Zina Brown, LISP 2nd Half 2021 Feature Screenplay Finalist

LISP 2nd Half 2021 Feature Screenplay Finalist, The Faerie Rings by Zina Brown

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

I'm Zina Brown, and besides writing, I'm also a Director - of short films and music videos. I'm passionate about plant medicines, lucid dreaming, and faerie tales.

- When and how did you get into writing?

I've been writing stories since I was a kid - I love being able to put my imagination into words on paper, and create new worlds to explore. Writing a feature screenplay was always a dream of mine. It was both easier in some ways, and far more challenging in others than I expected.

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

I try to write every day, usually in the evening. I'm inspired by the magic everywhere in the world.

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

Amazing - so far The Faerie Rings has placed in 26 competitions, won 5 awards - and we're only halfway through our run. I'm honestly astounded by the reaction to the story, considering it's my first screenplay!

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

Best: Seeing your characters truly come to life on the page.

Most challenging: Trying to keep your page count reasonable.

- How did you come up with the idea for your LISP selected story? Is there a story behind your story? And, how long have you been working on it?

I’m passionate about the need for art that explores the incredible potential of visionary plant medicines, and society’s misunderstanding of them. Telling a story about them in a feature film was my way of creating more conversation around this controversial topic. The screenplay took about a year in total to write - including a lot of research about traditional faerie tales.

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

After the initial spark of an idea, I start on the world-building - I tend to use influences from many different places and do my best to interweave them into something new. From there, the characters come to life, and then I work on my outline. The outline is key for me - I work and re-work it, adding new elements whenever I get inspired, until the story is fairly solid and the structure is laid out. Only then do I start on the actual screenplay. With a little luck from the Muses, it all works out.

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

Best: Getting honest feedback on your creation.

Most challenging: Getting honest feedback on your creation.

- Lastly, do you recommend the writers give a go on LISP?

Absolutely!!