What or who was your inspiration for The Bible and the Gun?

My younger sister and brother-in-law were in a tragic car accident. My brother-in-law was killed. My sister although thrown from the car into the highway after being hit at 60 mph miraculously survived with minor physical scratches. I wrote the script as a gift for her. I wanted to write a story that dealt with the struggle to sometimes maintain faith in the face of personal loss and tragedy. I chose a preacher as my main character because I wanted a teacher of faith to become a student who learns a lesson of true faith from a child who maintains faith in the face of tragedy. I chose a western setting because I believed it to be the most powerful, visually and moralistically.

How long did it take you to write the screenplay?

I wrote the first draft in two months. I was writing while working my day job; otherwise I would have finished in a few weeks. It was one of those times when I couldn't write the story fast enough. It's a wonderful feeling when that happens.

What was your greatest challenge associated with writing the screenplay?

It was convincing my self not to be afraid to create the level of evil for my antagonist which the story demanded I do.

Do you have formal training as a screenwriter?

I completed my first screenwriting class ten years ago in Dallas, TX. I have since studied and attended screenwriting and directing courses and seminars in Austin, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. I have read every screenwriting book I could get my hands on. I favor Syd Field, who has an outstanding video course. I am a strong believer of reading screenplays, great scripts, good scripts, bad scripts, old scripts, and new scripts.

Have you won other contests?

I just received word this week that two of my screenplays; Spirit's Eyes - a supernatural thriller, and The Wedding Crasher - a romantic comedy, both placed in the top ten-percent, for second-round badges in the 2003 Austin Film Festival.

Placing as a finalist in the 2002 Christian Screenwrite.com competition is my first finalist placing so I consider it a great blessing.

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

Write from your heart! Always be open to criticism, but never discouraged by it. Write what inspires and moves you emotionally, because chances are it will do the same to others. Never lose faith.