I'm Just The WriterWritten by Stephen Schochet
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Some writers are amazed to see their words turn into movie reality. When Margaret Mitchell (1900 -1949) was a young girl in Atlanta, various relatives took her on tours of Confederate battle sites, describing Civil War so vividly that she imagined she was part of it. It took her ten years to write text for Gone With The Wind which she scribbled on yellow legal pads, shoving them under her couch when friends would come over to visit her. The best-seller was turned into a movie in 1939 and Mitchell showed up in Hollywood for fiming of Scarlett O'Hara (Vivian Leigh) nursing wounded soldiers at Atlanta railway station. The author was overwhelmed by sheer vastness of scene. "My God", she told producer David O. Selznick. "If we would have had this many soldiers we would have won war." Some writers have strong ideas about who should play their characters. Novelist Tom Clancy was initially unhappy with fifty year old Harrison Ford cast as thirty something CIA agent Jack Ryan in Patriot Games (1992) and Clear And Present Danger (1994). He also berated actor for suggesting plot changes to his stories. Ford angrily retorted that writers who sell their work to big screen have to expect it to be changed, otherwise don't sell it. After two films did great at box office, Clancy hinted that he would be willing to bury hatchet to get Ford to star in next Jack Ryan installment, The Sum Of All Fears (eventually made with Ben Affleck in 2002). Ford demurred by saying," Maybe when I'm sixty." Sometimes stars are better off just following writer's instincts. Lou Holtz Jr. was disappointed that Jim Carrey brought in a team of writers to change his lighthearted script The Cable Guy (1996) into a dark tale about stalking. Despite Carrey winning MTV award for best villain, movie was panned by critics, led to several executives being fired at Sony pictures and became known in Hollywood as "The Straight To Cable Guy".
Stephen Schochet is the author and narrator of the audiobooks "Fascinating Walt Disney" and "Tales Of Hollywood". The Saint Louis Post Dispatch says," these two elaborate productions are exceptionally entertaining." Hear realaudio samples of these great, unique gifts at www.hollywoodstories.com.
| | A Long Walk on a Short PierWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
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innermost thoughts, that walk can become so very long and lonely. Each person, however, owes it to everyone else around them, even to far reaches of universe, to express their needs, wants, hopes, dreams, and opinions. This must be done judiciously, tactfully, and with an open mind. You must always remember that you are standing on that pier, and with your writing, you are trying to convince others to walk down all piers in their lives and make a difference. Sometimes outcome may not be exactly what you want, but what is alternative - world would never hear "your side", your view, and your expression or synopsis of what has happened, will happen, or that you are trying to make happen. Writing - we all do it - and it should always be done to best of our capability. The majority of us will never equate Hemmingway or Shakespeare, but we will make a difference in our own way. Your name may not be written in any history textbook but don't be surprised if your idea is not there - right on that page - waiting to inspire, and have next generation carry idea you originated a bit further, and to a wonderful conclusion. Don't be afraid to express yourself in writing, for each person is a very vital component to a complete world. It's like a puzzle - one missing piece - and it never gets completed. ENJOY! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2003 October
Arleen Kaptur has written numerous books and articles. For a free newsletter, with home ideas, food, family, etc. visit http://www.arleenssite.com Thank you.
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