I've had the pleasure of working with Debra Rigas for years in theatrical productions and writing projects. She edited my novels The Woman Pope and Alter, and has been extremely encouraging and supportive of my screenplays for decades. I am constantly amazed at the care, quality, and depth of her analysis. She is able to see things others miss, focusing on the best of an idea, or a scene, or an exchange, then asking the right questions, bringing them up to the surface, looking at them in every light and then skillfully helping guide your vision to fruition. It is a powerful combination of insight, attention to detail, and thoughtful analysis that has always been one of her many wonderful gifts.
Nelson Clark, Award Winning Author/Playwright/Screenwriter
Los Angeles, CA
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Associating the word 'Renaissance' with someone is far too easy these days. Debra Rigas truly deserves that depiction.
Deb and I have collaborated on several occasions and I've found her to be exceptional in her capabilities, her work ethic and the timely manner in which she meets deadlines. When I'm working on a project that requires a high level of efficiency and expertise, Debra Rigas is my 'go to' person.
Paul Costanzo, Producer
San Rafael, CA
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I'm a screenwriter first and foremost, although also a novelist
and playwright. As a screenwriter you meet a lot of charlatans,
especially producers. Anyone can call themselves a producer.
However, aside from how to finance a movie, do they understand
actors, or directors, and more importantly, do they understand
movie scripts? If you can find an all-rounder then you have
struck gold. The same holds true for writing coaches. Anyone
can call themselves a writing coach, but do they understand a
variety of mediums, from screenplays to plays to novels, do
they understand writers, do they understand the business side
of writing, like pitching movie scripts, submitting manuscripts
or how the film and publishing industries really work?
Do they have a sensibility for different styles of writing
and creative thought? Find a coach like that, and you have
struck gold. Debra Rigas is one such coach. I have worked
with her on numerous screenplays and novels and she has
become my touchstone. I wouldn't think of even starting a
project nowadays without consulting with her first even during the formative stage of ideas. Plus, she cares.
C.J. Cronin, Award Winning Author/Playwright/Screenwriter
Brisbane, Australia
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Like jewels in an ancient Byzantine necklace, strung together over centuries, the insightful, creative words of author, writer and contemporary spiritual shaman, Debra Rigas, work their magic and healing power of Light into the very soul of the reader. An inspiring and listening encourager, 'DRx' is gifted in turning choice river bottom pebbles into polished jewels of exalted imagination.
Rev Lee J. Carlton, Author
Metropolitan Community Churches
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I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Rigas on two occasions over the past few years and highly recommend her services at any level.
As the Production Coordinator for Japan (starring Peter Fonda and Shane Brolly), I watched Debra meticulously document each scene as the film's Script Continuity Supervisor. Her professionalism and personality were a breath of fresh air on the low budget set that was highly pressurized due to the financial and time constraints placed on the project's completion.
As a result of her attention to detail and ability to handle the stressful atmosphere, I hired Ms. Rigas to review/edit The Box Office Hit screenplay. I was so impressed by Debra's writing style that I added her as a Co-Writer.
I highly recommend Ms. Debra J. Rigas for any project related to film or writing. You will be hard-pressed to find
a more delightful personality with such high standards.
Randy Luethye, Screenwriter
Founder - Light Rail Network
Phoenix, AZ
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Debra J. Rigas was my writing coach for 20 days in 2008, in Spain.
Not only did she help with general life coaching, but she also considerably doctored a script for my cinema project.
We continue to work together at a distance. She inspired me and encouraged me to follow my career.
She is my dearest friend, and I hope this work becomes a full working partnership in the future.
Sensi Vilchez, Screenwriter
Barcelona, Spain
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Deb and I have collaborated on several film projects over the last few years and I have always known her to be
enthusiastic, insightful and a wonderful asset to the team. And, of course, a gifted writer. On a more personal level,
she's a joy to spend time with. Even when in some serious pain from the searing sting of a large black wasp!
She's a great script doctor as well. I recently needed to clean up a script - more of a treatment really - for an unexpected,
important presentation. In not much more than 36 hours, Deb reworked the script, cleaned it up, formatted it, and got it back
to me in time for the presentation. It looked great. Great read, too. More importantly, the people we met with liked
what they saw and decided to come on board to financially support the film. Thanks again, Deb!
Jim Grapek, Producer, Director
The Associated Producers Group of Companies
Bethesda, MD
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Debra Rigas is focused enthusiasm personified. Once
engaged she is like a train of accomplishment. Debra will get
you there, kicking and screaming if she has to. But more
likely panting and laughing. Seriously, if you want it done, then
Deb's the one.
S. J. McGuire, Author
Marin County, CA
The Tao Of IT
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I can't say enough about working with Ms. Rigas. The
application of her skills to a project go far beyond
vocabulary and grammar. Her ability to wade through the
extraneous and find simplicity in the message make words ring
truer and meaning run deeper. She and I have worked on several
projects since autumn 2005, and I consult her on a regular basis.
Jason Jury, Director, Screenwriter, and Award Winning Producer
Los Angeles, CA
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Debra Rigas is the most optimistic, positive, and encouraging person I’ve ever met.
She has been a source of inspiration, support, and encouragement in word and example to me
for many years now. Debra’s investment in and commitment to those she believes in is heroic.
Deb never gives up. She truly bonds with the people she selects to involve herself with.
Hope you’ll be that lucky.
Graham Sale – Writer, Author, Illustrator, Cartoonist, Toy Manufacturer.
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BOOK
"Members of the metaphysical community have long been familiar with the saying, “If you need a teacher, one will arrive.” In this informative book, Debra J. Rigas distinguishes between teachers and gurus, offering herself as a kind and compassionate guide through the myriad of occult, metaphysical, and spiritual disciplines available to today’s seekers.
"Currently an author, screenwriter, and writing coach, Rigas also has been a healer and a caregiver who has traveled extensively. She has learned from her life, and her animated narrative reflects the varied insights of an individual who has been drawn to spirituality since her early youth. Peppered with her copious experiences and knowledge of spiritual, psychic, and physical healing methods, the book also provides capsule descriptions of many of them, enabling newcomers to the terrain to become acquainted with their contents.
"Members of the metaphysical community have long been familiar with the saying, “If you need a teacher, one will arrive.” In this informative book, Debra J. Rigas distinguishes between teachers and gurus, offering herself as a kind and compassionate guide through the myriad of occult, metaphysical, and spiritual disciplines available to today’s seekers.
"Currently an author, screenwriter, and writing coach, Rigas also has been a healer and a caregiver who has traveled extensively. She has learned from her life, and her animated narrative reflects the varied insights of an individual who has been drawn to spirituality since her early youth. Peppered with her copious experiences and knowledge of spiritual, psychic, and physical healing methods, the book also provides capsule descriptions of many of them, enabling newcomers to the terrain to become acquainted with their contents.">
- by Stephania Ebony
Originally posted on Style Coven website
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See reviews for my short story
Hemingway's Bed directly on the smashwords page.
