I Married a Beast

There's a moment in Disney's Beauty and the Beast that always makes me catch my breath. It's not the ballroom dance or even the transformation scene. It's earlier, quieter - when the Beast, nervous and awkward, throws open the doors to his library and watches Belle's face light up with wonder.

"It's wonderful!" she breathes, spinning among the floor-to-ceiling shelves.

"It's yours," he says simply.

In that moment, the Beast doesn't offer Belle jewels or gowns or empty flattery. He offers her what matters most to her - a room full of stories, ideas, and imagination. He sees who she really is. And in seeing her, he reveals himself. Two bookish souls, finding each other among the pages.

This is where their real love story begins, not with physical attraction or instant chemistry, but with shared passions and the slow recognition of kindred spirits. I had a moment like that soon after meeting my husband. I was dating the training manager at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour, and Keith was engaged. We decided to go to the beach one day after work, and he noticed my old beach towel. I joked about it - I come from a family that gets every last drop out of a bottle of catsup. The next day, there was a new beach towel on the driver's seat of my car. This was during the days when you didn't have to lock your car, of course. 

Beauty and the Beast has endured across centuries and countless versions because its core truth remains relevant: real love requires looking beyond the surface to see someone's true character. Belle doesn't fall for the Beast's appearance - she falls for his kindness, his growth, his vulnerability, and yes, his library. She sees the person beneath the curse. The beast would have given her a new beach towel.

I kid my husband, Keith, that we're Beauty and the Beast - though I should clarify, he's actually quite handsome, and I've been known more for brains than beauty. But he can turn into a bit of a beast when he's hungry (hangry is real, folks) or when he encounters difficult people. More importantly, like the Beast with Belle, he's fiercely protective of those he loves. He guards our granddaughters and me like he's sitting on that proverbial fence, watching for any threat, ready to defend. As he says, "You want me on that fence!"

Like the Beast offering Belle his library, Keith and I have built our own collection of shared passions after fifty years of marriage. DVDs fill our shelves. We have close to 2,000 books in our Kindle Library that we own and subscribe to Kindle Unlimited. We understand each other's protective instincts, our quirks, our hunger-induced mood swings. We've learned to see past the "beastly" moments to the person underneath - and to let ourselves be fully seen in return.

In our current world, where we swipe left or right based on a photo, where first impressions are formed in seconds from social media profiles, and where we're constantly judged by superficial metrics, this message feels more important than ever. We live in a society obsessed with surface-level perfection, yet starving for genuine connection. The Beast's story reminds us that transformation happens through patience, understanding, and truly seeing one another - not despite our flaws, but through accepting our whole, complex selves.

And like Belle and her Beast, I didn't fall in love with Keith immediately. Our story is more like Ashley and Melanie in Gone with the Wind - though that comparison might raise some eyebrows - they were cousins! Stay with me here. In Margaret Mitchell's novel, Ashley reflects on how he and Melanie are suited to each other because they share the same background, values, and understanding of the world. They speak the same language, he says - much to Scarlett's fury, as she could never understand that compatibility built on shared foundations could be deeper than passionate physical attraction. She's beautiful and surrounded by suitors. Why couldn't she have Ashley, too? She didn't discover until after Melanie died that he wasn't right for her. Melanie was Ashley's one true love.

Keith and I discovered we were cut from the same cloth, like Ashley and Melanie. Our backgrounds were similar. Our fathers were born in Colorado, a few hundred miles apart. We both had devout Catholic mothers and fathers who converted to the religion - an unusual parallel that shaped both our childhoods in similar ways. We both love to read, losing ourselves in stories the way Belle treasured every book in that library. We both love movies, sharing that joy of storytelling in another form. We even both played hockey - he played ice hockey, I played field hockey. These weren't superficial similarities. They were the threads of shared experience and values that wove us together. We're the same age, know the same songs, and can speak in "movie speak" as we call it. We constantly use lines from movies, books, and songs to communicate. We're passionate about the Olympics and Oscars.

But our love wasn't love at first sight. It was the slow building of trust and understanding. It was finding someone who spoke my language. We met in February, started dating in July, got engaged in August and married the following February. 

That's the real magic of Beauty and the Beast. It's not about the spell breaking or the prince returning to his handsome form. It's about two people learning to be vulnerable enough to show their true selves and brave enough to love what they find. It is about loving the person who makes you feel comfortable.

And speaking of Disney love stories we cherish - I'm starting a new YouTube series - Writing is Life, and I'll use my storytelling skills to write the next chapter in some of Disney Studios' masterpieces. If you been wanting to become an author, or learn screenwriting from a different angle - or even learn more about AI and animation, visit https://www.youtube.com/@sandijerome and please subscribe! I'm not trying to make money on YouTube; I'm trying to promote my books and screenwriting career.

What's your favorite moment in Beauty and the Beast? Have you found your own love story in an unexpected place? Share in the comments below.

 

Catch Me If You Can

I recently received a 1-star review for one of my books. All the rest are 4s or 5s. I know exactly who did this. Yes, I have high-tech skills, and yes, I'm a computer hacker, but I'm confused about why this person did this. For me, doing this is stealing. It is the low of lows. Their revenge isn't a victory; it’s a revelation.

I once worked for a man who was suspicious of everyone, and he suspected employees were stealing from him. I was provided a free new car to drive as part of my job, but I had to pay for the gas. One day, I was underneath a huge printer, changing the ribbon, and Mr. Boss came into the parts department and asked the manager, "Is Sandi paying for her gas?" I came out from under the printer and took Mr. Boss aside. "Look," I told him quietly, "if I want to steal from you, I will steal the whole gas truck, not just a few gallons a week. With my computer skills, you'd never find it."

Yes, I am a hacker. I started using computers in the 70s, before most hackers' PARENTS were born! Computer science was my minor in college, and accounting was my major. As a CPA, we know where the money is buried. The IRS provides a 10% reward for turning in cheaters, but if I had ever done that, I'd be writing this from my yacht instead of my Florida home. But CPAs are not like lawyers; if the IRS asks us for information, there is no client/CPA confidence. We have to spill the beans. In fact, we have the responsibility to report fraud. Tax professionals, including Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and tax attorneys, are obligated to report potential instances of tax evasion or fraud by their clients. He once argued with me that 3 years had passed on a questionable deduction - but in cases of fraud, the statute of limitations for assessment of tax never expires. The IRS can go back as many years as it wants to investigate and assess taxes, penalties, and interest. I let my boss know that, and now he had two things to worry about, but theft was his main focus.

Mr. Boss began weekly sessions in which I would tell him various ways I could steal from him. The gas truck theft would be easy, I explained to him. I'm the one who orders and approves the fuel tanks to be filled. I'd issue the purchase order, but then have the gas delivered to one of the parents on a soccer team I coached, who owns a gas station. I'd split it with the guy. A pretty easy way to steal $28,000-$40,000 every few weeks. But I explained to my extremely wealthy boss that there are three types of people. The first type is totally dishonest. They will steal at any opportunity. It is their true nature. But fortunately, most of these people are working the streets, running cons, or sitting in prison. The second group is totally honest. Born honest and raised honest. When they find a twenty-dollar bill, they pick it up and ask around, "Did anyone drop this?" I like to think I am in this group. It is the way my parents raised me. Plus, why would I ever risk everything I have: my CPA license, my home, my family, my freedom –  just to steal? Money has never been a motivator for me. It is only a measure of how much I'm appreciated.

The third group? That's where it gets interesting. They are honest until they're not. Something happens that makes them feel entitled. They feel underpaid or unappreciated. They rationalize. "That person owes me." That's when the trouble starts. I gave a workshop at the annual AICPA conference on employee theft, titled "Catch Me If You Can." I think it is the only CPA workshop where you can't buy a DVD of my presentation. The board was worried employees would use it to steal from their employers! I had so many ideas!

I came up with the title after reading the 1980 book Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale Jr. and journalist Stan Redding. That book inspired the 2002 Spielberg film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. The book describes how Abagnale donned a pilot's uniform and copiloted a Pan Am jet, masqueraded as the supervising resident of a hospital, practiced law without a license, passed himself off as a college sociology professor, and cashed over $2.5 million in forged checks – and all before he was twenty-one. It's written in the first person and reads almost like a thriller. Fast-paced and entertaining, Abagnale recounts his various cons and escapes across multiple countries.

Here's where it gets interesting: the book is acknowledged to have been partly fictionalized, and the factual basis for the events has been challenged. Abagnale himself acknowledged issues with accuracy. He stated, "I was interviewed by the co-writer only about four times. I believe he did a great job telling the story, but he also overdramatized and exaggerated parts of it. That was his style and what the editor wanted." More damning, in 2020, journalist Alan C. Logan conducted an in-depth investigation and found documents that contradicted many of Abagnale's claims. Logan's investigation revealed that Abagnale was in Great Meadow Prison in New York between the ages of 17 and 20 (1965-1968). That was the exact time frame during which Abagnale claimed to have committed his most significant scams. So ironically, the greatest con Frank Abagnale may have pulled was convincing the world his cons were real in the first place. Today, he'd probably be a computer hacker.

I'd like to finish with a thought. Is hacking stealing?

I honed my hacking skills when I owned a technology company and received a ransomware demand. I circumvented the hacker and didn't pay the ransom. I have only used my powers for good. Remember, I was raised to be good. But finding out about this 1-star review? I'm not sure I'm at peace with this person. It feels intentional. A type of revenge against me. My best friend wants me to write a "best revenge book" because I have told her so many ways to get a pound of flesh, but maybe I should let it go.

Hey, does anyone want to release an updated "Catch Me If You Can"? The best ideas in Frank's book didn't even make it to the screen, and I have hundreds more. But today, I'm not writing screenplays - I'm creating my own animated series, so I'm going to move on, let it go –  and not let this dark person get inside my head. If you want to see one of my videos that helped me decide to "let it go," please watch my YouTube video - https://youtu.be/LPUMiMM4JE0.

Happy New Year, and more about my web series next month when you catch up with me when you can!

Extraordinary Stories

Sometimes the most extraordinary stories begin with the most ordinary moments. In 1973, my husband, Keith and I were honeymooning in the quirky mountain town of Jerome, Arizona, a former copper mining boomtown. While exploring the local historical museum, I snapped a photo of what seemed like just another genealogy chart. Little did I know that dusty display would eventually lead to a decades-long journey culminating in my new book, Churchill's Mum: The Story of Jennie Jerome, an American Heiress.

That museum chart revealed something remarkable: the town of Jerome, Arizona, was named after Eugene Jerome, a wealthy New York financier who invested in the United Verde Copper Company. More intriguingly, Eugene Jerome was a cousin of Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill's American mother. Through family lore and later genealogical research, I discovered that Keith's Jerome family connected to this same lineage, making Winston Churchill our fifth cousin (with a few "twice-removeds" thrown in for good measure).

What began as a honeymoon curiosity evolved into a passion project spanning decades. As a genealogist, I traced the Jerome family connections back through the Victorian and Edwardian eras that had always fascinated me. The more I learned about Jennie Jerome, the more convinced I became that her story deserved to be told with all the vibrancy she brought to life itself.

In 1873, nineteen-year-old Jennie Jerome from Brooklyn met Lord Randolph Churchill at a sailing regatta on the Isle of Wight. Three days later, they were engaged. Seven months after their wedding, she gave birth to Winston Churchill, a half-American son who would one day save Western civilization.

But this wasn't just another arranged marriage typical of the era when approximately 200 wealthy American heiresses crossed the Atlantic to marry into titled European families. Unlike the "cash for class" arrangements that dominated the headlines, Jennie and Randolph's was a genuine love match that defied both families' initial reluctance.

Jennie Jerome was no ordinary American heiress content to be merely decorative in British society. She refused to be seen and not heard. She organized political campaigns, founded an influential literary magazine, equipped and sailed a hospital ship to South Africa during the Boer War, and became one of the most influential women in England. Her energy, ambition, and American perspectives didn't just elevate her own status, they transformed British high society itself.

I believe that Winston represented the "perfect recipe" for the leader the world needed in 1940. He was half-American because of his mother, giving him unique insights into American politics and culture. This heritage proved crucial in establishing the "Special Relationship" with Franklin D. Roosevelt that would prove vital to Allied victory.

Churchill's powerful oratory rallied the British people, but his diplomatic skills, honed by his understanding of American sensibilities, helped secure crucial American support through Lend-Lease and other programs before Pearl Harbor. As Churchill himself wrote to Roosevelt, "I feel I have a right to talk about these things because English and American blood runs very strongly together in my veins."

Without Jennie Jerome, there might never have been a Winston Churchill. Without Winston Churchill, there's a reasonable possibility that Britain might have sought peace terms with Germany following Dunkirk. The ripple effects are staggering to contemplate.

After working on this story for over a decade, when my manuscript was nearly finished, my manager suggested I co-author with another of her clients, Churchill expert, David R. Stokes. Initially, I'll admit, I was disappointed. Didn't she think I could write this book myself? Did she doubt my qualifications? This wasn't even a book about Winston Churchill; it was about his mother, based on her memoirs that rarely mention Winston since they were written before he was famous for anything.

But then I had an idea that transformed everything. What if we wrote this from Winston's perspective on his mother? I created a second timeline featuring a fictional reporter interviewing an aging Churchill at Chartwell. This dual narrative structure not only provided "eyes to the world" to help readers navigate Jennie's rather complicated memoir, but it also allowed us to explore how her influence shaped the man who would become history's most crucial wartime leader.

It worked beautifully! We ended up with a fantastic book that I think we're both proud of, one that's richer and more compelling than what either of us might have created alone.

Churchill's Mum weaves together these two compelling timelines: Jennie's extraordinary life from American heiress to British political force, and fictional 1964 interviews where an aging Winston Churchill reflects on his mother's profound influence while painting at his beloved Chartwell estate. Through the eyes of fictional journalist Sophia Carter, readers witness Churchill's final months as he reveals how his mother shaped not just his character, but the course of history itself. As I developed the limited series, I decided to put in a little surprise. There is no Sophia - the same actress can play both Jennie and Sophia and maybe she was all in Winston's aging mind. Not sure the producers will like this, but if they do, that talented person will surely get nominated for an Emmy!

Drawing on over 50% source material from Jennie's own 1908 memoirs, now in the public domain, I tried to capture not just what she did, but who she was and why she mattered to the course of human events. Like a restored painting, I kept the original canvas intact while filling in colors that time had faded and highlighting connections that hindsight makes clear.

This project is perfect for fans of The Gilded Age, Downton Abbey, and anyone fascinated by the untold stories of remarkable women who shaped history. Churchill's Mum illuminates how one American woman's influence reached across decades to help forge the alliance that saved Western civilization.The fascination with American heiresses marrying into British nobility continues in contemporary media, but Jennie Jerome's story stands apart. She wasn't just an American who bought her way into British society, she was a woman who refused limitations, embraced challenges, and raised a son who embodied those same qualities when the world needed them most.

Churchill's Mum: The Story of Jennie Jerome, an American Heiress is now available on Amazon. Who knows? Your "by chance" family history discovery might just unlock a story that changed the world. https://a.co/d/6QiygkU - Watch the Trailer https://youtu.be/SLRkNX9GZGU?si=q8mWLMM3kpvw90x5

Learning to Judge: From Livestock to Disney Resorts

 

I learned a great deal during my 10+ years in 4-H. Not only does the pledge still mean a lot to me—"I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world"—but the skills I developed continue to guide how I approach everything in life, including how I evaluate Disney Vacation Club properties.

Thinking clearly has always been my greatest strength. I try to set emotions aside and look at the logic of situations. I'm fiercely loyal—loyal to my family and those who have earned my trust. There is a flip side to loyalty; those who lose my respect are "done" for me. I avoid them and cut them out of my life, falling back on my logic. Why surround yourself with people who make you sad? I am a truly "hands-on" person. I enjoy growing my own food, sewing my own clothes, and working hard to provide a greater service to our world. With that, I strive to live a cleaner life. I don't drink, smoke, and I try to avoid eating animals. I do this primarily for health reasons, but I also strive to maintain a smaller environmental footprint. I have downsized our housing. 4-H taught me so many valuable skills. 

Leadership developed through my 4-H experience, where I worked my way up through every office, culminating in my role as club president during my junior year of high school. Accounting skills were developed as we had to prepare profit/loss statements for each project—buy a lamb for $20, pay $10 for feed, and sell it for $100, earning a $70 profit. Public speaking improved when we had to give demonstrations, such as teaching an audience how to decorate a cake. I even made my own 5-tier wedding cake!

However, one of the most valuable skills I acquired was the ability to judge. 4-H judging contests provide youth with hands-on learning experiences that enhance their knowledge while developing critical life skills: 

• Critical thinking -  to analyze and evaluate different aspects,
• Decision-making - to make informed choices based on evaluation and standards,
• Communication -  to explain reasoning and improve public speaking skills. 

The contest format was simple: four pigs presented, or four heads of lettuce. Each had a number, and we had to rank them and explain why to the judge. Here's an example: I ranked lamb number 3 as the best because it had a straight back, full hindquarters, and alert eyes. Number 4 was next, but didn't seem as healthy as number 3. Number 1's back was dipped and lacked development in chest and hindquarters. Number 2 was last—it seemed sick, thin, and its wool was matted. Thus, I ranked them 3, 4, 1, 2. 

4-H members start learning analytical evaluation at an early age. While "judgmental" often carries negative connotations—describing someone who forms harsh, critical opinions without being open-minded—what I learned was different. I developed the ability to be analytical, making informed judgments and rankings based on clear criteria and logical evaluation. 

Applying These Skills to Disney Vacation Club

This analytical approach now guides my evaluation of Disney Vacation Club properties. Just like those 4-H judging contests, I evaluate each resort through multiple lenses: location, convenience, room layouts, amenities, transportation options, dining choices, and overall value proposition. I consider both the pros and cons of DVC ownership, helping others make informed decisions about this significant investment. In my DVC playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXGM_RRzOZ4&list=PLx_8Ja4anZU4oHlsC6u_9OQk-wMbfxf2d  - I break down each DVC property with the same methodical approach I learned in 4-H. I don't let Disney magic cloud my judgment—instead, I evaluate each resort's strengths and weaknesses objectively. Whether it's the convenience of staying at Bay Lake Tower with easy monorail access to Magic Kingdom or the potential drawbacks of a resort's distance from the parks, I aim to provide you with a clear and logical analysis.

My DVC Resort Judging Journey Continues as  I've been systematically visiting all the DVC resorts to provide firsthand insights. My next stop is Disney's Beach Club Villas in September, and I'm excited to experience this Epcot-area resort firsthand. From the famous Stormalong Bay pool complex to the easy walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Beach Club has always intrigued me, but I want to see for myself how it measures up against my analytical criteria. The same skills that helped me rank livestock at county fairs now help me rank Disney resorts. It's about looking beyond the surface magic to understand what really matters: practical considerations, value for your vacation dollar, and which resort truly fits your family's needs. 

Ready to Learn More?

 If you're considering Disney Vacation Club or just want to see how these properties really stack up, check out my DVC playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXGM_RRzOZ4&list=PLx_8Ja4anZU4oHlsC6u_9OQk-wMbfxf2d 

I apply the same analytical approach to each property that 4-H taught me decades ago—because whether you're judging pigs or Disney resorts, clear thinking and honest evaluation never go out of style. Stay tuned for my Beach Club review coming this fall!

Tools of the Trade

 

My dad died this month, just days before Father's Day. Before you get too sad, he was 96 and had said on his birthday, after watching a video that I had made for him, that he was "ready to go." He had been sleeping most of the day, and I think he was just tired. I inherited great health from both my parents. My mother won an award for never missing a day of school for 12 years! I can't remember her ever being sick. She died in her 70s from cancer, but growing up, she was "strong as an ox." My dad was the same; he could rip a phone book in half, and when we got attacked by a gang of teen girl pickpockets in Paris, Dad spotted one with his wallet and he grabbed her arm with a vise-like grip. The train door kept opening and shutting on her until she finally dropped his wallet.

Dad always believed in working "smarter, not harder" and using the right tool for the job. I developed high mechanical skills by following him around as a kid when he worked, and I loved retrieving whatever tool he needed. When it comes to being a writer, I find that I can work smarter and faster by using the right tools.

I often get asked how someone can get into screenwriting because they have an idea for a movie. I always start out with "write it down!" I have notebooks all over the house, and I often email myself or tell Siri to create a note. The next piece of advice I give is for a prospective screenwriter to read a script. Writing in that format is not for the faint of heart. For a former programmer like me, the structure is catnip - I love it. It doesn't stop my creative process because I bought screenwriting software a few days after I decided to write a movie. You might want to try a free trial version of one of the screenwriting programs to see if you can handle the technical aspects of the software. 

I started screenwriting with Movie Master Screenwriter 2000 and then switched to Final Draft 4 a few years later - yes, version 4, and they are now on version 13.  When it comes to choosing screenwriting software, three names consistently surface in professional circles: Final Draft, FadeIn, and Movie Magic Screenwriter. Each offers unique advantages and caters to different needs within the screenwriting community. After using all three programs extensively, I've discovered that while each has its merits, the practical realities of collaboration and industry standards often dictate your choice more than features alone.

Final Draft has maintained its position as the undisputed leader in screenwriting software for over two decades. Final Draft is the preferred screenwriting software of studios and production companies worldwide, trusted by 95% of the entertainment industry. This dominance isn't accidental—the software delivers professional-grade functionality that meets the exacting standards of Hollywood productions. The software excels in automatic formatting, eliminating the constant worry about industry-standard pagination and structure. Writers can focus entirely on their story while Final Draft handles the technical requirements behind the scenes. Recent updates have addressed long-standing user complaints, particularly with the notable 13.2.0 update, which introduced an autocorrect facility, bringing the software more in line with modern writing expectations. Final Draft's collaboration features are robust, supporting real-time editing and comprehensive revision tracking. The software includes over 100 templates, story planning tools, and production-ready export options. For screenwriters working within the studio system or collaborating with industry professionals, Final Draft's compatibility advantages are undeniable.

However, this market leadership comes with drawbacks. The software carries a premium price that can be prohibitive for emerging writers, and some users find certain features unnecessarily complex for basic screenwriting needs. I have three computers, and it only lets me have two activated. When I switch to my MAC, which handles Grammarly better, I have to deactivate either my Windows laptop or desktop and then re-activate on my MAC. I have another licence for the Final Draft GO - that I can use on my iPad, but it has limited features.

FadeIn has quietly built a reputation as the most advanced software used by professionals writing for motion pictures, television, video games, the stage, radio, and more. What sets FadeIn apart is its commitment to providing professional-level functionality without the premium pricing or bloated feature sets that can overwhelm writers.The software's interface prioritizes simplicity and speed. MacWorld gave the software a score of 4.5 out of 5, mentioning that it has "all the major features—and then some—found in industry standard Final Draft, but at a quarter of the price". FadeIn supports an impressive range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone/iPad, and Android, making it accessible to writers regardless of their preferred setup.

FadeIn's revision management and page locking features rival those found in much more expensive software. The program includes a unique Dialogue Tuner that allows writers to view and edit specific character dialogues in isolation—a feature that proves invaluable during character development and revision phases. The software also provides comprehensive import and export capabilities, theoretically making collaboration with users of other platforms seamless. The development philosophy behind FadeIn is particularly appealing: when new features, fixes, enhancements, or whatever else are available, they're made available to all users, for free. This stands in stark contrast to the subscription models and paid upgrade cycles common with other professional software.

Movie Magic Screenwriter represents the old guard of screenwriting software, and while some consider it dated, it continues to serve a dedicated user base. Movie Magic Screenwriter is an award-winning screenwriting software that formats movies, television, novels, stage plays and even comic book scripts, making it the only program for all types of creative writing.
The software's NaviDoc technology provides a unique approach to script organization, displaying your screenplay alongside outlines, scene cards, notes, and bookmarks in a unified interface. This feature proves particularly valuable for writers who prefer to see their story structure and script simultaneously. Movie Magic Screenwriter also offers the broadest template selection, supporting not just screenplays but novels, comic books, radio plays, and theatrical productions.

For writers who work across multiple formats or prefer a more traditional approach to script development, Movie Magic Screenwriter provides tools that other software often overlooks. The program includes extensive production features and remains a preferred file format of WGA, West. However, Movie Magic Screenwriter feels less modern than its competitors, and some users find its interface less intuitive than newer alternatives. The software's strength lies in its comprehensive feature set rather than its ease of use.

Pricing Comparison
Final Draft 13:
Personal License: $249.95
Academic Version: $169.95 (with valid student/teacher ID)
30-day free trial available
FadeIn Pro:
Regular License: $79.95 (one-time purchase)
Student Version: $59.95 (with verification)
Free updates for life
Movie Magic Screenwriter:
Full Version: $169.00
Academic Version: $99.95
Upgrades: $89.95 (from previous versions)

While feature comparisons and pricing considerations matter, the practical reality of professional screenwriting often overrides personal preferences. The industry's overwhelming adoption of Final Draft creates a network effect that's difficult to ignore. When producers, directors, and other collaborators expect Final Draft files, using alternative software can create unnecessary friction in the creative process.

This industry standardization became apparent in my own workflow. Yes, I started my screenwriting journey with Movie Magic Screenwriter, appreciating its comprehensive feature set and multi-format capabilities. The software served me well for initial drafts and personal projects, providing all the tools necessary for my time in UCLA's professional screenwriting program.

However, as my career progressed and collaborations became more frequent, Final Draft's industry dominance became impossible to ignore. The transition wasn't driven by superior features—Movie Magic Screenwriter had everything I needed. Instead, practical considerations forced the switch: producers expected Final Draft files, revision tracking needed to be compatible with industry standards, and seamless collaboration required speaking the same software language as everyone else in the industry.

The collaboration challenges became even more apparent when working with a producer who preferred FadeIn. While FadeIn offers excellent export capabilities and can save files in Final Draft format, the conversion process isn't always perfect. Scripts exported from FadeIn to Final Draft format often require careful line-by-line review to ensure proper formatting translation. Action lines sometimes convert to dialogue, scene headers may shift categories, and character formatting can become inconsistent. These conversion errors, while not insurmountable, add time and potential for mistakes to every collaboration.
This constant need for format verification defeats much of the efficiency gain that good screenwriting software should provide. Instead of focusing on creative development, valuable time gets spent on technical troubleshooting and format verification.

Each of these screenwriting programs offers genuine value, and the "best" choice depends on individual needs and career circumstances. FadeIn provides excellent value and professional features at an attractive price point. Movie Magic Screenwriter offers unmatched versatility for writers working across multiple formats. Final Draft, despite its premium pricing, delivers the industry compatibility that professional screenwriting often demands. For emerging screenwriters or those working on personal projects, FadeIn represents an excellent entry point with professional capabilities. Writers who work across multiple formats or prefer comprehensive organizational tools should consider Movie Magic Screenwriter. However, for screenwriters actively collaborating within the industry or aspiring to do so, Final Draft's market dominance makes it a practical necessity rather than just a preference.
But Final Draft was acquired by Cast & Crew Entertainment Services. The acquisition happened during Final Draft's 25th anniversary year. This is the same company that acquired Coverfly and that Contest tracking platform is being shut down a few months after I researched items for this book. Other popular screenwriting software you might have considered are several notable options that many writers use:

WriterDuet - Used by over 2 million screenwriters, TV shows, and blockbusters, this is particularly popular for collaboration with real-time co-writing features.
Celtx - A cloud-based platform that's popular with indie filmmakers because it combines screenwriting with pre-production tools like storyboarding and scheduling.
StudioBinder - Another comprehensive production platform that includes screenwriting as part of a larger suite of filmmaking tools.
Highland - Created by screenwriter John August (Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), this software works with the Fountain file format and focuses on distraction-free writing.

But the software you choose should serve your story, not complicate it. While features and pricing matter, the most important consideration is which tool enables you to focus on what truly matters: crafting compelling narratives that connect with your audience. Sometimes, that means choosing the industry standard not because it's objectively superior, but because it removes barriers to collaboration and professional integration.
My dad was extremely proud of my writing career. I think a lot of that pride came from his understanding of what I did. When I owned a technology company, he'd ask again and again, "What exactly do you do?" I'd laugh because, as a CPA, I did the books for my company, including payroll. Our software ran our own company in addition to our clients, so I wrote the code to calculate payroll, along with designing constant improvements to our software. I worked closely with investors, customers, and employees, putting in regular 14-hour days. Today, I merely write, and it is so easy for me because I know how to do it faster and better than most people. In future blogs, I'll discuss the other technology I use in my writing career, including a few programs I developed myself.

Mother's Day Romance

This has probably been one of the busiest months of my screenwriting career. The producer working on my Christmas Bonbons script for Hallmark (he changed the title to Emma and the Chocolate Factory) asked me if I'd be willing to change it from a Christmas movie to a Mother's Day movie. GASP!

The first major changed was to bring the dead mother back to life. That was actually fun, because I was able to name her Rita in honor of Mother's Day and my mother, who has been gone now for almost 25 years. Next, I need a new B-Story having to do with a missing recipe box from Rita's mother, and it reminded me of the surprise 25th Anniversary party I had planned for my parents. A few weeks before the big day, my mom's brother and sisters had decided that Grandma Nellesen should move in with my Uncle George. They planned to divide up all the stuff from my Grandma's house between the 5 of them. Everyone was going to meet at Grandma's house at 10AM and take their things. It would be rather easy because my Grandma would take masking tape and put each person's name that she wanted something to go to on the bottom. 

That fateful day, my parents arrived at 10AM, and the house was empty. Her brother and sisters had their trailers and trucks all loaded. Sitting on the porch were 3 items for my mom: an old footlocker, a book, and something that I don't remember. My dad probably knows. My mom called me crying that afternoon when she got home. She was especially upset because she knew there were keepsakes for my brother and me. She vowed that she'd never speak to her brother and sisters again.

I got my dad on the phone and told him about the big party. He told me that I would need to cancel it. Since there were hundreds of people invited, we quickly sent out postcards and called people, telling them that my dad had planned a cruise and we had to cancel. My dad quickly booked that cruise, and I spent the next few years angry at my mom's family and trying to use up all the napkins that said Rita and Larry - 25 years! But they loved their cruise and my dad ended up going on many more after my mother passed away and paid for me to go on a cruise - which I did after I retired.

So in this script, I had the B-Story be a dispute between my mom, Rita and her sister, Catherine. I picked Catherine (the tallest one in the photo to the left) because she was always one of my favorites, and Mom said I looked the most like her. Like all Hallmark-like movies, Mother's Day Romance ends happily, and this script is special because it is about a handsome chocolatier from Ecuador named Luis Silva. My precious granddaughter married the real Luis Silva last year, and I am trying to learn Spanish to travel to Ecuador in a few years to attend their second wedding for the Ecuadorian family. Luis can't travel until his green card comes through, so I have plenty of time to get fluent.

I have some other projects, the play I wrote - Colonoscopy the Musical, that I hope our local theater group, the KR Players, will perform someday. I'm pitching a girls' soccer script tomorrow, and finishing up my book Churchill's Mum - about Keith's 5th cousin, Jennie Jerome, the mother of Winston Churchill. I had to get a new picture done for that!

I had an article written about me this month - https://canvasrebel.com/meet-sandi-jerome/

That was exciting!

Getting back to the keepsakes, I'm happy today that I don't have a lot of stuff from my grandparents. I keep downsizing houses, so not a lot of room! I try to give things to my granddaughters when I can - and I wrote this blog 

https://sandijerome.blogspot.com/2021/03/your-grandkids-dont-want-your-junk.html - about how your grandkids don't want your junk.

So a very busy month - and that was only half of it! More next month! Thanks for reading!

Early Mother's Day

 "A mother's arms are more comforting than anyone else's." - Princess Diana

Mother's Day comes early next month, normally before my blog is done, so I thought I'd write about my mother. Her birthday is in a few weeks, and my own was a few weeks ago. My earliest childhood memory was looking out my bedroom window and seeing the side of a huge feed truck. My parents owned a chicken ranch, and much of my early years were spent working. I had the job of candling eggs, which was a visual inspection of an egg as it passed in front of a bright light before entering the egg washer to find any fertilized eggs. Talk about early sex education! I was also the one to collect the eggs because I had tiny fingers and quick hands. But being only five, I didn't know much about physics,and when the feed truck pulled away, I thought the house was moving and screamed. I remember my mother hugging me and explaining that the house didn't move, the feed truck did.
This simple moment fundamentally shaped how I understand teaching and growth. I learned that true nurturing isn't about removing obstacles but providing the support and space for others to overcome them themselves. Years later, as an adult, I find myself approaching challenges with others—whether mentoring colleagues or helping friends through difficulties—with this same balanced approach: present enough to provide security, distant enough to allow growth. This single memory gave me a template for understanding care that values both protection and independence, a perspective that colors how I view relationships, education, and personal development to this day.

My mother died at a younger age than I am now of cancer. My dad has had to live out his final Act without her. Yes, he remarried, traveled the world, and even got to see the Pope - but I know he misses her. As Mother's Day approaches, I think of her.  She loved animals; growing up, I was allowed to have as many pets as I wanted. After they sold the chicken ranch, my parents bought acreage and developed an avocado ranch in Escondido. Gophers are enemy #1 for avocado trees, and cats are the best defense. At times, I had dozens of cats and gave each one a name. But I had other animals: pigs, rabbits, chickens, and my main 4-H project, market sheep. I'd take them to the Del Mar Fair each year and show them. Starting at about 10, I'd have my first taste of freedom. We stayed at the fair, camping out under the racetrack in the betting area. They'd bring in army cots, and for a week, that was our dorms, and we were on our own. Our cafeteria was on the other side of the fairgrounds, past the horse stalls. 

Yes, the Del Mar Racetrack was completed in 1937 on the grounds of the Del Mar Fair, which had opened just a year earlier in 1936. The track was built by a partnership including famous celebrities of the era - most notably Bing Crosby, along with actors Pat O'Brien, Gary Cooper, Joe E. Brown, Charles S. Howard, and Oliver Hardy. When Del Mar opened on July 3, 1937, Bing Crosby was personally at the gate to greet the first fans. Crosby served as President of the Turf Club (where we'd have our auction luncheon) while his friend Pat O'Brien was Vice President. The track quickly earned nicknames like "Bing's Baby" and "Movieland's Own Track" due to its Hollywood connections. One of the most famous moments in Del Mar's history came on August 12, 1938, when the track hosted a $25,000 winner-take-all match race between Seabiscuit and Ligaroti.

This race was the first nationwide broadcast of a thoroughbred race by NBC Radio. In front of a record crowd, Seabiscuit won by a nose, helping to make Del Mar a success. Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, Del Mar established itself as "the Saratoga of the West" for summer racing, featuring large purses for many stakes races.

The track has continued to attract Hollywood celebrities throughout its history. Stars like Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Betty Grable, and Mickey Rooney were among those who frequented Del Mar, and Jimmy Durante became such a regular that the track eventually named its turf course in his honor. Today, Del Mar Racetrack continues its tradition of thoroughbred racing with its famous slogan "Where the Turf Meets the Surf," a phrase from a song written by Bing Crosby. The track hosts important races like the Pacific Classic and continues to be a significant venue in American horse racing. But for that one week, in the 1960s and 70s, it was "our turf" during the fair.

When I was sixteen, I fell for a much older guy who was about 20. He was the cousin of a good friend, and some of my buddies snuck me into the boys' dorms. This older guy was a chaperone, but so was my dad. Needless to say, I got caught, making out with a guy in the boys' dorm - by my father! In a few hours, was on my way home with my mother. As she drove the car home with me sobbing all the way, she finally pulled over and hugged me. Agreements were made, and she turned the car around. I don't know how she convinced my dad to let me stay at the fair, but my mom was a "fixer." I miss her every day.

A Hallmark Christmas

This month, my best friend, Laura (right,) visited me for a week. There aren't that many people who knew me as my mother's daughter, so we talked a lot about our mothers. 

My mother loved Christmas – every inch of our home was decorated. She made a magical bonbon – and I'm often asked for the recipe. One problem – I don't have it. My mom never wrote it down before she died unexpectedly, and we lost more that day than her secret ingredients.

As kids, I admired Laura's mother; she was a professional woman and they lived in an immaculate house. When I asked why their sewing machine was in the master bedroom when they had both a family room and a rarely used living room, Laura laughed. Appearances were important in her family and nobody touched their formal living room. In our home, the sewing machine was on the dining room table because we ate in the kitchen. For my family, everything was about functionality. Eating was number one; my mother was an amazing cook - in fact, my maiden name was Cook. Mom's dining room and kitchen looked like a Hallmark movie set during a bonbon contest.

Last month, we welcomed a dashing young man, Luis, from Ecuador into our family when my scientist granddaughter, Vrinda Jerome, became Vrinda Silva. He loves to cook! While up in Jacksonville for the wedding, I watched a marathon batch of Christmas movies. A few months ago I had finished writing my Hallmark-like movie, Christmas Bonbons, which is being shopped by the same Hijacked producer Autumn Bailey (On a Wing and a Prayer with Dennis Quaid.) Hijacked was an adaptation from a true book about the heroes of flight 705. Christmas Bonbons was my first Hallmark structured movie. I loved writing it. The 9-acts and Hallmark "rules" are like catnip to a former programmer like me that loves structures.  For those of you considering a career writing Hallmark Christmas Movies, here's the most common format;

Act 1 -  Setup. The heroine has a happy life, but something is missing.

Act 2 -  Inciting incident. She has to travel somewhere; maybe home for the holidays or a  project for work. Often is is snowing when she gets there.

Act 3. Meet Cute. She arrives - and by chance, she encounters the romantic interest, who can be her long-lost first love or involved in her work project. But it can also be a family friend, or the friendly town vet, or even a guy that sells Christmas trees.

Act 4. Debate - as her situation gets more challenging and that frustrating romantic interest is always just there, resulting in many more encounters where the guy makes himself useful, and sometimes frustrates her and she wants to leave, but she has to finish something first.

Act 5. Almost kiss -  they begin to enjoy spending time together. This is also where they touch accidentally, or look into each other's eyes - and then,  one of them says awkwardly, "I should go..." something isn't right about them being together as they almost kiss.

Act 6. Fun and games. They finally get over that reason why things are awkward, find themselves in a snow ball fight, or trying to decorate a tree, or make cookies, and get interrupted right before their lips meet. Sometimes there is a town contest for the best decoration of some sort and they compete.

Act 7. BUT - something is wrong; he said/she said - misunderstandings, rumours, and she thinks she should go back home because she's afraid - or he doesn't seem to feel the same way about her..

Act 8. Finally – one of them, has the courage to tell the other how they really feel thanks the classic mentor who often is wearing a Santa Hat. Feelings are real, they are falling in love! She maybe decides to move back home, or he's going to move to where she lives. A new life is beginning. Their life together matters.

Act 9. They live happy ever after and the whole family (or town) joins them around the Christmas tree for a group picture or singing a Christmas carole.

There are also some of the Hallmark traits and rules;

1. No words like crazy, hate, NO profanity

2. Christmas in almost every scene

3. NO religion

4. Must decorate a Christmas tree

5. Theme uplifting

6. Make Christmas food like cookies

7. No sex scenes

8. Few displays of affection

9. One snowball fight

10. One kiss at the end

11. Must have a happy ending.

I'm not sure my Christmas Bonbons is a perfect script yet, I probably have some rewrites it its future, but I also and I haven't given up trying to recreate that bonbon recipe of my mom's. The difference between a writer and a professional writer is that a professional never gives up. I'd write more this month, but today I'm getting down my Christmas decorations from the attic. I love Christmas.