"If there’s one thing I know,life is meant to unfold, to peel away like an onion, until we’re living the reason we’re here." ~ Cindy Yantis
I was born in the shadow of Oz, a stone’s throw from Emerald City, in the town of Winfield, Kansas where I caught lightning bugs, and grew up in Laramie, Wyoming where I climbed mountains and learned to fish, and Mt. Pleasant, Michigan where I studied tap and ballet, played the piano and shaped my future as an artist, writer and businesswoman. When I was about ten, I got bit by the writing bug when I won my first writing competition with the short story, “Jen…Gin”, about two girls who lived on the either side of the same mirror. That planted a seed that continues to sow.
"Write meaningful prose that will change people's lives." ~ Cindy Yantis
I live outside of Austin, having previouslylived in Los Angeles for over two decades. I studied in the UCLA Screenwriters’ Program and have a BAA from Central Michigan University in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts.Early on, I paid for refurbishing her condo by doing television commercials, acting in some film,TV, and theatre. My life’s mission came to me in a flash during a Dark Night of the Soul: “Write meaningful prose that will change people’s lives.”
As a writer, I create intense character-driven stories with strong voices searching for truth. A short film I wrote and co-produced, On Georgia’s Mind, premiered in LA and played a run on the film festival circuit. Three of my feature scripts have placed in the prestigious Nicholl Fellowship. My script, The Butterfly Symphony, also placed in the Austin Film Festival Screenwriting Competition.
As a creative producer, I worked on other short films as well theatrical showcase productions in Los Angeles and served as a story consultant for projects at all stages of production where I provide structure; character & plot development as well as giving detailed script/story notes. I had a full corporate life as a successful businesswoman. With over 30 years of experience in media, advertising, sales and marketing I was been responsible for selling and managing millions of dollars in television media on major network affiliates for clients such as Ford, GM, Lexus, Kia, Nestle, Sony, Lionsgate and many more. With my vast experience in creative writing, storytelling, advertising and business, I bring a unique flair to my work as a Creativity Coach. I have a gift for helping others get to the heart of a story.And, here's the thing, I've been there. I've struggled with creative process myself. I've been stuck inside fears that over my lifetime have held me back from my true creative potential. I've learned, through much trial and error, what works and what doesn't. I've been there. I am dedicated to work that fosters higher consciousness and creating better for a better world. My business management experience also included a stint as a career consultant where I coached people in management, personal branding and career building. I've spoken at organizations across Los Angeles on various topics regarding women in leadership. I served on the Board of Directors for American Women in Radio and Television, Art & Soul Center of Los Angeles, and was founder and president of The POWDER Network (Power of Women Developing Entertainment Resources), a professional networking organization for women in entertainment that was active in LA for several years.
I dig traveling, SCUBA diving, golf, hiking, movies, reading, dining with friends and wine-tasting road trips. As a former Miss Indiana, I was a national finalist in the Miss America Pageant. I sang the national anthem on the 20-yard line at the opening of the Indianapolis Colts Hoosier Dome and forgot the words on national television as the entire team ran out of the locker room onto the field.
I once crash-landed a hot air balloon in the middle of a ballon race, much to the chagrin of the farmer whose crops were smashed to a pulp. And, yes, that made it into a scene in a novel.
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