10/08
Gary,
I hope you are well. Just wanted to let you know that my novel, Vespa, is now in paperback and available on www.amazon.com and the publisher's web site www.activebladder.com. Please share with Joanne as I seem to have lost her e-mail address after I moved from one computer to another.
I really feel your screenwriting class, of all things, was what helped me "find the story" inside of what had formerly been a bloated and difficult-to-sell manuscript. By adapting the novel into screenplay form, I was able to identify what was essential to the story (and what wasn't) for when I revisited the novel. I plan to mention this and give you a plug during a local newspaper interview I'll be doing in The Ridgefield Press.
The class was also helpful for me as a yarn-spinner because it allowed me to witness when my story was putting the rest of the students asleep and when it was shocking them awake. I don't think I'll ever forget the outrage in that nurse from Norwalk Hospital's eyes when she pointed at me, during the reading of one particularly gruesome scene, and cried that Vespa was horrible and that I was terrible. Reactions like that are what we horror writers are looking for, I guess, kind of like a chorus of laughter effected by a comedian.
Thanks again and best of luck to you.
Dean L
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The Yale Film Program Endorses Garret C. Maynard
Dear Cathy Suttle,It is with great enthusiasm that I write to you on behalf of Garrett Maynard who is applying to teach a college seminar in screenwriting. I asked Garret to come to my Summer Programs Intensive Filmmaking Workshop on the recommendation of a friend. My usual guest, a studio executive, had a prior commitment and Garret graciously agreed to step in. Although his CV and references were impeccable, I had no idea if he would be good with the students.
Garret Maynard exceeded my expectations; so much so that I had him come back and work with the students several days beyond our initial agreement. He is kind to students, constructive in his criticism and wonderfully articulate. His approach is wonderfully accessible and yet in no way simplistic.
I know that he has applied to teach college seminars before, and it mystifies me why his seminars have not been chosen. As someone who has taught production at Yale for 7 years now, I can confidently say that his class is desperately needed. Presently, students are attempting to make movies without any clue as to how tell a story in the medium or the traditions upon which they may draw.
I plan to work with Garret again. I think it would be a privilege for the students to study with him. If you need further information about what he did in my classes, I hope that you will not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely, Sandra Luckow
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Garret C. Maynard The Gary-Paul Agency
1549 Main Street
Stratford, CT 06615
Dear Gary,
I guess that extra hour or two of instruction paid off. Sundance wants to see the entire script! I can't thank you enough for the help you've given me. You are an excellent editor!...I'll let you know if the script makes it to the next level.
Thanks again,
Jackie N.
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CONNECTICUT PRESS CLUB Endorses The Gary-Paul Agency
Garret C. Maynard
The Gary-Paul Agency
1549 Main Street
Stratford, CT 06615
Dear Gary,
Just wanted to thank you for your participation as a panelist at the Connecticut Press Club Writers' Conference on Saturday. You were a big hit! Many attendees remarked about how helpful and knowledgeable you were. Thank you for being so gracious and for making yourself available to everyone. It was also nice to finally meet you after having spoken and corresponded. I hope our paths cross again. Certainly, if I or the Connecticut Press Club can ever be of service to you, just let us know.
Thank you again,
Stephanie H. Dahl
President
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Garret C. Maynard c/oThe Gary-Paul Agency
1549 Main Street
Stratford, CT 06615
Dear Gary:
Your help the other night with my script "Snowbound" was tremendous. I learned several things that no book would have been able to teach me. And I discovered a well of ideas rising to the surface of my mind.
Taking your suggestions to heart I have redirected the entire thrust of "Snowbound" and I am currently working on the first of what I hope will be several scripts with the central character of Granny.
I would like at this time to enter into a contract with you to be my agent for my current and future works.
I'll try like hell to get the first script to you in a month, maybe sooner. Beyond that I have already given some thought to the sequels and feel confident that I have the capability to complete at least three scripts for the Granny series./p>
I have enclosed an SASE for your reply and I look forward to hearing from you on this and many other projects in the future.
Regards,
Richard S.
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Garret C. MaynardThe Gary-Paul Agency
1549 Main Street
Stratford, CT 06615
Dear Gary.
As we complete one year of working together, I'd like to take the time to tell you how much I value our relationship and your interest in my work. Your experience in screenwriting and knowledge of the industry continues to impress me.
I truly believe that the initial success I have had with The Monk and Lily are due to your ability to focus my writing and to properly submit the screenplays to appropriate companies.
As you know, I'm working on another screenplay, A Week Away, and intend to send It to you for your review and representation.
In the meantime, please keep me posted on the responses to Lily.
Very truly yours,
Mary E. M.
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Garret C. MaynardThe Gary-Paul Agency
1549 Main Street
Stratford, CT 06615
Dear Gary.
Thank you so very much for teaching me how to write a screenplay. As you know, I have been honored as one of the 150 out of 2,500 applicants in the Sundance Screenwriters' Lab. I'll submit my completed script and hope for the best.
I enjoyed your classes and hope other writers have the same results I have had. I'll keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Corine C.