Safety Not Guaranteed

"WANTED: Someone to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. You'll get paid when we get back. Must bring your own weapons. Safety not guaranteed. I have only done this once before."

This is the most intriguing and brilliantly written classified ad ever! No wonder it inspired writer Derek Connolly and director Colin Trevorrow to create Safety Not Guaranteed, winner of the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance.  I, for one, cannot wait to see the movie.

As a writing tutor and teacher, I talk about the importance of making every word count and having a great hook. The author of this ad could teach a master class on writing. "I've only done this once before" may be the best hook since Carolyn Turgeon wrote the first chapter ending in Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story. With Safety Not Guaranteed, like Godmother, I can't wait to discover what happens next.


Save me an aisle seat and pass the popcorn.

~Ariella Moon

  Spell Check