Before his murder mystery script Twisted Vines was discovered through InkTip, Tom Stohlgren knew breaking in as a screenwriter would require patience—and plenty of rejections along the way. But he stuck with it. Today, thanks to connections made through InkTip, Tom has two produced scripts under his belt and several more in development. We spoke with him about perseverance, collaboration, and the importance of simply being someone people enjoy working with.

InkTip: Why did you decided to pursue a career in the film industry?

Tom: I’ve always loved writing—it’s in my DNA. Earlier in life, I was a Ph.D. scientist and university professor, authoring over 200 journal articles and a textbook. I traveled the world giving lectures and somehow ended up ranked in the top 2% of scientists globally in Ecology. I also taught critical thinking and technical writing, which turned out to be perfect training for screenwriting. I like to joke that I transitioned into film because I needed a field with more rejection.

InkTip: That’s interesting. Why do you say that technical writing is perfect training for screenwriting?

Tom: All writing is “storytelling.”  My technical writing and lecturing skills taught me to translate complex stories for audiences of all ages. 

InkTip: You originally joined InkTip in 2008.  What about the service keeps you coming back?

Tom: By 2008, I had a handful of novels I thought could make great films, plus a small stack of screenplays no one had heard of. InkTip became my launchpad. I joined to learn, connect, and showcase my work—and I especially appreciated the Weekly Pitch [formerly the Preferred Newsletter] for tracking what producers wanted. Since then, I’ve written over 95 feature scripts, 18 pilots, and two children’s books. I write across genres and budgets—from murder-mystery comedies to heartwarming holiday tales. I focus on smart, contained stories with tight casts and conscious themes. I write sharp roles for smart actors and stories that leave a little something behind.

InkTip: You now have two produced screenwriting credits along with more scripts optioned or in preproduction. Do you approach the writing process any differently now than when you were starting out?

Tom: Honestly, not really. I treat each day like a creative playground. I’m still that Irish-style storyteller who loves spinning clever tales. If anything’s changed, it’s my confidence that the fun I’m having on the page can translate to the screen.

InkTip: Please let us in on your writing process. Are you a pantser or a plotter? Any secret writing weapons you use to keep the imagination flowing?

Tom: I’m a hybrid—equal parts pantser and plotter. I start with a one-page outline of key turning points and a “cast table” that outlines character descriptions, backstories, arcs, and secrets. Then I let the movie play in my head as I write. I give myself the freedom to detour and discover new characters as I go. I’ve never had writer’s block—I consider that a luxury I can’t afford!

Twisted Vines poster

InkTip: Twisted Vines is a fun murder/mystery, as well as a festival-winning film. How did you come up with the idea?

Tom: My darling daughter and her charming husband took my lovely bride and me to a secluded winery in Texas. My first thought (out loud) was, “What a great place for a murder!” It was a joke at the time… and then it wasn’t.

InkTip: Did your background in science help concoct the murder weapon?

Tom: My background in the sciences, coupled with experience in research and teaching critical thinking, enables me to craft credible and intellectually engaging murder scenarios for discerning characters to solve. I especially enjoyed applying my knowledge of chemistry in Twisted Vines.

InkTip: The film takes place entirely at a winery. How hard was it to limit yourself and the script to essentially a single location and why did you make that choice for the story?

Tom: I love contained stories. Around 80% of my scripts are one- or two-location pieces, with small casts and short timelines. It’s part creative challenge, part business savvy. I learned from InkTip that producers gravitate toward lower-budget scripts with high potential returns. I design stories that are exciting and producible.

The cast of Twisted Vines

InkTip: As an ensemble piece, how did you keep each character’s voice and motivation distinct?

Tom: Diversity is the secret sauce. I grew up in an ethnically rich part of Oakland, California, and my academic and teaching careers only broadened that lens. I write characters from all walks of life so that everyone in the audience can find someone they recognize. Writing roles for Vivica A. Fox and Nikki Leigh in Twisted Vines was a blast—they brought award-winning energy to the script. And I deeply appreciated director Jihane Mrad Balaa for translating those pages into magic on screen.

InkTip: You have another script in post, Santa’s Chair, that stars Elizabeth Mitchell and Jeremy Piven. It’s a departure for you from the murder/mystery genre of Twisted Vines. How did you and Maguy Cohen (the director) collaborate on the script?

Tom: Maguy Cohen is a true visionary. We worked closely on multiple rewrites before and during production. I deeply respect how tough directing is, so I focused on being as collaborative and solution-focused as possible. It’s a team sport, and I love playing on a good team.

InkTip: What are you working on next?

Tom: “Next” is always relative. I do a lot of rewriting—often adapting existing scripts for new locations or producer preferences. This week, I’m revisiting a script set in Greece after receiving insightful notes from a Greek producer. I love that part of the process—learning, improving, growing. I try to only take one or two days off between projects, because the next idea is usually knocking before the last one’s out the door.

Vivica A. Fox in Twisted Vines

InkTip: Where do you usually find inspiration for your scripts?

Tom: From the smart, skeptical, curious people in my life. Many of my lead characters are mosaics of the students and colleagues I’ve worked with over the years—especially strong women, minorities, and underdogs with fire in their bellies and stories worth telling.

InkTip: What advice do you have for writers regarding forming working relationships with producers?

Tom: Be patient. Be flexible. Be helpful. And above all—be fun to work with. Everyone’s hustling in this industry, so being the person they look forward to collaborating with is a big advantage.

InkTip: What’s the one thing you wish you knew earlier in your career?

Tom: That imagination is free, and budget constraints shouldn’t limit the scope of your ideas. Write the movie you would want to see. You can always scale down later.

InkTip: What is the best piece of writing advice that you’ve received?

Tom: Never give up. Write on. If you believe in yourself, others will too. And keep it fun. I treat screenwriting like a hobby—my real job is being a good husband, father, grandfather, friend, and citizen. Everything else is icing on that cake.

InkTip: What films have influenced you as a writer and how? Who is your favorite screenwriter and/or screenplay?

Tom: So many! I’m inspired by the comedy of Mel Brooks, the mysteries of Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle, the chills of Stephen King, and the timelessness of Shakespeare. I admire producers like Megan Ellison, Kathleen Kennedy, and Wes Anderson’s unique style. Favorite screenwriters? Tina Fey, Billy Wilder, Ethan Coen, Mel Brooks—the list goes on. Favorite scripts? Stand By Me, Knives Out, and See How They Run.

InkTip: What is one film you would love to make every screenwriter watch, and why?

Tom: See How They Run (2022). It’s a clever, self-aware, stylish murder mystery with a smart cast and whip-smart writing. It’s just plain fun—and shows how tight writing and sharp direction can elevate a story.

InkTip: Anything you wish to add?

Tom: First, I’d like to thank my friends at InkTip for letting me play in their sandbox. They are helpful, encouraging, and successful. I’m signing another option agreement this week, thanks to a relationship forged in 2021 on InkTip. Second, to other producers out there, I’m fun to work with! I encourage you to email me or cold call me with: “I’m looking for a script—what have you got?” I’ll deliver it fast, on budget, and with a smile. As always, thanks for the opportunity!

Twisted Vines is currently streaming! You can check it out on TUBI or find other options HERE.

A graduate of Northwestern University in radio/TV/film, Chris worked in the film industry as an assosiate producer on reality TV shows before moving into the record industry and eventually landing at InkTip where she runs a plethora of departments. She's written more than 100 articles featuring interviews with producers, screenwriters, actors, and novelists. She spends her free time spoiling her guinea pigs, hiking California, and actively avoiding parking in Hollywood.