Book or Movie?

I think most authors dream of the possibility that one or all of their books will someday be made into a movie or a TV series. I mean, think about it. Imagine seeing the characters and the story you created on the big screen or, more likely these days, on television. What a thrill, right? Not to mention the money you’d be paid for the movie rights. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? The fact is, I think it just might be. 

Off the top of my head I can only think of two instances where I read a book, later watched the movie and was pleased with the casting choices and the way the producers adhered to the storyline. The Godfather and Gone with the Wind. I’m sure there are lots of others but, for me, they were the exceptions because most movies I’ve watched recently, which were adapted from novels I’d read, did NOT stay true to the book. And, to be honest, that bothers me.

For example, I love the Hallmark mystery movies and I think, overall, they do a great job producing them. I especially enjoy the movies based on books I haven’t read because watching them is my introduction to the characters and the story.

However, some of the ones I’ve watched - where I had previously read the book/s - were disappointing. Why? Because there were too many discrepancies between what the author wrote and what I was watching. In some cases the producers omitted elements of the novels that I believed were crucial to the plot. And, in other cases, their choice of an actor/actors was lacking. The actor simply was not like the main character or supporting character I’d grown to love and care about. So, for me, the movies lost a lot of their appeal.

Well, you might ask, doesn’t the author have a say in choosing the actors and approving the script? From what I understand, they do and they don’t. In other words, although their opinions are requested and sometimes honored, the producers have the final word.

Authors:

Now for the big question: If you were offered the opportunity to have your books made into movies, would you accept?

Readers:

Given the opportunity to read the book or watch the movie – or both – which would you choose?

August News

Last month, author Karoline Barrett interviewed me for her July newsletter, which was also posted on her blog. She asked me some very interesting questions but one in particular stood out because it was something I’d been thinking about a lot.

Question: What has surprised you most about being a writer? 
  

My reply: I was (and still am) pleasantly surprised at how supportive other authors have been and I’m thrilled to have made so many in-person and online (writer and reader) friends.

And I meant it! I am constantly amazed by the kindness and generosity of my fellow authors - how they support and encourage each other.

About two weeks ago, I saw that author Jacqueline Seewald had a new post on her blog, listing some books she recommended for summer reading. I clicked on the link and started to read. About halfway down the page, I saw my name! I was totally taken by surprise. Jacqueline had recommended my Malone mystery series!

Then, yesterday, I was reading Marja McGraw's new post titled "Back Cover Artistry," which is about enticing readers with book descriptions. She mentioned three novels where the author had done a good job of that and "Mixed Messages" was one of them!  

And those are just two examples. There are so many more!

We authors spend a lot of time “tooting our own horns.” I think most of us would rather use that time to write – I know I would. But we need to promote our books if we want to find readers, which of course, we do.

One of the problems with having to spend time promoting (while we’re writing and living life) is that it’s a constant juggling act and it’s easy to get so focused on promoting our own books that we forget to promote others. 

So I’m taking this opportunity to thank all the authors who have and do support me. I would love to name names but I wouldn’t want to inadvertently leave someone’s name off my list. Besides, if you’re reading this, you know who you are. Thank you!

I also want to acknowledge the personal friends and family members who have attended my book launch events. Their constant support means the world to me. A special thanks to three of my closest friends, Mary, Jan and Kathy, who have each "gone the extra mile" for me.

I’m not forgetting the people who aren’t authors, family members or personal friends; who are readers I’ve met either online or in person. People who have written reviews and/or taken the time to let me know how much they enjoyed my books.

For example, there's Peggy, a woman who works at my local post office. After reading each book, she sent me an email, telling me how much she loved it. When she finished the fifth (and last) book in my Malone mystery series, she wrote, “I’m going to miss the Malones.” I don’t think I have to tell you how much her words meant to me.

If you leave a comment, you'll be entered to win one of two signed copies of my Malone mysteries - winner's choice. I'll pick one name at random on August 15th and a second name on the 31st. Happy reading!

The winner in the first drawing is (Palmaltas) Pat Hernandez. 
Congratulations, Pat! I'll be contacting you by email.

The winner in the second drawing is Coco Ihle. Congratulations, Coco!