40 Years • 12 Months • 12 Ways We Give Back

 

 

Celebrating 40 Years of Supporting Writers

As Scriptwriters Network celebrates our 40th anniversary in 2026, we are honored to give back to our community in meaningful ways — one month at a time.

Each initiative throughout the year highlights our commitment to education, mentorship, recognition, and supporting writers at every stage of their journey. From live programming to member exclusives to spotlighting outstanding achievements, 2026 is a year of gratitude and action.

We look forward to sharing these moments with you throughout the year.

 

 

“Forty years represents more than longevity — it represents thousands of writers who dared to believe their stories mattered. As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with gratitude for the community that built SWN and a renewed commitment to the writers who will shape the next forty years.”
— Melessa Y. Sargent, President & CEO

 

 

January – Recognition & Community

January Membership Drive – Win a Personal Masterclass!

In January, we kicked off our 40th Anniversary year by welcoming new storytellers into our community.

Join or renew your membership between January 1–31, 2026, and you were automatically entered to win a private, personalized Masterclass with our President, Melessa Y. Sargent, tailored to your goals — screenwriting, pitching, story development, rewriting, or crafting your next big idea.

This initiative set the tone for a year focused on education, access, and celebrating writers.

January Featured Winner

Stephanie Bourbon
Stephanie’s achievement highlights her dedication to craft and creative growth. Through this recognition, we celebrate her commitment to storytelling and the promise of future projects.

 

 

Program Winners Spotlight

As part of our 40th Anniversary year, Scriptwriters Network proudly recognizes outstanding achievement within our 2025 programs. These projects reflects the strength of the writer’s work as evaluated through our established program review standards and the excellence, dedication, and craft celebrated within our community.

HOP 2025 Winner

Connie Mulqueen – A Secret Turning
Drama / Fantasy

Selected through Scriptwriters Network’s Hollywood Outreach Program (HOP) review process, A Secret Turning rose to distinction among a competitive field of submissions. We proudly acknowledge this achievement and celebrate the creative vision demonstrated within our program.

Industry inquiries regarding this project may be directed to Scriptwriters Network for appropriate coordination.

TOP 2025 Winner

Dan Glasband – Monsters & Murderers
Original Feature – Thriller / Psychological Drama / Espionage

Chosen as the Television Outreach Program’s (TOP) Winner through our review process, Monsters & Murderers earned distinction within a highly competitive program year. We are honored to spotlight this accomplishment as part of our 40th Anniversary celebration.

Industry inquiries regarding this project may be directed to Scriptwriters Network for appropriate coordination.

 

 

February – Education & Craft

Members-Only Writers Lab

In February, as part of our 40th Anniversary, SWN is giving back to members with an exclusive interactive Writers Lab.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, Feb 21, 2026

  • Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM PST

  • Format: Members bring 1–2 pages of their original script for live feedback, mentorship, and discussion on story, character, dialogue, and craft.

Submission: Pages must be submitted by Feb 12, 2026.
Access: This event is members-only. Registration is required.

This interactive session provides a supportive space to strengthen writing skills and connect directly with SWN leadership and fellow writers, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to education, craft, and community engagement.

Page submission deadline: February 12, 2026
This event is exclusively for current SWN members.

 

 

More to Come

Each month throughout 2026, we will introduce a new way we give back — through education, access, recognition, and opportunity.

Be sure to check back regularly as we continue to update this page and celebrate 40 years of Scriptwriters Network.

 

 

Get Involved

 

 

Be Part of Our Next 40 Years

As we continue celebrating 40 years of supporting writers, we invite you to be part of what comes next.

Whether you are:

  • A writer looking to grow

  • An industry professional interested in speaking

  • A supporter who believes in the power of storytelling

  • A sponsor seeking to invest in creative voices

There is a place for you within the Scriptwriters Network community.

Together, we can continue building opportunities, elevating stories, and shaping the future of screenwriting.

 

 

Thank you for being part of our community. Your support, engagement, and creativity help make Scriptwriters Network a place where writers thrive — today, and for the next 40 years.