with integrity.
Words are the strongest and most powerful tool in my kit. They can be bent to any purpose, good or evil, persuasive, dissuasive, congratulatory, or condemning.
Think back on your life. Chances are, the first time you felt really bad about something or someone really hurt you, they "called you names" or used words to make you feel bad. By the same token, the first time you felt really good about yourself, someone probably praised you, or used words to elevate you and make you feel special.
This is the weight and the power of words.
I've always
believed that every person has an individual gift and that gift or talent
is like a Superhero's unique "powers". The trick is figuring out
what your power is, and how to use it responsibly.
Fortunately I found my secret power early on. I can create very good things
with words. However, if I'm not careful to write faithfully and with precision,
words can be the cause of great pain. For me, the struggle when I was younger
was to learn how to use words with integrity.
Now I am much more careful not to injure or evoke pain with words. And as I've grown older and gained a sense of control, my writing has gotten better. The increased control is evident in all aspects of my writing, from precisely targeted marketing materials to evocatively portrayed destination-oriented travel pieces, and realistic characters.
Wander around my site. I think you'll like what you see.
Welcome.
Contact:
812.340.9925
Fax - 509.352-6223
Email: mail(AT)glennkaufmann.com