Dear All: I have been researching the Salem Witch Hysteria for about 4 months. I have been most impressed with all of the descendants and their convictions for the truth from this 'List.' Many of you have put endless hours into best understanding how something so absorb got so out of control. I would like to hear from you. Those of you who are only researching your family tree may wish to disregard the rest of this message. I, like most people across the country, was ignorant to the facts. I was shocked to find out how the hysteria led to the deaths of so many innocent people. As we all know, there are so many theories as to why it started. There's not just one possibility, but several. My goal is to write a screenplay about the Witch trials. "The Crucible" hit and missed on the facts, the love romance infuriated many of you. And, I don't blame you for your anger, as the truth as much as we can interpret it, deserves to be heard. In my research, I'm also studying Puritan behavior and many other facets that would have acted as catalysts in the hysteria. Whatever I end up doing with my research, my conviction is to tell the story as best I can from my interpretation of the facts and other strong possibilities leading to the craze. Your ancestors deserve nothing less than the truth being shared. I understand where Arthur Miller was coming from, but if the story can't be told on screen, giving your ancestors the total respect they deserve, I won't do it. I need your help in doing so. I want to share with you a few facts about screenplays, as they are limiting to the Writer. It takes endless hours of dedication to put truth in a form of entertainment. Schindler's List, in its perfection, is a great example. One can't write with the detail as you can in a novel. That's why books are often considered better than the adapted screenplay. One must try to tell a story where you grab as many viewers as possible. This is extremely HARD work. This story should be told to many, especially the younger generations. It's an awareness that should be heard. By far, movies grab more "numbers." Awareness is in numbers and I want this truth to be heard in numbers. A screenplay usually entails a time period of 3-4 days. It has one or two main characters in discovery or rediscovery, a handful of supporting characters, a major conflict (don't we have one), usually a love interest, and resolution. There are other guidelines and one's creativity may take writer's liberty. Characters are best portrayed by the writer if their life is developed from birth to the time of the writing (even the life of their families before them). With this information, the writer can develop strong characters for the screenplay. You have to get into the minds of your characters. If you don't, you can't tell their story. Each of you that are willing to share with me will have strong convictions about your interpretation of what happened, as well as the people involved. Help me understand and present the veracity. Tell your story as if I have come to your country home to interview you. We're sitting in rockers on the front porch sipping on fresh squeezed lemonade. Please share with me. In advance I am sending my thanks and appreciation for your time invested. Cindy