Member Spotlight: Anna Fermin · The Writer's Forge

Member Spotlight: Anna Fermin

What initially drew you to writing and, then, the community?

I’ve been a songwriter for nearly 30 years, so writing is something that I've developed and grown over the years and now comes naturally to me. I was always curious about screenwriting but didn’t give it a go until about two years ago when I started making short films with a friend. We made three shorts in about 6 months and after that I was hooked. By the time I came across David’s ad for The Writer’s Forge on FB, I had been working on an episodic for about a year and feeling quite stuck. I was drawn to David’s humor and credentials, so I checked it out and within a couple days of joining the community I found myself shakin’ like a wet dog in the hot seat of a new member coaching call. That initial terror was short lived, because the feedback and notes I got from David on that first call changed everything for me as a writer. He helped me to see exactly what I needed to do to level up my writing and make my script sing in the first two pages. And paired with the amazing community of other writers from around the world who are in the same boat, but also there to give support, suggestions, and encouragement, it just doesn’t get better than that.

What are some of your passions or hobbies?

I’m passionate about writing, songwriting, and singing. I still perform with my Americana band when I’m in the US and I currently perform with a jazz choir, along with my teenage son, in our hometown of Setúbal, Portugal. I’m an avid traveler having visited 34 countries so far. I also enjoy baking fruit pies and pastries for my family.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field/community?

Do not underestimate the power of community. Especially when it comes to writing or the arts in general. The Writing Forge community has been an incredible inspiration and motivation for me to want to keep going and keep improving. And don’t be afraid to be the novice in a room of experts. Learn from them. Be curious. Do what you love and the rest will come.

One movie that still stirs up emotions for you.

Only one? I have two: A Room with a View, starring Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands and Daniel Day Lewis and The Piano starring Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, and Sam Neill. I’m a sucker for a period romance.

On the painting Anna chose that evokes deep emotions for her:

The Art Institute of Chicago was my alma mater, so picking one painting that resonates with me emotionally is really tough.

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