Raised in Malvern, AR

Met future screenwriting partner Billy Bob Thornton (date approximate)

Attended University of Arkansas, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in English

With Thornton, decided to move to NYC; stayed ten hours

Moved to L.A.

Began writing screenplays with Thornton; meeting with producers and making puitches

Made feature screenwriting debut, "One False Move"; co-wrote with Thornton

With Thornton, wrote screenplay for "A Family Thing"

TV writing debut, the made-for-cable film "Don't Look Back"; also served as co-executive producer

Feature producing debut (as co-producer with Gary M Bettman), "A Gun, a Car, a Blonde"; also co-scripted with director Stefani Ames; shown in competition at the 1997 Slamdance Film Festival