Looks like my Toby Chalmers Commits “Career” Suicide screenplay (based on my novella of the same name) is a Big Break Competition quarterfinalist. It. Could. Go. All. The. Way!
Get the novella I based it on (along with three more misadventures) at:
https://a.co/d/2a0n0CP
Book overview:
An animal-vegetable hybrid home invader!
A murderous small press owner!
Abductive extraterrestrials looking to collaborate!
As author Toby Chalmers shifts his creative focus from horror to pervy bizarro fiction, a succession of freakos enters his life. Will he survive their attentions? Will he ever write a bestseller? And why has cancel culture latched its mephitic gaze onto him?
This collection includes the previously published novellas Toby Chalmers Commits “Career” Suicide and Toby Chalmers Hits a New Low, plus two more misadventures!
The 2025 Big Break Competition is renowned for launching the careers of screenwriters worldwide, providing a prestigious platform for emerging talents like Toby Chalmers. Being a quarterfinalist in such a highly competitive contest not only highlights the quality and originality of Chalmers’ screenplay "Career Suicide" but also opens substantial opportunities in the entertainment industry. This screenplay is based on a novella that blends horror and bizarro fiction, genres that captivate audiences with their unique mix of the bizarre, dark humor, and unexpected twists. The narrative intriguingly features an animal-vegetable hybrid home invader, a murderous small press owner, and extraterrestrials seeking collaboration—elements that promise an unconventional and gripping story. Writers aiming to break into screenwriting competitions can learn from Chalmers’ approach of adapting his novella for the screenplay format, emphasizing character-driven plots and inventive storytelling. The current cultural landscape, marked by challenges such as cancel culture, adds layers of relevance and provocation to the story, making it resonate with contemporary readers and viewers. For indie authors and genre enthusiasts, this collection—including the previous novellas "Toby Chalmers Commits 'Career' Suicide" and "Toby Chalmers Hits a New Low"—offers an immersive experience into offbeat storytelling. These works highlight the creative risks and explorations in today’s indie literary scene, showcasing how diverse themes like horror, satire, and sci-fi converge to push narrative boundaries. Moreover, the success of this screenplay underscores the importance of persistence in the competitive world of writing. Screenwriters and authors can draw inspiration from this trajectory, understanding that participation in reputed contests like the Big Break competition can significantly boost visibility and career prospects. Readers interested in unique, thought-provoking fiction will find Toby Chalmers’ work a compelling addition to their collection, especially those who appreciate stories that challenge norms and blend genres innovatively.
