I’m often asked what I look for when I evaluate books for the movie biz.
First and foremost, I look for the elements that are important to my employers–things that they are specifically looking for in terms of genre, execution, etcetera. I read for a couple of different places, and each has a slightly different mandate.
In general, in order for a book to become a movie it has to have a strong, forward-moving plot line, and a premise that you can easily picture on a poster or in a TV ad campaign. Deal killers are:
1) The story has been done before
2) The concept is “soft”–takes too long to explain because it has a lot of nuance. This is also called “execution dependent.” The Hours is a prime example of this. Generally speaking, you can only get away with a soft concept when the book is a bestseller.
3) The story is small, meaning the stakes don’t feel like they matter very much or that the obstacles seem easily surmountable.
If you have read a book and think you have what it takes to turn it into a movie–
DO NOT START WRITING.
It is imperative that you obtain the film rights to the book before you begin the adaptation.
“But Superfast Reader, what if I write it so good that the movie people just have to have it?”
The answer to that is litigation.
If the rights have already been taken, not only will no one read your script, they might actually take legal action against you to stop you from writing (and the law would be on their side). In the case of Writers’ Guild credit arbitration, which determines, in the case of multiple writers, who contributed what elements to a screenplay, only writers hired by the rights-holder will be considered. So if you think one of your ideas ended up in the movie, you’re basically out of luck–unless you know for sure that someone at that company read your script and stole your idea. These kinds of lawsuits do happen, but they are very costly to bring to court. And because of high-profile story-stealing cases like Coming to America, studios, financiers, and production companies are on their guard. Nobody, and I mean nobody, in their right mind will touch your script for their with a 10-foot pole.
If the rights aren’t available, you might think that you should write the screenplay to prove that the book would make a great movie, enticing a moneybags to option the book for you. Here, you run the risk of losing the book to someone else, which would take you back into the nightmare of the 1st situation. You’re just setting yourself up for heartbreak.
To find out rights availability for a book, the official route is to call the publisher and ask to speak to “Subsidiary Rights.” More than likely, you will get a recording requesting that you fax or email a request. Some publishers have this information on their websites as well. You are inquiring about the film rights, and in your letter you must also establish why they should give you this information. If they don’t deem you a legitimate candidate, they might never, ever respond to you.
The good news is that many writers have websites and allow you to contact them directly. Your best bet, if you really fall in love with a book, is to make your case directly to the author, and get him on your side. If you’re lucky, you’ll hit it off and she’ll option her book to you. Now you have the legal right to shop the book around, write the screenplay, and make the movie.
Last night’s work read was the new book by a best-selling author who I just really don’t get at all. His books are way too weird for me, and this was no exception.
I have a book I would like to turn into a movie…Please be advised.
Tyrone Hughes Miss Conception Synopsis / Query Letter
1505 Crescent Circle A5
Lake Park FL 33403
mortgageconsultants@netzero.net
561-502-0048
When James Boyins was introduced to Stephanie Dubois, he had no idea he would share a cell with her ex husband.
Miss Conception is a story about a woman who is used as a wild card to take over corporations. Miss Conception is a romantic true love finding story that turns into a murder mystery.
James was sent to prison for murder, a crime he did not commit. He then began to tell his story to his celly who was in prison for the same crime, but neither of them knew how similar their cases/stories were.
In the middle of the story, before the wedding, the two took their dates to the theater to watch another great story titled Def and Dum also written by Tyrone Antoine. This is a story about the invasion of Iraq. After the readers read this fictional visionized short story inside the story will take the reader’s mind into another theater.
Def and Dum is a great story about the war in Iraq and how Iraq’s top scientist Rajak Rasullula who was the creator of Anthrax, helped the United States win the war in Iraq. The story talks about our economy and says thoughts and open ideas about what happen to our economy. Def and Dum clearly talk about topics that the reader can relate to.
After the story inside the story (Def and Dum) James leaves his company with best friend and CEO Jack Townsend of the Townsend twins who is going through an inheritance battle with his identical twin brother Mac Townsend over their dead parent’s estate.
James came back from a honeymoon only to find that he was about to lose his company to a corporation he battle with before, so he decided to search for the man he left his corporation with only to find him dead. Jack Townsend was a going through an inheritance battle with his twin brother before he was found dead. James was frame for Jacks death and gets sent to prison and began to tell his story about his life after he met his first wife to her ex-husband who was also lost his corporation to John Michaels, the owner of Accu Corp and was sent to prison for murder, a crime he did not commit, but James did not know who he was until the end of the story.
The story takes the readers mind through a series of scene changes while keeping their entire focus on the outcome of the story.
The story ends leaving the reader with the desire to want to know more, and I am working on the second version of Miss Conception tying both books together leaving an everlasting craving to read more of my visualized style of writing.
Dear Agent/Publisher:
I am seeking representation/publication for my first finished Novel a completed 77,728 word manuscript.
I am a natural born writer who waited to be read until I was ready to commit to my gift.
I was nominated for the Frances Franklin Scholarship Fund for writing a term paper titled Force Immigration. I previously written 5 books that I lost when I was going through a divorce and losing the only thing that made me happy, I began to wonder in self pity until I/GOD reminded me that I can never lose what is already in my head, so I began this journey of discovery by writing again.
Although I am a great writer, I still need help with the laws of writing.
I also have a very unique radio voice that can be recorded and sold in any market or segment, and I would love to read my book/stories to readers/listeners.
Please find this letter as a committed attempt to become famous.
Sincerely,
Tyrone Antoine Hughes
561-502-0048
The story sounds great Tyrone can not wait to read it.My only critism is not of the story but of attitude please do not take offence as none is intended, but it is up to your readers to say that you are a great writer and not yourself, again just an observation no offense meant keep up the great work.
I think many people have the misconception that writing a screenplay is easy, and thus their book will simply have to be reformatted and rearranged a bit and voila — it’s a screenplay. Not so. Screenwriting is very challenging, and (as someone who writes both), it’s just as much work to write a script as to write a novel. If you want your self-published or small press book made into a movie, the first thing you need to do is HIRE a screenwriter (I don’t recommend attempting it yourself if you have no experience or training writing a screenplay). Do keep in mind that a professional screenwriter will expect to be paid for their work; in other words, please do not fall into the trap of thinking your “idea” is so great the screenwriter will work on it for free in exchange for a “portion of the price when in sells.” So many amateurs/newbies fall into this trap. But you can usually get a decent screenwriter for $20,000 or so — much less than their usual quote when working with a producer — or so if your story is REALLY, REALLY good. No offense, but if your book is self-published the chances are almost nil that it is one of these truly exceptional gems. Just speaking from experience, at least 95% of the books people send me that they swear would make great movies, I have to turn down because the writer is seriously deluded. I haven’t seen a good self-published book yet, but that doesn’t mean one doesn’t exist, somewhere.
I would not attempt to turn my my book into a screenplay, although I had one and a half courses. My book covers the time (39 years) from when the singer was a teenager to her documented court case in 1938, and in the course they insisted a narrator bridging the segments was verboten.
So the concept was a dead end, but more impirtantly I threw it in the bin because here in Australia they look for Australian stories and what I wanted to write is not in that category.
They say ‘write about what you know’, and Russian music (with some aligned characters and history) happens to be what I know. When I rediscovered this Russian Gypsy singer, who was the last Tsar’s favourite singer and a friend of S. Rachmaninoff, I thought this is a really interesting story. I had a bit of a crack at a screenplay as above, but was not happy with it and a producer also told me it is not an Australian story, no chance whatsoever. So I kept writing it as a novel, which is something other people can read, as opposed to screenplays where you have to pay other people to read it.
The more important reason, however, is that the movie industry comes in groups, teams, and cliques. Actor A buys the movie rights to a book and then has a spouse, cousin, or business partner who directs, another writes it under his/her guidance. There are all manner of team constructs and group dynamics. If you are not part of the families or groups, you are not in the running.
There are more than 100.000 unproduced screenplays floating around in Australia, they say. Would I spend 20,000 (US?) for the 100,001st one? Creating product is not the crucial thing. Connections, Vitamin C is what matters.
With books here in Australia the situation is that only 1 in 1,000 can find a publisher. What they are looking for are 20 year olds with academic qualifications who can be marketed as a brand name for some years. Publishers don’t assess the product (their editors and ghost writers know how to do product); they say ‘you are not famous and you have no academic qualifications, we don’t want to look at your book’. No, that was not me to whom that was said.
The consequence of it all could be to go fry burgers. I did not want to do that. I know that I satisfy my readers. In Australia, they say, more books are now self-published than come from the publishers. No surprise that is, when most new books seem to come from former politicians, are about former politicians, people caught up in a crime which was on TV or something similar. I certainly understand that from the marketing point of view. I have been a journalist as well as a manager. Book publishing is part of the entertainment industry –companies as well as individuals are affiliated, intertwined, related, and some such like.
Musicians produce their own CDs and market them because the establishment (or should that be élite?) has no room for them. Film makers have also been known to sell DVDs when their film did not find distribution. I believe that a new layer of samizdat creators is developing, albeit slowly. Sometimes I say that I aim for posthumous success.
Sorry you haven’t read a self-published book that was up to the mark.
Addendum: Several people said ‘nobody’s going to touch you if you self-publish’, but I do not remember who that was. My brain caches that kind of information, but does not save it. But nobody’s gonna touch you/me, either, when you’re over 25 without academic qualifications and not part of the glitterati.
Whatever I would have done, I would have been an untouchable in the area of writing.
When it is clear that you will not be let in, you play outside. There are many people playing outside now, thanks to the internet, and they will soon gang up. Remember how United Artists was founded?
Although some part in me says that I would like that recognition (and the money) which could flow from a successful movie, another part in me asks: Will those with the money have a feel for the ambiente of my historical novel? Is the money making personality not very far removed from some aspects in my book? Sure, some Jews have a wonderful way of marrying Dollars with artistic spirit, but I’m not Jewish, so I’m not moving in these circles to grab a bit of Vitamin C. Do I really want 7 or 10 years as lady in waiting what they may do with my stuff? Maybe they just take the juicy bits which are the least original in my book. Porn is not my area of expertise.
Just because the system has no place for me does not mean that I will shrivle away before my time.
(I will never say, that my book is well written. I have done my best and I think it is, but that is for others to say, and they do. To translate a phrase from the old country: Self-praise smells foul.)
In the end result of this thinking process, it is quite absurd and naive to think you can write a screenplay, sell it or turn your book into a movie when your bottle of Vitamin C is empty. Probably, I should not have been here. but it has contributed to my thought process. Thank you, and good bye, maybe.
There is no conspiracy. I have known people of all ages and backgrounds who have beaten the odds and found a traditional publisher. The only common denominator is that they were talented.
You half misunderstood. For one I am talking of Australia. Secondly, it is not a conspiracy, like godfathers sitting in a smoke filled backroom.
These are business parameters. It takes about two years or more for a book to appear because of catalogue and publicity planning. People like you reading before publication may be superfast, but it will still take some time. With all the costs involved, they need to shape the author to a household name that will generate revenue for a decade or two. Hence they must be around 20 years of age (cookbooks and politicians’ material excluded). Many books print the author’s name bigger than the title. The line ‘by the author of …………’ is of utmost importance.
In the movie industry, there are well established teams, and even then only 10 % of movies make their money back (so I read, could be wrong).
I once attended a screenwriters evening where the speaker was from the leading international agency. He had once rejected representation of the best script he had ever read, so he said, because the author would have been a oncer. The product did not matter, the future of the author did. My assumption is, that the author was oldish, but he did not say, and maybe his story was a concoction for reasons which only show business can throw up.
In a recent debate about parallel book imports the Australian publishers complained that there are a lot more self-published books now than others.
When you have international material like mine, and are over 45, there is no space in the Australian publishing or movie industry. They consider 3000 books sold a winner, and you might be waiting for a loooong time until the rights fall back to you.
I have carved out my own book audience and more than one person mentioned, it would make a good movie – but they would say that to you, woulnd’t they, you will answer. I did not solicit these remarks. That’s why I kind of gave it a crack mentioning it here and there, as opposed to keeping it to myself. One (Australian) film guy once said ‘this sounds like Zhivago 2, this would cost 60 million in today’s money, forget it.’ I could have hired a screenwriter, but unless one knows he has a business association with someone having that kind of money, what’s the point?
For the record: I am very happy to be a new Australian, and you wouldn’t get me to America or back to Europe for all the tea in China (business trips with expenses paid excepted). The overemphasis on talent is a bit Hollywood. I learned that at Associated Press quite some moons ago.
Well, maybe the populace needs to believe in Hollywood.
i would like to see this book become a movie
Prologue of Strange Happenings
4:15 a.m.
I heard a noise coming from the lake behind my house. The small lake appeared to be swelling with unusually large waves. Something was rising up out of the water and it was massive.
I stood at my patio door listening, watching, and waiting. Whatever it was, it was coming fast. Suddenly they erupted from the water. There were many of them and they rode on horses. They weren’t human; their faces were half man and half animal of some kind. They had great power and raised their swords to the sky.
I feared for my life but knew their power was greater than anything human. I called for my son who came to stand by my side. The closer they got the more mesmerized we were by the sight of them and found that as much as we wanted to run we couldn’t. There was no hiding from them. I held my son close to me as though I could protect him. Their swords pointed towards us as they approached.
part 2 on its way
wwwpublishamerica.com]
amazon.com[march 2010]
Mary Rockett and Tammy Rockett
mjr1946@comcast.net
i would like this book to be considered for a movie
My mother and I began investigating the tragic and untimely death of my son in 2008. We were frustrated and unsatisfied with the investigation of local authorities after they overlooked critical information and quickly ruled the death a suicide. Tragic Love was a book collaborated by Tammy and Mary Rockett, it is an electrifying story of a young man who becomes involved in a forbidden love affair only to find himself in an abusive situation and he eventually succumbs to his untimely and tragic death. This is a dramatic story that we’d like to share with others.
Prologue to Tragic Love
part 2 tragic secrets[Sequel to Tragic Love on its way
I’m lost,†I said. “Where are you, I will find you, just stay put,†my
husband calmly said from his cell phone. I was almost frantic now.
I realized that I had never been to my son and his girlfriend’s new
apartment. How many times since they had moved out had Tim asked
me to come see their new place, and how many times did I respond by
saying, “I’ll come over one of these days.†Now it was too late! The man
on the phone said my son had shot himself. Surely this was a sick joke,
a mistake of some kind because my son was not dead. Yet, deep down
I knew something awful had happened.
I called my husband back on his cell phone to tell him where I was.
“Where is Tim,†I asked? He didn’t say anything, but not realizing that
I was still holding on the line, I heard him ask the coroner “is he gone?â€
“Yes, the coroner said, your son is dead.â€
Tragic Love
by Tammy Rockett Box and Mary Rockett
[Men dont tell when they are abused]
amazon.com
publishamerica
I have written a book, More Than A Championsip, and it is being sold by Amazon.com. I had it published through LULU. I feel that this story would make a great movie. It is about an inspiring group of boys who believed in their coach and overcame the odds and wont he grammar school basketball title. They changed the school and the entire Church Parish in doing so. The story took place in 1979 but a story like this is ageless. I just need to be in contact with someone who can help me contact people who can make the movie. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Authors …’Sit Tight And Your/Our, Time Will Come’
Hey Everyone!
It’s me, (Tom)-T. Ray Dickerson and-okay, you may be saying to yourself, who? I’ve penned many non-fitional western articles as well as a short fictional mystery novel entitled: “Coping With In-Laws And Outlaws” I.S.B.N. No. 1-4241-1171-4 in which, I’ve been transforming it into a movie manuscript while at the same time writing my second (longer) novel. (Maybe someday I’ll combine the two).
Anyhow, I want to wish everyone success and it is great to be back after a 3-Month hiatus!! Also, I believe when we all come out of this “Hollywood Brain-Fart Era”, you-all (and I) will all be the better for it.
Be back soon,
T. Ray Dickerson
I would have thought it would be very hard to turn a book into a movie, there is a lot to writing as book it has to come from the heart and you have to kind of loose yourself in the book and feel a part of it i.e like one of the characters. In a film you need to act this so it works very differently I take my hat off to film directors and novelists that can succeed in working together to accomplish this impossible task. I love to read a book and then watch it on the big screen as you can kind of see it from both sides, I have read a lot of books that I feel should be films but never have been fingers crossed one day they will be 🙂
Hey Scrap Car,
Myself, I was fortunate enough to use 3-Months of 2- leading newspapers from 1912 Kansas City headlines, about my Great-Uncle and his wife (my maternal Great-Aunt). They’re the main characters so except for their inner thoughts, I didn’t have to …per-say, invent them.
The two of them operated a rooming house but when his jealousy of the boarders turned to rage, she kicked him out.
“Coping With In-Laws And Outlaws “, ISBN No.
1-4241-1171-4, and I too also believe as most authors do of their own writings that for the most part, it would be a better movie than a short novel.
Best Wishes… T. Ray Dickerson
Hi Ray welcome back it was quit here,happy new year.
http://www.xlibris.com/TheEndM.....nning.html
The book Schooled by Gordon Korman should Be a Movie.I have the perfect Person to Play the main character (Cap).
Josephine,
How is your writing going? Myself I had to take a break from the keyboard but it feels good to be back! (3-Whole Months!). I submitted my second novel to my publisher yesterday… whew!
And Happy New Years to YOU, as well.
T. Ray Dickerson
Hello, there. Let me introduce myself, my name is Rubia Gil and wrote a beautiful children’s book which in one occasion send to a publisher and they agreed to publish, but I did because the costs are too high for me. At this time I am looking for a serious and responsible literary agency to help me sell 51% of the rights of my book which I have called Seraphim. I will appreciate all the help you can give me.
Thank you so much and I will look forward to hearing from you soon.
R. M. Gil.
PS: I live en Dallas TX and my phone number is cell 972-801-7167 and house is 972- 423-4027
Hey Fellow Writers,
Should we suggest that “Movie Producer” from Georgia, to Rubia? Remember Koplale’s …uh- never mind!
Even though it can be exciting, all Authors should be careful about giving out too much personal information. Especially while seeking a publishing agency.
“Coping With In-Laws And Outlaws”
ISBN No. 1-4241-1171-4
I have a childrens book that I feel could be made into a delightful animated movie, full of fun and adventure. My books title; Tally me bananas (Beneath the High Tree Jungle). Anyone interested can contact me by e-mail- gamemakerKD@comcast.net
Who …at age 10, may have slit a man’s throat in a Manhatten alleyway for beating on his older brother? It was right before his eyes and the young lad hated the odds of his brother Josie ever surviving the bigger bullie’s blows.
Who …at age 13 made a famous break from the Silver City-NM jail? Yet, it was only because he was being falsely accused of stealing (all of), the town-folk’s laundary did he make his daring escape out the chimney, and on to Arizona.
Hmmmn, we’ve covered ages 10 to 13, want to know the rest of the story? “Then Stay Tuned …Stay Very Tuned My Friend”.
Hello everyone,
I’ve recently discovered my passion for writing. I just finished writing a children’s fiction book. This book will be followed by another which will contain the same characters but now grown up (which is of course meant for teenagers and older). Eventually I will want to make the books into movie. I’m sure it’s gonna be fabulous.
I have a wonderful artist who’s going to do the illustration. I have asked information from some publishing companies. I’m just not sure what to do next. I only have limited amount of money and don’t want to risk it. Please give me some guidance as how to succeed in my new passion.
Kind Regards
Roya
Thanks for the great post!
From tent to TV, local girl now a star
| Text Size |
By LAURA L. RICHTER
editor@theandrewsjournal.com Wednesday, January 13, 2010 9:08 PM CST
Anna Prince hosted several Nashville TV shows, including Real Heroes of Country Music, where she interviewed stars like Ralph Emery. Anna Prince hosted several Nashville TV shows, including Real Heroes of Country Music, where she interviewed stars like Charlie Pride.
From humble beginnings living in a tent with rattlesnakes boxed beneath her bed, to a career in Nashville, Tenn., that included singing and being nominated for an Emmy on her TV show, Real Heroes of Country Music, Anna Prince has quite a story to tell.
She only began to tell that in her first book, The Strange Life of Anna Prince. But the untold love story of Anna Prince peaks just as much attention.
Born in Isabella, Tenn., Prince’s family soon moved to Gastonia in search of work.
“When I was 5 years old, my daddy went crazy to preach,†she said.
Prince began singing on the streets while her father, Ulysses Prince, preached, not having a church at the time.
“He had a Bible, a guitar and me. And we went street preaching every Saturday,†Prince said. They found a church.
“We met a black preacher [Elijah Caleb], and he invited us to church and we loved it,†Prince said, even though they were the only white people in the building.
“They jumped higher than my daddy did,†she added.
Full-time ministry
When Prince was 9, her father decided to go into ministry full time after visiting a local church where they handled snakes.
“Daddy, being the preacher he was, went over there and held [the snake] up in the name of Jesus. And Mamma had a fit,†Prince said.
After the decision to preach full-time, Prince’s father sold their furniture and home. They moved into a tent on Nantahala Lake.
The small home had a wooden floor and walls, but only a tarp for a roof.
There were seven people living there, including Prince’s parents and four brothers.
One of the most common places Prince and her father sang and preached were in front of the A&P store in Andrews. “We would sing out there almost every Saturday,†she said.
Musical mentality
As a child, Prince began writing songs, starting with gospel music.
“I grew up and worked my way through broadcasting school,†she said about attending Carolina School of Broadcasting in Charlotte.
While still in school, Prince became manager of a small radio station in Albany, Ga. While there, she was asked to host one of Jerry Lewis’ Labor Day telethons. It was her first television appearance, and it lasted 13 non-stop hours.
“I loved it,†she said. “I was hooked.â€
Prince soon began singing on TV in Charlotte and then moved to Nashville. By the time she got to Nashville, Prince already had reached some notoriety, with Hank Locklin turning two of her songs in No. 1 hits in England. Prince spent 17 years there, becoming a director and producer before leaving.
On her show, Real Heroes of Country Music, Prince interview Grand Ole Opry stars like Charlie Pride, Kitty Wells, B.J. Thompson, Freddie Fender and Donna Fargo.
“Once some [stars] came, the others just followed,†Prince said of the people she interviewed and sang with on her show.
Love story
However, Prince’s story is deeper than just her career.
“Eddie and I got separated when we were in our 20s,†Prince said of her husband, Eddie Joe McCurry.
McCurry and Prince met in a schoolhouse near Marion. A singing competition was being held where they were both performing.
“Here he comes running out as tall as the ceiling. He sang so well. My jaw dropped. If there’s such a thing as love at first sight, that was it,†Prince said of the first time she saw McCurry performing on stage.
Prince said she was blown away.
“I thought I was a good performer, but he was better than me,†she said.
Prince was so blown away she waited by the door as McCurry left the stage.
“I stopped him at the door and when I spoke to him, his face turned red,†she said.
Although McCurry continued walking, Prince said a comet shooting across the sky that night reaffirmed her belief that she would see him again.
Months passed before the next time she saw him. Prince was singing in her church choir one night when McCurry came in late, but again he left before to two could formally meet.
He came into the church a few weeks later, and despite attempting to talk with Prince, she said circumstances kept them apart once more.
Prince and McCurry eventually met before separating for 37 years.
“I live on the mountain now with my darling Eddie Joe,†Prince said. “We have a gate so I can have my honeymoon. It’s been a seven-year honeymoon.â€
McCurry and Prince got back together after leading separate lives for 37 years. To learn how, see next week’s edition of The Andrews Journal.
Some people give out too much information while on the other hand, some not enough Everyone is excited about becoming a script writer but first, a few short novels wouldn’t hurt.
“Coping With In-Laws And Outlaws”, 1-4241-1171-4 …and-Oh! A second manuscript writing will be published by June 10th.
T. Ray Dickerson
Hello,
My name is Terron J. Cook and I recently published my memoir, which, I currently sell on my own site: http://www.terronjcook.com, and can also be found on Amazon.com.
While I am quite sure that many individuals have dreams and aspirations of seeing their work go from print, to the big screen, I truly feel that my story is worthy of such an opportunity.
Born and raised in the mid-west, Ohio, to be exact, life began from a very dysfunctional standpoint. Having one sibling and being raised in a single-parent household, where alcohol was rampant, as well as mental and physical abuse, needless to say, my formative years consisted of much heartache, pain and confusion. However, I refused to allow this current reality to dictate my future.
Writing was a place of peace, a place of freedom for me. After years and years of attempts at peace, civilized interaction with my family, as well as my father, a very unfortunate, unforeseen event took place. My father was murdered by my brother, who, in turn, implicated me in this heinous crime. Our family being of a “well-known” nature, word spread like wild-fire and the situation got out of control.
Being of the tender, young age of 19, still dealing with deep-seated issues within my mind, body and spirit, mainly, sexuality and molestation, I was now forced to deal the unthinkable.
Needless to say, this event took my life to a deep, dark place, forcing me into addiction, attempts at suicide and depression. I was at a crossroad and had to make a crucial decision, as to if I would move forward, or choose death.
Through faith, love, focus and the power of the Holy Spirit, I not only transcended these seemingly detrimental circumstances, but have reached a peaceful place in my own existence and am working on my second piece of writing. This is not only about writing, but touching the lives of others through the many trials and tribulations that I have been so fortunate to overcome.
It would be an honor to see my life story on the screen, as I am sure that it would be received as much from a visual perspective, if not more. Thank You for your time and consideration!
Sincerely,
Mr. Terron J. Cook
Whom was crazier,
Arkansas Dave Rudabaugh, or Billy Bonney?
Actually because of his being so unpredictable with any weapon (be it a gun, knife, or his hands), Dave kind of scared the kid and the two were always at odds. Except when push came to shove, with his quick pull of the smoke-wagon, Billy-‘Henry McCarty’-Bonney, always got his own way.
SEE: ISBN 1-4241-1171-4 …anywhere.
I love to write, and I think that I could really make a good movie someday. But, man I wouldn’t want any of my books slaughtered like Hollywood does to books so often. I guess I don’t know if I would really be willing to give up the rights!
I’ve enjoyed most books made into movies, but not as much if I’ve read the book first!
Don’t Be Fooled!
Hollywood or any other “Studio Cities”, (Like Hollywood East. Hollywood Georgia, Etc.), will never be able to put all of the particulars of yours/my novels into a movie but at the same time, the visuals of celluloid and a good cast of characters doesn’t hurt.
…Good Luck To You-all!
ISBN No.1-4241-1171-4 ‘Is a pretty good read if I do say so myself …and Hell, I wrote it!!
Is it possible to have a sequel that turns into a prequel? Well, come next Fall, “Coping With In-Laws And Outlaws” …ISBN No. 1-4241-1171-4 is going to have both. It is to be edited by early June, and on the presses there-after. Yet …is a writer’s works ever complete? “All the Best!”
Hi Ray,thanks for the post,about my writing I finished children book but not yet on my publisher hands,may be in future, congrats for your next book,how much will cost you to edit your book,I am thinking to edit my native memoir,but not yet, how is our brother Kopale he may be very busy, God bless you all.
http://www.xlibris.com/TheEndM.....nning.html
Hello everyone…
Haven’t talked to you guys for a long time… I’m happy that you all stay in touch and keep the blog updated. At the time I’m really busy with writing a new book and I’m living a really hard life which keeps me busy and stressed at the same time 🙂 but that’s ok. I’ll survive I hope 🙂
BTW, does anyone know any volunteer editors because I really need someone to take a look on my children’s book which I’ve finished but don’t have enough money to pay for the editorial services at the time. So, if someone would like to read it first and help me out, I’ll be more than willing to sign a contract with him/her about paying monay after the book is published and the money is made. I know, that’s not what someone would like to do, but that’s the only choice I’ve got. 🙁 Only based on kindness I’ll be able to accomplish this project…
Hi bro Kopale,how are you doing, congrats on your book, I wish I knew any volunteer, to help you and me of cause Kopale I need one too,God bless you let me know if you finds one,after your book mine will be next,www.xlibris.com/TheEndMayBeANewBeginning.html
Hello Josephine, I’m doing pretty bad in regards of my health and financial problems… but well, still holding on and trying not to break down my spirit 🙂 I hope you all, especially you and Ray are doing much more better than I do 🙂
Hey-All (Especially Josephine and Kopale),
I’m glad you both are alive and kicking …keep up the faith! With editing my second short novel from now until June 10th, pushing “Coping With…”, and working part-time, (looking for full-time work), I wish I could help you two. But if either of you are in need of editing help come mid-June I’d be glad be to of service to you both.
“BEST WISHES TO EVERYONE!” …T. Ray D.
And don’t forget – ISBN No. 1-4241-1171-4
hi Kopale
Thanks for the post, sorry to know that your health not going very well I will be praying for you,about financies I guess is everywhere, keep pushing God has a good plan for us God bless u
http://www.xlibris.com/TheEndM.....nning.html
Hi Ray
Good to hear from you, ya I am still alive and pushing forward what is the title for your second book, this days is hard to get somework,I was laid off and enjoying my unemployment, but now I have a new job, and in May I will go back to school in mass communication, by God will in future I will be covering your story,lets keep each other in prayers God bless u.
http://www.xlibris.com/TheEndM.....nning.html
Hi dear Ray and Josephine…
I’m really happy for we all stay in touch somehow.
I have some business with you Ray, but till I’ll say about it I wanna answer to Josephine:
I don’t know what kind of plan the God has for me as far as I haven’t seen anything in this life but struggling, fighting, heartaches, loosing loved ones…. that’s what my life had been till typing this message… 🙂 Heartaches are killing me every single day… so, I don’t know what kind of plan beginning is that but I know for sure that I’ve got a plan and that it might work…. 🙂 Let’s see what that plan will bring to me… 🙂 and I would like to talk to Ray about the part of that plan. 🙂
So, Ray. I have something to talk with you about and I would be really happy if we would talk each other. At first here is my facebook address:
http://www.facebook.com/kopale
and
Ray here is my skype ID:
destroyedlove
and plz add me there so we can talk.
Best wishes,
Kopale
Hi Kopale thanks for the post and thank you for your facebook page I sended freind request to you,am so sory to read all things happened to you life is like that there is good days and bad days,am sure good days are coming no body knows when only your father who art in heaven, rember Job in the bable you may be facing close stuation as him, but keep pushing and praying.God bless you, see you on facebook
Josephine & Kopale, and (All Willing Participants),
I am willing to reveal one possible title for my next novel, except-please …don’t hold me to it. And thanks for your patience.
“Assume Pat Garrett Dealt With 2-Billy the Kids”
About the Book…
And so now it is for the present day western enthusiast how Michael-William-Henry McCarty-Bonney-Antrim’s story, again shall be created. And while we’re at it redone or better yet, redefined. Except this time by somebody who just like Pat Garrett had succeeded in doing a year after killing the young American legend, will again combine all of Billy the Kid’s complicated characteristics that arose while he lived and even after, his death. This author: T. Ray Dickerson, is attempting to intertwine “Billy the Kid†into, one historically accurate, yet fictional, “American-Folkloreâ€. But this one is for the coming ages of the new, “Western History Lover“, and those whom seek the days of the Cattle and Merchant Wars, Lawmen and Outlaws, Round-ups, and Trail Rides, from and to: “Anywhere, USA“ …only-all, intertwined with a, “21st Century Twist“.
‘A Sequel and a Prequel’, to: “Coping With In-Laws And Outlaws” …1-4241-1171-4
Thanks for this great article. I enjoyed reading this post about How to Turn a Book Into a Movie. You have great insights about this issue.
Hey-There …Low Back Pain,
Yes, we are just a bunch of literary friends whom are attempting to free-up the closed mindednes of the “Studio Script-readers”, and if you’re serious about classic productions of turning books into movies then anyone is welcomed into the fold …and it’s free!
(T. Ray D. has contributed to many western historical societies with his in-depth articles, is a published author of 1-4241-1171-4, and he has a second book coming out late this Summer …plus, a third [much more contempoary] novel is in the works).
Hi Josephine and Kopale!!!
“OH, HERE’S MY GLASSES”
Editing My Previous Message,
#1. mindedness~
#2. contemporary~
‘Man! I need to slow down…’
Hi Ray
Thanks for the post, you are so intelligent man to be honest your title is so hard to imagine what it means, do you have a facebook page, it is ok you dont need to slow down, be blessed
Josephine,
Have you ever gone to the library and picked out any “American History Book”, (Between 1865 (After the Civil War), and 1920, the final closing of America’s Old West? You would love it!
In actuality, there was only one Billy the Kid and for the past 17-Years I have researched his true, (and sometimes not so true), deeds. Except like I said, don’t hold me to the title of my next book, and just like America’s Western folklores tend to be exagerated, my next novel deals with fictional yet multiple, “BILLY THE KID(S)”…
NOTE: In 1880 County Sheriff-Patrick Floyd Garrett made it his destiny to find and kill the real Billy, a.k.a.-William H. Bonney…So, what do you think could have happened?
Let’s take a vote: #1.) “Assume Pat Garrett Dealt With 2-Billy The Kids”
~OR~
#2.) “As The Sheriff Of Lincoln County- My Notes On Apprehending Multiple Billy The Kids”
Yes I Know, I need to simplify the title…
Take Care…
T. Ray D.
Hey To-All, ‘Cept To Any New Visitors,
I apologize if it seems I’m on this post too much, but in a sense it’s also become a chat room for authors …so, wecome, and tell your story.
T. Ray Dickerson
publishamerica.com
ISBN No. 1-4241-1171-4
Hi there–glad everyone is enjoying this thread! Please consider using the Amazon search box at the top for your next Amazon purchase, b/c a portion goes to fund this site. Or use the “Donate” button. Thanks!
Hey Super-Fast Reader,
So-you’re, ‘glad we are all enjoying this thread’, are ya? And …We-all, should go to an Amazon search box at the top for our next purchase? What the bleep are you talking about? If you want to find a good read go to Amazon, Target, Wal-mart, or Publishamerica.com and look up ISBN No. 1-4241-1171-4 for starters, and there are plenty of talented “Kids Writers, and biography artist as well throughout this sight.
Except for all of us, don’t ever take any of this for granted.
T. Ray D.
You might not see it if you’re using Firefox with Adblocker. But if you click any of the links to the book titles, it’ll take you to Amazon and then if you make a purchase my blog will get a few pennies for site maintenance. Thanks!
Hey, do you really have a say in what books could possibly be made into movies? If so, have you ever read Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead? A lot of people- me included- would like to see that book made into a movie. What could someone like me do to push for that series to be made into a movie?