I attended the festival and met several writers, directors and producers. It's one of a handful of film festivals that offers events geared to writers - so, thank you HollyShorts!

By placing as a finalist at HollyShorts, I was able to receive valuable credibility as a writer.

Oftentimes, I was intimidated to enter screenwriting competitions for a couple of reasons. I was a fiction author transitioning to screenwriting, and I'm a self-taught screenwriter who just started taking occasional virtual classes. I didn't have huge expectations when I entered a few competitions but Hollyshorts gave me the best reward -- validation. That's why I took the time to fly out and attend their awards ceremony and my first film festival. I felt like I could finally call myself a screenwriter and even put it on my new business card! Everyone at Hollyshorts was so friendly, professional, and they love movies! They told me my Finalist placement was a great start for a new screenwriter. I couldn't agree more and I am definitely less afraid when I press submit.