Alright, first of all...how did you come up with this idea?
I guess, one day, it just hit me. I was watching the television news, and a story came on--as it often does--about a community that got ripped apart, and the city devastated, by a bad storm; like a tornado tore through the area, or something. It struck a nerve, deep in my heart, as I said a prayer for them to Heaven.
And then I started thinking, "It is so unfair, that this happens--a lot. We have never done anything to hurt Nature; and yet she's mean, and turns on us, releasing her fury. I wish someone--or something--could come along and put a stop to the insanity."
Anyway, as I slowly mulled it over, I couldn't get it out of my mind. One thing led to another, and the idea for a supernatural fantasy was born. This was back in 2008. I thought, "What if angels from Heaven secretly sided with mankind, and plotted to help them, despite outcries from the Gods? That would make some storyline!"
Actually, the way the plot was initially written, it started out completely differently than what it is now. It seemed rather silly, so I changed it. (And now that I think about it, I'm glad I did, because it makes more sense, anyway.) I originally made it to be like, "A group of rebellious teens--the disowned and fugitive children of the weather gods--have become fed up with this trained role of imposing chaos upon the mortals of Earth. They form a plot to escape, and help and save people, instead."
Aren't you afraid that God, himself, will be mad at and spite you, for writing about angels and Heaven, and stuff? It's sacrilege, is it not?
On the contrary, I like to think that he would praise me, for using my given talents so creatively. I'm actually doing Heaven a favor; it's called 'advertising,' honey!
I've noticed the names you gave the main characters: Andrew, Katrina, Camille and Floyd. Aren't those the names of infamous hurricanes? What's up with that?
I thought it was rather fitting, given the subject matter: they're a bunch of weather killers, so I named them after storms. And the more I thought about it, the more Iiked it, and so it stuck.
Why did you choose the young celebrities that you did (from the above list) to play the parts? And don't you need permission first? They could sue you, you know, for using their identities.
Okay, let me clear the air with some comments. There are a few reasons why I did this.
To begin with, this is a big part of how I work. I personally, as a writer, cannot create a character from a blank slate. I find it extremely difficult to place character development into a story without an image to go on. I have to see a face in my mind, and I try to envision him or her in the role. I have always believed that, 'there is an actor inside every writer.' And so I consider, "What better example to use than a actual, established, entertainment personality?" Sometimes, I don't know what comes first: Do you develop a character based on what you think an individual can play...or are you supposed to have the star in mind first, and then try to mold the character around them? I wonder if other authors do this.
In second place, when I first began jotting down the notes and an outline for this project years ago, those celebs I mentioned were already younger at the time. And either they were just starting out in their careers, by hoping to get noticed; or already had a few assignments under their belts, and were beginning to garner more interest and attention from the industry and the public. Also, I feel it is good that I picked these four people. They are not so old, that they can't still play younger parts. And there is something to be said for experience. If this project is ever made, and gets turned into a production, and these four wind up being cast, being a veteran in the business for a few years has a greater likelihood of resulting in a better, more professional performance--as opposed to a novice, who may not be ready for such an intense endeavor--don't you think?
And lastly, let me ease your fears regarding intellectual copyright and identity infringement. Allow me to point out the fact that I am not using the actors' likenesses; I am creating fictional characters for them to play in a story. It happens all the time. That's what this business was made for. One more thing. There's another side to this: if word gets out about this project, and these youngsters hear about it, I like to think not only will they be grateful for the attention--and possibly extra work--but the knowledge and contacts they have in the business may actually help the project get noticed and made. This could be my big break!
What will Hunger Games and Twilight fans think of this? Do you intend to sell this to them?
To make it simple--absolutely! I am thinking that if done right, this could generate the same kind of hype--or greater! The teen and young adult audience today is a multi-billion dollar entertainment market (I should know, I'm part of it!). And fantasy and adventure stories are things Hollywood that can't get enough of; or rather, can't produce fast enough. This is probably just the latest in what may be a long line of teen-friendly franchises to come.
I have an idea or two for other chapters in this series, or even other creative projects, period. Can I submit my work to you, and will you give me credit?
In a word--no. I'm sorry, but I work alone. Due to the sensitive nature of the material being intellectual property--and because of that, there being potential legal and financial complications, in order to protect both of us--you cannot become involved in my work, and I cannot become involved in yours. Also, because each person has their own style and talent, there is a chance we may not work well together, due to creative differences. What is right for me may not be right for you. I hope you understand.
You write very well. The quality of your work is at the level of a professional, and you haven't even been noticed yet. It's scary to think what you're going to be like once you are known! How did you get to be so good? And also, all your work is composed of stories. Why don't you do scripts?
Believe it or not, I get asked these questions more than any others. I have been writing, on and off, for almost my entire life. What began as clever and funny little tales with animals, gradually gave way to more serious and darker themes. (It's almost a metaphor for my life, with some of the things I've gone through. But that's another story in itself, and one that will remain untold, thank you very much.) Anyway, let me state for the record that I have a wild and crazy imagination, and things just sort of come to me. Sometimes, at night...I mean that literally...I occasionally get my ideas from my dreams! As for the writing itself--I have learned, over the years, from training, experience, and trial and error. I combine this with the silly thoughts in my head, and the contents of this website is the final result. Anyone can show you how to put words on paper, but to write is another matter entirely. I have a saying: "Skill can be taught. Talent comes from within."
I don't write television or film scripts for Hollywood, basically because I don't know how, to put it bluntly. I know I'm going to receive a lot of criticism for this (and don't you dare go calling me lazy!), but writing dialogue and scene for scripts is very hard. There is a certain way the page must look, there are a lot of rules you have to follow, things you can and cannot do, etc. It all seems so overwhelming much of the time. And besides, the other main reason I pen stories for books is because I'm used to it and I enjoy it. What I know is what I like. I suppose scripts are fine for some people, but it just doesn't cut it for me. However, if someone from the 'Hollywood Machine' wants to buy the rights to my stories, and turn something into a working television or film project--then by all means, please go right ahead. I'll sign on the dotted line for 20% of the profits! Just kidding, let's negotiate. And speaking of the above comment...
I am someone who DOES work in the entertainment business, or knows someone who does. You and I should sit down and have a nice little chat over a cup of coffee one of these days.
Well, if you say so...if you're really serious about this, then so am I. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a swelled head. I'm just saying that if you truly believe my work has merit, and you can 'do something with it,' you may feel free to contact me.
I welcome constructive criticism, if it helps me to become better. I mean about the writing itself; I don't know too much about the business part of it.
I guess, one day, it just hit me. I was watching the television news, and a story came on--as it often does--about a community that got ripped apart, and the city devastated, by a bad storm; like a tornado tore through the area, or something. It struck a nerve, deep in my heart, as I said a prayer for them to Heaven.
And then I started thinking, "It is so unfair, that this happens--a lot. We have never done anything to hurt Nature; and yet she's mean, and turns on us, releasing her fury. I wish someone--or something--could come along and put a stop to the insanity."
Anyway, as I slowly mulled it over, I couldn't get it out of my mind. One thing led to another, and the idea for a supernatural fantasy was born. This was back in 2008. I thought, "What if angels from Heaven secretly sided with mankind, and plotted to help them, despite outcries from the Gods? That would make some storyline!"
Actually, the way the plot was initially written, it started out completely differently than what it is now. It seemed rather silly, so I changed it. (And now that I think about it, I'm glad I did, because it makes more sense, anyway.) I originally made it to be like, "A group of rebellious teens--the disowned and fugitive children of the weather gods--have become fed up with this trained role of imposing chaos upon the mortals of Earth. They form a plot to escape, and help and save people, instead."
Aren't you afraid that God, himself, will be mad at and spite you, for writing about angels and Heaven, and stuff? It's sacrilege, is it not?
On the contrary, I like to think that he would praise me, for using my given talents so creatively. I'm actually doing Heaven a favor; it's called 'advertising,' honey!
I've noticed the names you gave the main characters: Andrew, Katrina, Camille and Floyd. Aren't those the names of infamous hurricanes? What's up with that?
I thought it was rather fitting, given the subject matter: they're a bunch of weather killers, so I named them after storms. And the more I thought about it, the more Iiked it, and so it stuck.
Why did you choose the young celebrities that you did (from the above list) to play the parts? And don't you need permission first? They could sue you, you know, for using their identities.
Okay, let me clear the air with some comments. There are a few reasons why I did this.
To begin with, this is a big part of how I work. I personally, as a writer, cannot create a character from a blank slate. I find it extremely difficult to place character development into a story without an image to go on. I have to see a face in my mind, and I try to envision him or her in the role. I have always believed that, 'there is an actor inside every writer.' And so I consider, "What better example to use than a actual, established, entertainment personality?" Sometimes, I don't know what comes first: Do you develop a character based on what you think an individual can play...or are you supposed to have the star in mind first, and then try to mold the character around them? I wonder if other authors do this.
In second place, when I first began jotting down the notes and an outline for this project years ago, those celebs I mentioned were already younger at the time. And either they were just starting out in their careers, by hoping to get noticed; or already had a few assignments under their belts, and were beginning to garner more interest and attention from the industry and the public. Also, I feel it is good that I picked these four people. They are not so old, that they can't still play younger parts. And there is something to be said for experience. If this project is ever made, and gets turned into a production, and these four wind up being cast, being a veteran in the business for a few years has a greater likelihood of resulting in a better, more professional performance--as opposed to a novice, who may not be ready for such an intense endeavor--don't you think?
And lastly, let me ease your fears regarding intellectual copyright and identity infringement. Allow me to point out the fact that I am not using the actors' likenesses; I am creating fictional characters for them to play in a story. It happens all the time. That's what this business was made for. One more thing. There's another side to this: if word gets out about this project, and these youngsters hear about it, I like to think not only will they be grateful for the attention--and possibly extra work--but the knowledge and contacts they have in the business may actually help the project get noticed and made. This could be my big break!
What will Hunger Games and Twilight fans think of this? Do you intend to sell this to them?
To make it simple--absolutely! I am thinking that if done right, this could generate the same kind of hype--or greater! The teen and young adult audience today is a multi-billion dollar entertainment market (I should know, I'm part of it!). And fantasy and adventure stories are things Hollywood that can't get enough of; or rather, can't produce fast enough. This is probably just the latest in what may be a long line of teen-friendly franchises to come.
I have an idea or two for other chapters in this series, or even other creative projects, period. Can I submit my work to you, and will you give me credit?
In a word--no. I'm sorry, but I work alone. Due to the sensitive nature of the material being intellectual property--and because of that, there being potential legal and financial complications, in order to protect both of us--you cannot become involved in my work, and I cannot become involved in yours. Also, because each person has their own style and talent, there is a chance we may not work well together, due to creative differences. What is right for me may not be right for you. I hope you understand.
You write very well. The quality of your work is at the level of a professional, and you haven't even been noticed yet. It's scary to think what you're going to be like once you are known! How did you get to be so good? And also, all your work is composed of stories. Why don't you do scripts?
Believe it or not, I get asked these questions more than any others. I have been writing, on and off, for almost my entire life. What began as clever and funny little tales with animals, gradually gave way to more serious and darker themes. (It's almost a metaphor for my life, with some of the things I've gone through. But that's another story in itself, and one that will remain untold, thank you very much.) Anyway, let me state for the record that I have a wild and crazy imagination, and things just sort of come to me. Sometimes, at night...I mean that literally...I occasionally get my ideas from my dreams! As for the writing itself--I have learned, over the years, from training, experience, and trial and error. I combine this with the silly thoughts in my head, and the contents of this website is the final result. Anyone can show you how to put words on paper, but to write is another matter entirely. I have a saying: "Skill can be taught. Talent comes from within."
I don't write television or film scripts for Hollywood, basically because I don't know how, to put it bluntly. I know I'm going to receive a lot of criticism for this (and don't you dare go calling me lazy!), but writing dialogue and scene for scripts is very hard. There is a certain way the page must look, there are a lot of rules you have to follow, things you can and cannot do, etc. It all seems so overwhelming much of the time. And besides, the other main reason I pen stories for books is because I'm used to it and I enjoy it. What I know is what I like. I suppose scripts are fine for some people, but it just doesn't cut it for me. However, if someone from the 'Hollywood Machine' wants to buy the rights to my stories, and turn something into a working television or film project--then by all means, please go right ahead. I'll sign on the dotted line for 20% of the profits! Just kidding, let's negotiate. And speaking of the above comment...
I am someone who DOES work in the entertainment business, or knows someone who does. You and I should sit down and have a nice little chat over a cup of coffee one of these days.
Well, if you say so...if you're really serious about this, then so am I. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a swelled head. I'm just saying that if you truly believe my work has merit, and you can 'do something with it,' you may feel free to contact me.
I welcome constructive criticism, if it helps me to become better. I mean about the writing itself; I don't know too much about the business part of it.