Host and writer, Jeanne Veillette Bowerman of Pipeline Artists, talks with Michelle Cutler, an experienced screenwriter with 15 years in the industry, explores the nuances of writing true stories, whether in memoirs or as adaptations for screen. Drawing from her background in both screenwriting and memoir writing, Cutler highlights the importance of focusing on specific life-changing moments—often referred to as the “inciting incident”—rather than attempting a sweeping cradle-to-grave narrative. She stresses that while creative freedom is crucial in early drafts, writers should consider their audience when developing their work further.
Cutler delves into the emotional challenges of writing memoirs, particularly when dealing with trauma, and stresses the necessity of thorough research, whether through interviews, archival material, or personal recollection. She shares her experience of adapting a true story into a screenplay and how screenwriting techniques—such as emphasizing stakes, character evolution, and visual detail—can be applied to memoir writing. Cutler also discusses the vulnerability required in memoirs, where the writer must become the protagonist, and the delicate balance between being authentic and protecting the privacy of others involved.
She offers advice on handling sensitive subjects, such as the potential for backlash from those written about, and encourages writers to explore their stories fully before taking them public. Cutler also emphasizes the importance of understanding the medium you are working with—whether memoir or screenplay—and adapting accordingly, noting the challenges of converting a screenplay into prose. For Cutler, the story always comes first, regardless of the format, and she encourages writers to prioritize their creative process before considering commercial implications.