Adrian Mead sent me the following announcement about a new screenwriting book with a compelling backstory. Here it is in his own words:

“I pressed the button on the phone and the first sound I heard in the headset was a child sobbing.  She was barely able to speak, kept saying the same thing over and over…”I just want it to stop.”  It was Monday morning 7.30 am.   My very first call as a ChildLine volunteer counselor.

When I first heard that ChildLine were opening a new office in Edinburgh I started to think about volunteering.  Their website stated, “ChildLine is the UK’s free and confidential, 24-hour helpline for children in distress or danger”.  What would I be letting myself in for?  I mean, play me the scene where the mother elephant reaches her trunk through the bars to caress Dumbo and I’m bawling like a baby.  How would I cope?

The interview process and training was fascinating. Yes there are calls about abuse, however children also call to talk about bullying, family break ups, exam pressures, homework, puberty, and pretty much anything they feel unable to discuss with parents, teachers or friends.

The fantastic training and the short time I have experienced as a counselor so far has definitely given me new skills and an insight into my own psyche. I’m convinced it’s also made me a better writer and director.”

Okay, at this point you may be thinking, “What’s all this to do with me?   Well, here’s where you come in.

Apart from a tiny admin cost, all proceeds from sales of MAKING IT AS A SCREENWRITER will go to ChildLine.  By making it exclusively available as a download we can maximize the funds the charity will receive.

MAKING IT AS A SCREENWRITER is now available for the price of £7.79.  You can download your copy from the MeadKerr site at:   http://www.meadkerr.com/book.html

American readers take note:  Your dollar is going further these days as the pound has been dropping.  This makes the book doubly a bargin.  It will give you great insight into working across the pond.  Here is what UK writing pros have had to say about it–

“In the confusing forest of screenwriting books here is a sturdy oak: simple, honest and true. Highly recommended.”  Ashley PharoahCo Creator of Life On Mars. Ashes To Ashes. Where The Heart Is.

“Every aspiring writer should be forced to read this, at gunpoint.  If I’d had this when I first started writing, I’d have cried a bit, but would have been so much better prepared. You need to read this book immediately.”  James Moran  ScreenwriterSeverance. Doctor Who. Torchwood. Primeval

“I love this book, it just tells you how it is and what you need to succeed.”
Tony Jordan  Screenwriter  Creator of Hustle, Holby Blue. Co Creator of Life On Mars

This book tells you everything you need to know about beginning and building a career as a professional screenwriter. I wish I’d read it when I was struggling to break into the industry. It’s engaging, inspiring stuff – realistic without being cynical, practical without being soulless – and for anyone hoping to make a living as a writer for TV or film in the UK it’s pretty indispensable.  Rob FraserScreenwriter for Taggart, Holby City, Monarch of The Glen and more.

Here is a direct link to ChildLine if you want to know more about the organization  http://www.childline.org.uk/Pages/default.aspx