From dark comedy to grounded, emotional drama, a slate of fresh stories is in development, each with its own spark, chaos, and heartbeat.
Characters misbehaving, secrets unraveling, consequences closing in.
Val McDermid
THE PILLAR
When a mausoleum remodel casts her parents’ crypt into shadow, a stubborn elderly woman declares war on management, dragging her attorney-granddaughter into a battle over contracts, pride, and the little lies families tell to protect each other.
A dark‑comedic short screenplay about love, loss, and the bonds that refuse to behave.
SIX DEGREES OF TED
After losing his job, a humiliated car salesman with an unfortunately infamous name is pulled into a reckless, improvised sting by a bold stranger — forcing him to choose between the life he knows and the one he never imagined.
A dark-comedic short screenplay with heart, humor, and a little rule-breaking.
WHAT WE LEAVE UNSAID
After his estranged father’s death, a guarded former Marine returns home seeking answers, only to fall for the hospice volunteer who knew his father better than he did — and who reveals a secret that forces him to confront the truth about his family, his past, and himself.
A bittersweet, full-length screenplay drama about forgiveness and returning to love.
Finalist — May 2026 Wiki Screenplay Contest
What We Leave Unsaid was recently named a Finalist in the May 2026 Wiki Screenplay Contest. Visitors can click the button below to explore Wiki’s Walk of Fame interview with the screenwriter, where she discusses writing, motivation, and the inspiration behind her first dramatic feature screenplay.
Semi-Finalist — Santa Barbara International Screenplay Contest
Adding another placement to its 2026 contest season, this recognition reflects the script’s continued presence across multiple festivals and competitions.
Quarter‑Finalist — Palm Springs Diversity Screenplay Contest
Another encouraging milestone for the feature screenplay as it continues to gain traction across festivals and competitions. Rita Hanner‑Ward is honored to be recognized by a contest committed to championing inclusive storytelling.
Six Degrees of Ted has had a little momentum this week, and it’s been fun to watch. The script slipped into the Quarterfinals of the Outstanding Screenplays Shorts Competition — a welcome bit of encouragement for this oddball, dark‑comedic short.
It received a Finalist nod from the judges at the June 2026 Wiki Screenplay Contest and is a Semi‑Finalist in the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival Screenplay Competition — a major honor and a meaningful step forward.
And Ted is still in consideration at the Oregon Short Film Festival — a natural home for his particular blend of chaos, heart, and everyday misfires.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
The pen name Kiva Wolfe (TM) has been used professionally by author Rita Hanner‑Ward since 2002. Only the online profiles linked directly from this website are official.
Any other use of this name—including on OnlyFans—is unauthorized.
Author affiliated websites: ritahanner-ward.com; kivawolfe.com, and kivawolfe.net
Imprints: RHW Books & Musings, and Kiva Wolfe Enterprises
Member: Mystery Writers of America (MWA) & SoCal Chapter; SinC National & Desert Sleuths Chapter; Arizona Mystery Writers;
Arizona Authors Association; Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi); Phoenix Screenwriters Association (PSA); Phoenix Writers Club (PWC); SCW Writers Group; West Arizona Authors Anthology Now LLC (WAZAAN)
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Before you slip away… meet my author‑ego, Kiva Wolfe,
and dive into my romantic suspense-adventures:
Red Flash, and Tears of Iemanjá,
Books I and II of the Gem Provenance Legacy!
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