Susan-Sojourna Collier reflects on her tenure at AMC

[AveryintheCity]

My heart is saddened that ALL MY CHILDREN will come to an end tomorrow. My years as a scriptwriter on the show– working with other brilliant writers and creating great storylines– was an incredible adventure. Although we sometimes missed the mark, our goal was always to tap into the emotional heart of the importance of life: family. The family structure and those loving relationships always prevailed on ALL MY CHILDREN. For that, I’m proud to have been on the writing staff.

As a rookie writer, the enormity of the daytime genre didn’t hit home until my first episode aired. The head writer looked to me and said, “According to the Nielsen ratings… 3 million people watched the episode.” Wow! Although it’s small compared to prime time television ratings, 3 million became ‘my number.’

Now, as ALL MY CHILDREN ends, I look optimistically at the future of soaps. I’m inspired by the growing number of internet dramas such as ours that aspire to become a new chapter in this medium’s distinguished history. I’m encouraged by the number of new producers flocking to the canvas. Most importantly, I’m optimistic that this awesome art form will continue for many decades to come.

- Susan-Sojourna Collier, story editor and script writer – OUR WORLD

SUSAN-SOJOURNA COLLIER (Story Editor / Script Writer) received an Emmy®-nomination for her writing on ABC’s ALL MY CHILDREN and has written for other daytime drama series, including PORT CHARLES and ONE LIFE TO LIVE. She serves on the Development Team for Al Roker Productions, creating new TV shows and documentaries. http://www.ourworlddrama.com

[R Sinclair]

I remember her... at least her name. It was back in the days when the script writers were all lumped together at the end of the show. Instantly, with a name like "Sojourna" I knew she was a black woman. Sojourner Truth, anyone?

[EricMontreal22]

I immediately thought of Sojourner Truth!

What years did she write? Anyone know?

[All My Shadows]

If she was jazzed about getting 3 million for her first episode, it might have been 10 or so years ago. Her name sounds familiar to me, too.

IMDb says 2001-2003ish, which makes sense.

[LeClerc]

I remember her name as well. She was from the Culliton era and, whatever else you can say about that time, he had a solid scriptwriting team.

[EricMontreal22]

That makes sense, and yes he did. The problem with Culliton was a plethora of dropped and convulated storylines (but ti was an improvement on Passanante lol, and felt more liek AMC than the following Rayfield era).

[R Sinclair]

I've said that myself. I believe it's because Culliton's strength is in scriptwriting, so I'd totally expect him to have an ear for other good scriptwriters.