August 22, 2013 – I had arrived in Los Angeles a year earlier, determined to get my script, Windcatcher: The Story of Sacajawea, made into a movie.  I didn’t know what to do, who to talk to, or what the next steps would be – but I was there in faith.

On the trip down, 59 hawks, eagles, and ravens crossed low over my car. Of course, I kept a tally because it was just so, obviously, not normal. In San Francisco I was getting back on the road, and I noticed a hawk sitting on a fence. At that moment, I was having a little doubt in my heart, missing my husband, and I almost turned left, back to Washington. But then I realized the hawk was staring at me. When he had my attention, he turned his head right, toward California. It was my sign to keep going. I had no idea what was ahead, but I believed I was on the right path.

Early in 2013, I met Nancy Criss, one of the first active film professionals I talked with about my script, and she introduced me to the world of filmmaking. I will be forever grateful for her expertise and generosity as she created opportunities for me to write and to experience a film set on multiple occasions. On those projects I met Nancy’s magnificent crew members, who I still cherish very much today.

Nancy also opened doors to something I never thought I would do or achieve. She entered my Sacajawea screenplay into the Action On Film International Film Festival in Los Angeles. When I arrived at the event, I met incredible screenwriter Ken Lemm as we waited to enter the building. Then later, sitting at our table together, I also met the brilliant and talented screenwriter, Mary Krell-Oishi. I was in Heaven! A first-time screenwriter, in HOLLYWOOD! I had stars in my eyes, I’m sure.

The night of August 22, 2013, was absolutely amazing – so much to take in. To be honest, I remember feeling almost numb.  It was one of the most exciting nights of my life. By the end of the evening, the script that I began writing in 2003 and finished in 2007, was Selected and NOMINATED for Best Period Piece 2013. To be acknowledged and have Sacajawea’s important life noticed, was just so humbling and I was, and am, deeply grateful for the people who cared.

Thank you, my friends.
Jane