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Angela's Decision
Welcome to my Web home! You’re probably wondering why I named my site Riterwings instead of Gena Ellis.  I mean, I am a writer after all.  I’ve been a journalist and currently a screenwriter. And what writer doesn’t want to put their name out there? And what’s up with the missing W? Hooked on phonics? Let me explain….

Once upon a time when I was in the army, I earned my Airborne Wings. That required me to dig down deep for the strength to overcome my fear of heights and fear of jumping into the unknown.  With no guarantee of where I would land. Sounds a bit like being a writer, doesn’t it?

I wrote the screenplay for Angela’s Decision. 

paratroopers Never in a million years, or a thousand feet above the Benning drop zone before I ‘crash’ landed in 1988, did I ever dream of writing a script that would become a film made in Australia, by director Mat King.  AND that the story of THAT story would be of interest to anyone.  But that crash landing in 1988 led to my writing journey. Really, it did. 

So it was only fitting that I earn my ‘Writer’ wings also. I’m still in the process, so there is no W.  Writing takes just as much sweat, determination and, yes, even a bit of blood sometimes.  It’s not easy. I’ve crashed a few times.

But the first time I stood up, hooked up, and prepared to jump out of a C-130 full of adrenaline pumped soldiers was not easy either.  Nothing in life ever is, is it? 

So…stand up, hook up and shuffle to the door along with me into this world of screenwriting, film and other writing journeys of my life.  So Prepare to Jump...please, don’t look down. It will only make you think twice. Hooah!

And much thanks to my Mom, Dad, and husband John for giving me courage for those first wings.  And thanks to them once again and my daughter Ursula now for giving me courage for my Riterwings.



Gena is a finalist judge for the George Lindsey Film Festival screenplay competition.

Xavier Samuel has been cast as Riley in the
2010 Twilight Saga: ECLIPSE film.
He portrays Will Turner, the male lead, in Angela's Decision.
The Twilight series is lucky to have such a great actor.
Congrats Xavier!

Ursula Ellis awarded Northwestern University's Studio 22 New Student Grant to write/direct her first film, "Jessamine." Premiere June 6, 2009 at NU in Chicagoland.

Angela's Decision available now on DVD on Amazon.com:  NTSC  PAL 
Also Amazon Video on Demand for $6.99

Sign up for Gena's Screenplay Analysis class at Webster University in St. Louis this fall.

View "Fay In The Life of Dave" short film FREE on Gena's IMDB page.
Gena co-wrote and co-produced this award-winning short.

Gena's script, Down Home, a romantic comedy is in development.

Angela's Decision on Facebook