Second Place
THE MIRACLE CHILDREN
By Gerry Daly
Los Angleles, CA
Occupation: Playwright
Logline: Children are given special powers from God in preparation for a new day.

How did you come up with the idea for your screenplay?

My morning prayers always include words about blessing the children of the earth with gifts, talents and the double spirit of Elisha. Their special gifts and talents would make them great doctors, teachers, scientists, etc. and bring about change in the world. Before then the thought never entered my mind about writing such a story, but that moment made me think about it all day. The next morning I started writing 'The Day'. The 2nd draft was titled 'The New Day.'  The 3rd draft became 'The Miracle Children.'

What or who was your inspiration?

One morning during my prayers a voice came through asking "Do you really want to help the children?" Of course my answer was "Yes" but I didn't hear anything else until 2-3 weeks later. Then during my prayer time regarding the children the voice spoke again and said, "You're a writer, tell the story!"

How long did it take for you to write your script?

To complete the 3 drafts it took me approximately 4 months.

Actually , no challenges were faced structuring the story. I've learned over the years that you can only make a story better. When I'm writing, I just open myself up to received the inspiration that's out and about in the universe. It's amazing how the characters come to life, speak their minds and resolve problems. To keep the characters in check I always do an extensive Step Outline so I know where I'm going with the story. Outline done it's easy to let the story flow to its end.

What were some of the challenges that you faced during the writing process?

I guess my greatest challenge was my own self. How would everybody respond to the story? Am I writing it correctly? Would the world think the story was dumb, stupid and unbelievable. I had to push all those inner conflicts aside and continue writing the story.

Do you have formal training as a writer?

My background as a writer started with my comedy stageplay 'Scotch and Milk'  It won some awards and was staged 5 times throughout the Los Angeles . My Gospel Musical 'Something Inside Is Grabbing Me' won 1st prize at West Angeles Performing Arts Theatre. I've also received ABET's (Alliance of Black Entertainment & Technicians) Pioneer Award.

I've studied screenwriting at the 'Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute' and playwriting at LACC ( Los Angeles City College ).

Do you have advice for other writers who are dealing with Christian themes?

As to writing stories with Christian themes, I feel you have to also appeal to a mass audience of unbelievers. You have to touch their hearts, then they'll listen to what you have to say. Believers don't have to be convinced. They already know the truth. Secular folks seem to be threaten by the truth, but I truly believe The Word has been placed in their spirits by God and He's waiting for them to realized that 'Something Inside Is Grabbing Them.'