To be (perhaps) painfully honest, I became a script consultant quite by accident. 

Most of my life has been dedicated to theater and entertainment: acting, writing and directing.  I’ve studied and worked all over the country – and loved every minute of it.

Then, just a few short years ago, I had the great good fortune of becoming a mom for the very first time, which meant a BIG shift in priorities.  By necessity, I pulled way back from my writing and directing work and concentrated on the precious little bundle of DNA that the stork dropped down our chimney. (Thanks, Stork!)  Diapers filled, milk flowed . . . you get the idea.

And yet it came to pass: as thrilling as my new job was, (spoiler alert!), I missed my old job(s) – a lot.  Washing nappies and kissing boo-boo’s is fun – don’t get me wrong – but I really missed the Happy Buzz of my old creative life.  Fortunately, watching a baby grow creates its own happy buzz.  So, I settled into my new starring role in The Devil Wears Spit-Up and tried not to cry too hard over my own spilled milk – so to speak.

But then, an interesting thing began to happen.  As I was changing diapers and trying to keep the cat off the baby, friends began to call, asking for help with their various projects.  “Would you mind reading this and telling me what you think?”  Would I mind?  I’d love to!

Then, friends of friends began calling, asking for help with their projects.  Would I mind taking a look?  I’d love to!

And so it went. 

And soon, before I knew it, and quite by accident, I was gaining a good, solid, word-of-mouth reputation as a thoughtful, thorough script and story consultant.  

My extensive experience as a writer, director, actor – and hard ass perfectionist - seemed to serve me well in this new creative consulting role, and soon I became the go-to girl for writers (and actors) around town who really wanted to dig deep and get serious about their work.

Like every other road I’ve ever taken, my path to script consulting has been blessed with amazing people.  My early clients taught me so much about giving good notes, giving bad notes, getting out of the way of ego, (mine and theirs), and the power of honesty.  I am truly humbled, and very grateful. 

Finally, a very wise and wonderful friend, Kristine Oller, encouraged me to turn my new found skill into an actual business.  And Beat By Beat was born.

This is a wonderful life, meeting creative visionaries, near and far, and helping their dreams take flight.  I believe in the vital importance of finding what gives us joy in this world, and making that our life’s work.  For me, my friends and family bring me unlimited joy.

But so does this.

I wish you peace in your world, and joy in your heart. 

Thanks for reading – and writing!

- Arthur O’Shaughnessy; excerpt from “Ode”