Crystal Sauls

What inspired you to become a screenwriter, and what keeps you motivated to keep writing?

I’ve always wanted my books to become movies with the hopes of inspiring people all over the world through storytelling. The fact that I can go through something and get better, in spite of challenges is the thing that keeps me motivated to write. I know that I have always been encouraged by others so it’s time for me to encourage others.

Can you tell us about your writing process, from the initial idea to the final draft?

All of my writing starts with something that happened, an idea and pen/pencil to paper or the notes in my phone. What I write may not be in the order of occurences but I make sense of it later. Along the way, I may laugh or cry depending on the topic but I keep writing.  The final draft is read by me and a proofreader.

How do you approach creating characters, and what techniques do you use to develop them?

The characters are based on real-life stories and people. I analyze everything about them — their attitude, mood, triggers, and even the most common things they would say in their daily conversations. I pay close attention to how they respond under pressure, how they communicate love, and how they handle pain.

From there, I begin to build their emotional journey. I ask myself: What has this person been through? What are they hiding? What are they trying to become? That helps me shape not just who they are on the surface, but who they are internally.

One technique I use is writing backstories that may never appear in the script, but inform every decision the character makes. I also allow space for vulnerability — because real people are layered, and I want my characters to feel authentic and relatable.

Ultimately, I approach character creation as a form of storytelling rooted in truth. I don’t just create characters — I try to understand them, so that audiences can see themselves in them and connect on a deeper emotional level.

Can you share with us a bit about your latest project and the story behind it?

Transition – The Shift is an extension of my original book Transition, inspired by a particular chapter that is rooted in a true story. This project dives deeper into the emotional and psychological layers of relationships — especially the things we don’t always see at the beginning.

The story explores what happens when you enter a relationship with genuine intentions, only to discover that there are unresolved attachments from the past. Often, the signs are there, but they’re subtle — and it’s not until a major turning point that everything becomes clear.

In the film, the character Viernmo tries to protect Cheymarie from the influence of his past relationship, but she eventually realizes that what she’s dealing with goes much deeper than she expected. The story takes a dramatic turn as hidden truths surface, revealing the emotional intensity and complexity of the situation.

At its core, Transition – The Shift is about awareness, discernment, and survival. It reflects the reality that even when you try to do everything right — asking questions, getting to know someone’s background, understanding their values — some things can still remain hidden and shake the foundation of a relationship.

This project is very personal to me. It comes from a real place, and while it represents a difficult experience, it also represents growth, resilience, and coming out on the other side. That’s what makes the story powerful — it’s not just about what happened, but about overcoming it.

What do you think sets your writing apart from others in the industry, and how do you showcase your unique voice?

What sets my writing apart is that it’s rooted in real-life experiences. My stories come from truth, and because of that, they often become universal. People see themselves in the characters, the emotions, and the journey — and that relatability creates a deeper connection.

While I’ve invested in learning the craft through courses and training, the heart of my writing comes from lived experience. I believe technique is important, but authenticity is what truly resonates. I’m not afraid to own my story and translate those real moments into something meaningful on screen.

I showcase my unique voice by making my characters feel alive — not just through dialogue, but through their emotional presence. I write in a way that allows the reader to hear the story as if it’s already playing out on screen. My goal is for the voice on the page to feel just as real and powerful as it would in the film itself.

How do you balance your personal creative vision with the needs of producers, directors, and other collaborators?

In 2021, I had the opportunity to be coached by award-winning actor Oscar Nuñez. At the time, I shared with him that my goal was to see my books become films, and he challenged me by saying, “That’s what you want.” That moment stayed with me. He offered valuable insight, asked thoughtful questions about films in the industry, and encouraged me to think critically about storytelling from multiple perspectives. I truly valued that advice.

As a creator, I currently serve as the producer and director of my own projects, which allows me to protect the integrity of my vision. At the same time, I understand that film is a collaborative medium. I listen, I observe, and I respect the perspectives of other producers and directors — especially when feedback strengthens the story.

For me, balance comes from clarity. I have a strong understanding of what I want the audience to feel and take away, and that guides my decisions. I’m open to collaboration, but I’m intentional about who I collaborate with. I believe the right team will not only respect the vision but help elevate it.

Ultimately, I stay true to my voice while remaining open to insight — because the goal is not just to create something personal, but to create something powerful that connects with others.

Can you talk about a particularly challenging moment you faced while working on a project and how you overcame it?

This project was deeply personal and, at times, emotionally challenging. While writing the screenplay, there were moments when I found myself in tears because parts of the story reflected real-life experiences. That level of vulnerability made the process both meaningful and difficult.

At the same time, I was balancing a part-time retail job with an unpredictable schedule, which often made it hard to find consistent time and energy to write. There were periods where I felt creatively drained, even on my days off.

One of the most difficult challenges I faced was supporting my brother during a serious health battle. I spent much of that time in and out of the hospital with him, and eventually, he passed away. That experience changed me, both personally and creatively.

What helped me overcome those challenges was my commitment to purpose. Even when I couldn’t write the screenplay the way I wanted, I continued creating in other ways — developing workbook content and story ideas that reflected his journey and the emotions surrounding it. Writing became a form of healing for me.

In the end, those challenges didn’t stop the project — they deepened it. They gave the story more truth, more emotion, and more meaning.

How do you see the role of screenwriting in the film industry evolving, and how do you see yourself fitting into that future?

I believe the role of screenwriting in the film industry is continuing to evolve toward more authentic, diverse, and emotionally honest storytelling. Audiences today want stories they can connect to — stories that reflect real life, real struggles, and real transformation. With the growth of streaming platforms and global distribution, there’s also more opportunity for unique voices to be heard.

At the same time, I think writers are becoming more involved in the full creative process — not just writing the script, but helping shape the vision, production, and overall direction of a project. That’s something I strongly connect with.

As for where I see myself, I see myself as a storyteller who brings truth to the screen. I want to continue writing stories that are rooted in real experiences and create emotional impact. I also see myself securing strong film deals that allow my work to reach wider audiences while still protecting the integrity of the story.

My goal is not just to write scripts, but to build meaningful projects that inspire, heal, and connect people — and to be part of the future of storytelling in a way that stays authentic to who I am.

Can you share any advice or tips for emerging screenwriters who are just starting out?

The advice I would give to emerging screenwriters is to follow your heart and stay committed to your vision. Write consistently, even when it’s not perfect, and don’t be afraid to grow through the process.

I also believe it’s important to be intentional about who you share your goals with. Protect your ideas in the early stages, and share them when the time is right and with people who can truly support your growth.

Seek professional guidance when you can, and be open to learning. Stay humble, be receptive to feedback, and use it to strengthen your work.

At the same time, take care of yourself. Rest, take breaks, travel if you can — real life experiences will fuel your creativity. And most importantly, keep writing. Your story has the power to impact someone else, even if you don’t realize it yet.

Finally, what are your long-term goals as a screenwriter, and what legacy do you hope to leave in the industry?

My long-term goal as a screenwriter is to create content that truly impacts and blesses others in several languages. I want my work to go beyond entertainment and become something that people can connect to on a deeper level — something that speaks to healing, growth, and transformation.

I also have a strong desire to give back by supporting other emerging writers. Whether it’s through guidance, feedback, or simply encouraging them to keep going, I want to help others bring their stories to life as well.

With Transition – The Shift, I see this as more than just one project — it’s a full creative movement. My vision includes expanding it into a limited series, a long-term television series, a documentary, and several additional films that continue to explore different layers of the Transition journey. Many of these stories are already outlined, and some are already written.

The legacy I hope to leave in the industry is one of transformation. I want to create a space where people feel seen, understood, and reminded that they are not defined by their past. That as long as you are alive, you have the opportunity to grow, heal, and do better.

This is more than storytelling for me — this is my purpose, and this is the legacy I intend to leave.