Susan McCauley

What is your name, company name, and URL?

I write indie films and I write novels and short stories that have been published by different companies. My website is www.sbmccauley.com.

What is your specialty: filmmaking or screenwriting? If filmmaking, which aspects?

I'm a screenwriter and fiction writer. I mainly focus on the genres of horror, supernatural, and dark fantasy (for adults and kids).

What are you currently working on?

I have two feature films in development: The Murdering Kind and Forsaken. My second novel will be released worldwide in February 2020.

I'm so excited that The Murdering Kind will be a feature now! Who do you consider your mentor and why?

My mentor was the British theatre and television director Robin Midgley. Sadly, Robin passed away in 2007. However, in the years I knew him, he was a tremendous guide and support to me and my writing. Even when I wasn't on the right track with what I was doing, he understood what I was after and was able to help nudge me in the right direction. He really "got" me as an artist. I miss him greatly.

Wow, he sounds amazing. Why do you think the horror/sci-fi genres have such a large following?

I think there is a long answer to this questions, but, in general, I think the biggest reason is that horror and sci-fi gives us a safe opportunity to feel scared. In the expanse of human evolution we were naturally in survival situations on a regular basis. Since the industrial revolution and the modernization of the world (especially with advances in medicine, technology, and engineering), we don't use those fight-or-flight responses as often, which is what our bodies were designed to do. So, I think being able to see horror, sci-fi, and even action films (or read books) in a "safe" setting is a way for us to feel those natural feelings, which we need, without being in any real danger.

What do you love most about this business?

I love the ability to create and work with talented people.

What do you dislike most about this business?

The sharks. Those who take (or try to take), but aren't able to contribute in a meaningful way.

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

I guess I'm pretty happy about the recent release of my debut novel, The Devil's Tree, which came out in October 2019. It's been doing well and getting a good response from readers. So, I'm very happy about that.

Congrats!! Any advice you'd like to give to newbies?

If you're a writer - read as much as you can and write. Just keep doing it. Take classes and get to know good people who can lift you up. It can be a very discouraging business (in film and fiction). There is SO MUCH rejection. You need to remind yourself that if you keep working at it you will get better and better (I hope and pray that I will get better at writing every day and with every project for the rest of my life). You also need to remember that what you write or create as a filmmaker will NOT be for everyone. There will always be some "haters" out there. There will always be people who don't love the genres you do. For me, if I'm able to create something that I'm truly happy with and that the majority of viewers or readers enjoy, then I think I'm on the right track with what I'm doing.

Excellent advice! Anything else you'd like to say?

I hope you'll stop by my website or visit me on social media and say hi.

Thank you Susan for chatting!