Exploring Storytelling in Different Formats

I love telling stories in different styles and formats. My writing journey includes blog posts, reviews, poems, and long fiction. Each has its own charm and challenges.

I’ve written a novella called Reunion: A Story and I’m currently working on its follow-up, Reunion: Coda. These dive into the complexity of human connections and the past’s lingering impact. I’ve also tried my hand at screenwriting, with short films like “A Simple Ad” (2019), “Clown 345” (2019), and “Ronnie and the Pursuit of the Elusive Bliss” (2020).

I might not write a full-length script or adapt my own stories anytime soon, but I love bringing characters to life through dialogue and visuals. Here’s a scene from Reunion: Coda in screenplay format:

The Second-Hand Store Scene from Reunion: Coda

EXT. VINTAGE MORNINGS – DAY

TIME: Saturday, March 18, 2000, 10:45 AM

FADE IN

The quaint chime of a bell heralds JIM’s arrival at Vintage Mornings, a cozy time capsule nestled between Gutenberg’s Hangout and Kushner’s Deli on Bleecker Street. The scent of old books, leather, and nostalgia fills the air. The shop’s walls are adorned with pinups, old calendars, and WWII posters, creating a collage of history and beauty.

INT. VINTAGE MORNINGS – DAY

JIM steps in and is greeted by a 1940s RCA radio behind glass, marked ‘NOT FOR SALE’. The atmosphere is warm and inviting.

CAMERON, blonde and meticulously styled, stands behind the counter. She wears jeans and a Mets sweatshirt with an elegance that contrasts with the antiques around her. Her smile is warm and welcoming.

JERRY, sporting black hair styled like Betty Paige, exudes an easy-going vibe. Her attire is neat but comfortable, reflecting her at-home ease among the relics of the past. Her eyes sparkle with mischief and curiosity.

INT. VINTAGE MORNINGS – COUNTER – DAY

CAMERON and JERRY are in the midst of a playful debate over the hottest pin-up.

CAMERON

Rita’s elegance is unmatched. She’s the epitome of glamour.

She gestures towards a sultry 1941 pin-up of Rita Hayworth.

JERRY

(scoffs)

Please, Veronica’s mysterious charm is legendary. That hair alone has more allure than all of Rita’s glam shots.

JERRY points to Veronica Lake’s image with her peek-a-boo hairstyle.

JIM

(interrupting)

Morning. I’m looking for a breakfast tray.

CAMERON points with a manicured finger.

CAMERON

Aisle Four. We have some lovely vintage options.

JERRY

(warmly)

Try Aisle Five, sweetheart. That’s where we keep the gems.

INT. VINTAGE MORNINGS – AISLE FIVE – DAY

Amidst a collection of brass candlesticks and vinyl records, JIM finds the trays—perfectly retro. They are made of wood, metal, or plastic, with colorful patterns and designs. He picks out two, one with a floral motif and one with a geometric design.

JERRY sidles up to him, grinning.

JERRY

So, this lady friend of yours, is she as stunning as Rita or as mysterious as Veronica?

JIM nods, smiling.

JIM

Yeah, she’s… she’s something else.

JERRY

And what does she do?

JERRY leans against the shelf, genuinely curious.

JIM

She plays piano for the New York Philharmonic.

JERRY’s eyes brighten.

JERRY

(suggestively)

Is she… open-minded?

CAMERON’s head snaps up, her frown playful.

CAMERON

Jerry, behave. We’re not casting for a remake of Gilda…or Emmanuelle… here.

JERRY laughs, unrepentant.

JERRY

Can’t blame a girl for trying. If your musician friend is ever into expanding her horizons, so to speak, you know where to find us…

CAMERON shoots JERRY a sharp look, firm yet affectionate.

CAMERON

She’s incorrigible… I don’t know why I put up with her.

JERRY winks at JIM, smiling unapologetically.

JERRY

I do!

INT. VINTAGE MORNINGS – COUNTER – DAY

JIM hands over the trays to CAMERON, who takes them with a smile and begins to wrap them in old newspapers.

As CAMERON rings up the sale, she apologizes sincerely.

CAMERON

Sorry about her, she’s got a heart of gold but sometimes her mouth runs ahead of it.

JIM chuckles.

JIM

It’s quite alright. Adds to the charm of the place.

With the trays bagged and the sale complete, JIM steps out of Vintage Mornings. The bell chimes a farewell, echoing with laughter and the promise of return.

FADE OUT.