In the Mix with Aaliyah Miller

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday break. I've really enjoyed my week off and am slowly getting ready to go back to work. I didn't want to get close out the year without writing a blog entry that helps me put things into perspective for 2012. This is the time of year when many people make resolutions. Some resolve to loose weight, save more money, to be more productive, or just be happier.  One of the problems I find with New Year's resolutions is that they loose their thrust by the end of March. People tend to get back into the usual routine and the resolutions don't yield that sense of urgency as we make it through another year. One of my goals for 2012 is to maintain that sense of urgency . When I look back at 2011 I can say I made some significant strides in a variety of areas in my life. I started my second master's program with Gonzaga University , began house hunting (and if all goes well Karim and I will close on our first home in a little over a mont...

Today my first semester with Gonzaga is officially wrapped . It feels good to write that sentence. So very good. At the moment, I want to coordinate a flash mob dance routine to celebrate, but instead I will write this blog entry. This semester was rough at times. I had my fair share of ups and downs. Although my coursework was pretty comprehensive and took over my life for 16 weeks, I can say I feel better as a result of it. I just completed a course entitled the Social Dynamics of Computer Technology. In this course I looked at technology and its social and cultural impact in our daily lives. I have to admit that before this class I didn't really think about how my life has been impacted by technology. Questions like "Who are the winners and losers in technology?" or "Does computer technology drive me or am I driven by technology?," pushed me to be more critical about the role it plays in my life. I also looked deeper at how technology has shaped and influen...

Hello followers, I'm glad to be getting back on track with my Emerging Women in Film Series. This week I'm pleased to share my interview with Caitlin McCarthy, an award-winning screenwriter who was recently named by Imagine magazine as a "Women to Watch." They're right. Caitlin inspires me. I am thankful our paths crossed back in 2009 at the Action of Film (AOF) International Film Festival . She's a tenacious, determined, and talented screenwriter who always keeps her eye on the prize. Caitlin McCarthy Bio: Caitlin McCarthy received her MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, which is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best graduate programs in the country. An award-winning screenwriter at international film festivals and labs, Caitlin has two features in development: RESISTANCE with Populus Pictures and director Si Wall; and WONDER DRUG with actor/producer Alysia Reiner. In addition to screenwriting, Caitlin serves as an Eng...

Anne's book cover Hello everyone, Winter is my least favorite of the four seasons because I hate the cold, but it looks this weekend gave me an early taste. Snow at the end of October is not good, not good at all. Sorry but I felt the need to gripe. On a more positive note I'm thrilled to share some wonderful news about Anne Witkavitch, an award-winning writer and fellow alumna of Western Connecticut State University's Master of Fine Arts Creative and Professional Writing Program . This past week Anne was featured as a guest blogger for MariaShriver.com . Anne's inspiring post entitled " Practice Patience to Achieve Your Goal s." In the post she gives tips and advice that have helped guide her as a writer. The post channeled some positive energy and thoughts for me. It also reminded me that achieving my goals as a writer is not out of reach if I can remember to practice patience. One of the things I love about reading other blogs is that it provides m...

Hello everyone, I know it's been a while since my last blog entry. Between work, writing assignments, and group projects I really haven't felt like blogging. I just didn't have the energy although there was plenty to talk about in the world. Since my last entry Steve Jobs has passed away, Herman Cain is now considered a serious contender with his 999 plan, and the Occupy movement that begin on Wall Street continues to grow (Yeah!!). I'm pleased to report that my first course officially ends tomorrow. A heavy load was lifted when I uploaded my final paper late last night. It felt so good. After I posted my final paper on my personal communications philosophy I then logged onto Blackboard to review student presentations and provide feedback on their work. When this course began, I was worried about how I was going to be able to manage the course load with work.  It wasn't easy, but I did it. I spent some nights staying up late and other days waking...

Hello everyone, I know I've probably come off slightly overwhelmed and frazzled in my last blog entry. There have been some positive developments on that front. I can report that while the amount of work I need to do for Gonzaga has not slowed down, I'm getting better at my time management and organization. Kudos to me. In other good news I'm thrilled to share that my short script, "Out of the Box" is an official selection of the 2011 Urban Media Makers Film Festival  (UMMF).  Founded in November 2001, the mission of the Urban Mediamakers is to promote and support a diverse independent media arts community in the Southeast and worldwide. Their signature event is the Urban Mediamakers Film Festival (UMFF), showcasing independent films from around the world. Check out the screenwriting selections here . I received the good news this past Friday and thought I wait to until Monday to blog about it. Now I need to figure out how I'm going to get myself to Dul...

Labor day has past, our days are getting shorter, and the trees in new England are beginning to change from a bold green to vibrant yellow, brilliant red, and provocative orange. Kids are also back in school, which may or may not be a relief for parents. Like the kids in my neighborhood I'm also back in school. A few weeks ago I blogged about gearing up for my studies in Gonzaga's online masters program in Communication and Leadership . I am about two weeks into the program and am feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work I need to get done. Be careful for what you wish for, cause you might just get it. I knew the program was going to be intense and that time management and organization were going to be crucial. I thought I was prepared, however, I really under estimated the amount of time I need to set aside for course readings. My first course is theorizing communications and I'm learning about many of the theories that have been developed in the field ...

Hello everyone, What a weekend we had. I'm glad hurricane Irene is behind us. I know many areas of the the northeast were hit pretty hard and are dealing with problems such as flooding, no power, and delayed travel. Lucky for me, I don't have to wrestle with these problems. I didn't lose power during the hurricane.  Karim and I also managed to drive to and from Wrentham, Massachusetts for a friends birthday party during the day of the hurricane. We also made it back home late that night. During my drive in this morning I heard stories of people who were seriously impacted by Irene listening to Morning Edition on National Public Radio (NPR) . I also went on to facebook and saw posts of folks complaining about no power. Another reminder of how lucky I am not to be dealing with the aftermath of Irene. While many of my fellow north easterners are cleaning up from this storm, I'm gearing up for my first week of online classes. I actually was able to go online a...

Education is more than a luxury; it is a responsibility that society owes to itself.--Robin Cook Last week, I shared news with my social networks via twitter, facebook, and now Google+ that I was accepted to Gonzaga University's masters program in Communication and Leadership. It's time for me to blog about it. Looks like I'm going to be a bulldog yet again in my life. I was thrilled when I received the call from Jeff Wadley, program manager at Gonzaga University's , School of Professional Studies. Jeff has assisted me throughout my application process and he and his team are awesome. After he told me the good news and I told him how thrilled I was, I took a pause because the real work to prepare to go back to school now begins. I've been down this road before and I know what it entails. I can't believe it has been two years since I graduated from Western Connecticut State University's Master of Fine Arts Creative and Professional Writing program . Li...

Official Poster This month I'm pleased to highlight Velvet Rhodes, a very talented screenwriter, producer, and actor. She's a triple threat who has a passion for screenwriting and filmmaking.  Next week, her webisode series Room for Rent will be screened at the 2011 Action on Film International Film Festival in Pasadena, California. Room for Rent also won 'Best Dialogue' for a short screenplay at the 2010 Action on Film Screenwriting Competition. Bio: Velvet Rhodes is an actress who hails from London, England. Beginning her career in music playing and singing alternative rock music in several bands and then going onto theatre in London, England. As well as music, film and writing, she is an avid painter of fine oil paintings. Acting since the age of 3, acting is her passion and film making is her joy. She recently starred in and produced The Purple Zone , wrote, directed, produced and starred in The Cell Phone and now is in pre-production for Ticke...

I've been in Baltimore all week. It's been a long week for me. Finally heading home tomorrow. YEAH! I'm looking forward to being home this weekend. I miss my husband and the activities that usually make up my at at home routine. I'm also ready to see J.K. Rowlings' final Potter film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part two . It's still hard for me to digest that this is the last one. I've really enjoyed the series. The last film has probably been on my mind for about a month. Last week, the hubby and I talked about going to the screening at midnight. I was ready to be a part of Harry Potter mania until I remembered I wasn't going to be home. I will still be part of the mania in my own way. Karim and I will see it on Friday night when I get back in town. I'm counting the hours. We decided not to see it in 3-D. Karim is not a fan of Hollywood's gimmick to get people back into the theaters and neither am I. I'm sure you noticed that pr...

Happy spring everyone. I'm not sure about the rest of you, but here in Connecticut spring has only somewhat sprung. While it isn't as hot as I would like it to be. I'm proud to profile Sarah E. who is heating up the film season here in Connecticut with her documentary Swan Day CT. Thanks for your interview Sarah. Bio: Sarah E. took her first formal screenwriting course when she was 18 years old and a student at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2006, she received a B.A. in Fine Arts from Eastern Connecticut State University; and then spent a month at the New York Film Academy to pursue filmmaking.  In April 2008, at the age of 23, she founded her own production company, Hells Bells Productions, LLC.   Miller: Please tell our audience about your documentary Swan Day? How did you get involved? Why did you decide to produce this film? Sarah: I first got the idea to make "SWAN Day CT" when I was looking at Jennifer Hill’s MySpace pag...

It's hard to believe that it was just two years ago that I received my MFA in Professional Writing from Western Connecticut State University . Time flies. Since graduating from the program I've been slowly but surely working on screenplays and enjoying the free time I've gained back. However, the free time I've come to enjoy is going to get ready for another hiatus. Why? Because I've decided to go back to school. Even though continuing one's education can be tough at times, I believe the benefits I will receive will make the overall experience worth while. And though I still dream of the day when I option (sell) one of my screenplays or have the money and the connections to self-finance a film (I'm not giving up on that dream either) I have to live in the here and now. Lately, I've been thinking about specific things I can do today that will impact my life tomorrow. I'm blessed to work in the field of communications. It'...

 Official poster of Little Black Dress The next profile in my Emerging Women in Film Series features Deborah Correa. She secured a deal where she sold her short film, Little Black Dress to IndieFlix , a website that showcases independent features. Viewers are able to buy DVDs or rent streaming films to support the work of indie filmmakers. Today is Deborah's official launch date with IndieFlix and I'm excited to share my interview of her with you all. Kudos to Deborah.           Bio: Deborah Correa graduated from Emerson College with a B.F.A. in Writing and Film, where she produced a short documentary about Colombia.  This Little Old Town was sold and premiered on PBS’ FRONTLINE/ World.  Since graduating, she’s worked on PBS documentaries. Deborah was also accepted, out of hundreds, to participate in the AFI Directing Workshop for Women, where she directed Little Black Dress , which premiered at the LA Shorts F...

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. --Jim Rohn Last night, I did something that was long over due. I read a script. You are probably thinking I probably read scripts all the time, after all I am a screenwriter. And while my goal was to read a minimum of a script a week since we rang in 2011, I wasn't following through with the task. I was reading a script about every 6 weeks, if that. I'm happy to report I'm ready to change this pattern. I had the pleasure of reading Auntie by Deirdre Patterson. Deirdre is a fellow screenwriter in the Connecticut Screenwriters group that meets on the last Wednesday of each month at the West Hartford Public Library.  Auntie , her feature length script was a top 10 finalist in the 2010 Emerging Screenwriters Competition . Before I got to the script I was busy doing my usual tasks like cooking lunch for the next day and then getting myself ready for work. These tasks tend to derail me and by the ...

I'm really excited about this entry. This is my first profile in a series I will post for the remainder of 2012. I'm looking forward to highlighting, sharing, and promoting the work of emerging women screenwriters, directors, and producers. My hope is that this blog not only acknowledges the hard work of the women I profile, but will also inform readers of the challenges women in film face and despite these challenges the women in this series continue to strive to achieve their goals and pursue their dream. Today's profile features screenwriter/director Patty Richardson.  Patricia Richardson Bio: Patty Richardson is a licensed physician's assistant (PA). She worked as a PA for fifteen years. She was also a Captain, in the United States Air Force Reserves, for eight years. After realizing an interest in law enforcement, she became a campus safety officer with Union College in Schenectady, New York. Richardson has always had an interest in writing. Four year...

When Kate Bigelow was the first woman to win an Oscar for best direction I was excited and felt that a chip was made in Hollywood's glass ceiling. but the reality is that women directors, producers, and screenwriters are still a scarce commodity in Hollywood. Less than 10 percent of films with a theatrical release were directed by women. In the report, The Celluloid Ceiling: Behind-the-Scenes Employment of Women on the Top 250 Films of 2010 , Dr. Martha M. Lauzen, Ph.D found that, "In 2010, women comprised 16% of all directors, executive producers, producers, writers, cinematographers, and editors working on the top 250 domestic grossing films. This represents a decline of 1 percentage point from 1998 and is even with 2009 figures." I'm not writing this blog entry to be a "Debbie downer," it's a reality check. Besides, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the wonderful professional film organizations for women that  are committed to recogniz...

Hello all, In the world of social media, it seems like a lot of people want to get out what's in their head and share it with the world. And while sharing is caring ( the Care Bear's slogan), sometimes people disseminate TMI, too much information. I  know we've all seen it in our facebook or twitter threads at some point and have thought to ourselves, should we unfriend this person. I want to change that dynamic for myself and post for a purpose. I feel like I've already begun that with my facebook and twitter accounts, but even I stray and may over share at times. Some of you've may have seen my fact of the day, online petitions, and numerous articles that reflect news that interests me.  In addition to these main posts I want my status updates to reflect a theme. I realize I can I can cut back on my own, "I'm going to workout," or "This is where I'm at," posts.  I may still write these status updates on occassion but my goal is to...