Valerie Hockert, LISFF 2026, Feature Screenplay Official Selection

-Can you please tell us about yourself and your daily life?

I do what I am supposed to do, when I am supposed to do it; therefore, life is good.  Now to sell that great screenplay….

-When and how did you get into writing?

I started by writing down my dreams and turning them into short stories while taking college writing classes. One of my instructors was so intrigued by a short story I wrote and encouraged me to write it as a longer story, which I did, and it eventually became a novel. I again developed another short story, this one more of the science-fiction genre, developed the story into a longer one, and then developed it into a screenplay.

-How often do you write? Do you have a writing routine? And what inspires you to write?

I write whenever I am inspired, which amounts to several times a week for at least a couple of hours at a time. I get my ideas from vivid dreams I have in conjunction with news stories, people I know, and some personal experience. I began writing, striving to have my novels rank with the best mystery novels, and later started writing thriller novels. I grew up in a loving family, travelled quite a bit, and have had numerous friends from all walks of life. Celebrities claim that I write some of the best thriller novels, and rank with the best of crime novels and writers.

-How does it feel to have your work recognized?

Great. Recognition makes me want to keep on writing.

-What's the best and most challenging thing about writing?

The most rewarding part is discovery. There is a specific "flow state" where characters start making their own decisions, and the world feels like it exists independently of one. It’s the thrill of taking a vague spark of an idea and watching it evolve into a living, breathing reality that can move or inspire someone else.

-How did you develop the idea for your LISFF/LISP-selected work? Is there a story behind your story? And, how long have you been working on it?

I took the idea of starting with a short outline and then wrote from there, adding more details. I got the idea for this story while listening to local news and wondering why the newscasters sometimes seem more focused on getting their story aired than on the people in trouble. I took a couple of months to write the entire story.

-Can you please give us a few tips about writing?

One needs to dial up the tension and the stakes, whether a thriller, mystery, or drama. While a mystery is about who did it, a thriller is usually about stopping the antagonist before it's too late.

-What's the best thing and the most challenging thing about competitions?

The most challenging thing is that major competitions receive thousands of entries. Also, entering many competitions can be financially draining as each one charges a fee. However, when I receive an award in a competition, it confirms that I have originality and voice, as well as market viability.

-Lastly, do you recommend the writers/filmmakers submit to LISP/LISFF?

Yes, definitely.