Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Stangeland
Hi Heidi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to screenwriting might not be unique, but I often describe myself as a “late bloomer.” Storytelling has always been a vital part of my life, a way to express myself—primarily through the lens of a camera as a photographer, a passion I still hold today. In my mid-30s, while writing a children’s book to help my kids stay connected to their culture and heritage, I exchanged scripts with a friend enrolled in the UCLA Extension Screenwriting class. The moment I read that script and saw the format, I was captivated. I had a physical reaction—goosebumps—and I knew instantly that screenwriting was my true calling.
From that point on, I dove headfirst into the craft. I started with free online courses and soon progressed to more in-depth writing classes, absorbing everything I could about screenwriting and the business of marketing scripts. Being a screenwriter isn’t just about writing; it’s also about building connections and promoting your work. Today, I’m fortunate to have my own projects, collaborate on several others with different writing partners, and work with a manager who is incredibly supportive.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Screenwriting—creative storytelling—has not been an easy road for me. It’s a journey that demands commitment, patience, and resilience. When I first started, I was going through a tough divorce, raising three amazing kids on my own, and juggling three jobs just to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, my passion never wavered. My children have always been a major source of motivation. Writing is my creative outlet, a space where I can be someone I don’t always dare to be, and in that way, it’s deeply therapeutic.
But it’s not easy. The entertainment industry has faced significant challenges recently. First, the pandemic brought the world to a standstill, and just as we were beginning to recover, screenwriters and then actors went on strike, once again halting most productions. In the face of these obstacles, I’ve had to adapt, as we all must if we want to survive in this business. We adjust, find the positives, and contribute to keeping the industry alive so that there’s a future for screenwriters and storytellers like me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a writer, I specialize in crafting suspenseful and mysterious stories, often blending the dark intrigue of Nordic noir with the imaginative elements of Sci-Fi. Being a native Norwegian, I draw deeply from my cultural heritage, weaving mythology into my narratives to create stories that resonate beyond borders.
Beyond writing, I am also the founder of Hanè Saga, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting storytellers.
How do you think about happiness?
So many things bring me joy—my kids, my cats, my family, and my friends. I thrive on meeting new people and being immersed in the outdoors. Nature has always been my sanctuary, with hiking as one of my greatest outlets. The ocean, in particular, is where I feel most at peace and recharged.
Making someone smile and helping out, even in small ways, makes me happy. I’m mindful of the impact we all have on our surroundings, and that awareness shapes how I move through the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hanesaga.com
- Instagram: tigemor
Image Credits
Phoenix Deveroux for first photo, second photo is a selfie
