TOD:
My high school drama teacher, Mrs. Borgstrom, who I've written about, was a major influence. She, years later, confessed that she had never directed a play before the one I had the lead in, but she believed in me and gave me what was the high point in my entire high school career.
Them there were people in Hollywood (e.g. Diane McBain, Michael Ansara, Stanley Rubin, Jack Miller, Steve Kanaly, Henry Darrow, etc.) who, long before I ever sold a script, read my material and continually encouraged me not to give up.
I am very fortunate to have had all of these people in my life.