SUSAN TIPPETT BRAITHWAITE

My college story is full of unexpected twists and turns. It all began with a four-year stint in the Royal Navy, where I worked as a Meteorological Observer. However, my life took a dramatic turn following an injury that led to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and a medical discharge. This sudden change catapulted me into a new chapter of my life.

From Service to Civilian Life

Returning to civvy street was more than a career shift; it was a whole shift in my sense of self. I’ll be honest. I spiralled into a deep case of ‘poor me’. I couldn’t let go of all the things I could no longer do because of the CRPS. But there’s only so long you can do that before it really messes you up. So, I told myself that if I was going to focus on what I couldn’t do, I needed to figure out which thing mattered most. I swore that whatever it was, I’d find a way to do it.

After a lot of soul-searching, I realised that it wasn’t playing the piano or the guitar that I missed the most. It was the simple joy of writing song lyrics and poetry.

Song Lyrics to Screenwriting

It was the early 2000s, and with IBM’s ViaVoice, I began writing. I started actively listening to songs I loved for inspiration to write my own again. But it wasn’t lyrics that came out. I had somehow veered into crafting stories inspired by songs I was listening to.

A defining spark came from Papa Roach’s “Scars,” pushing me towards a format I’d never imagined: screenwriting. The story in my mind was so visual that I struggled to get it down. I had to find out what the hell I was trying to write.

Discovering Screenwriting: UCLA Extension

My online quest led me to transcripts of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” episodes and eventually to Drew’s Script-o-rama (I can’t believe the site still exists!). It was here that I delved into the world of scripts and screenwriting. But I craved more – a deeper understanding of this dark art. That’s when I found UCLA’s Feature Film Writing Program.

Embracing Online Education

Enrolling in UCLA Extension’s online version of the courses in 2003 was unconventional then. But it was there, through the guidance of professional screenwriters, that I truly honed my craft. The lessons in story structure and the creativity born from strict screenwriting rules have stayed with me.

Although I have never physically attended UCLA, the university considers me as one of its alumni. The extension courses taught by professional screenwriters have profoundly shaped my writing and understanding of storytelling.

A Shift to Writing Fiction

While I loved screenwriting, I soon realised that the stories I wanted to tell – romantic suspense – didn’t have a place in Hollywood. But, there was a warm and welcoming home for my genre in the world of books.

The transition to writing romantic suspense novels felt natural. It allowed me to blend the structured storytelling skills I gained at UCLA with my passion for romance and suspense.

The Unconventional Yet Rewarding Journey

My education journey has been anything but traditional. But it’s a testament that learning and growth often come from unexpected places and experiences. My time in the Navy and the subsequent transition to screenwriting and now fiction writing have been defining chapters of my life.

Have you experienced a career shift or found your passion in a field different from where you started? Share your journey and how it has shaped you in the comments below!

Stay awesome,

Susan x

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