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Hello again, everyone. Welcome back for another Author's Corner. The last thirty days have been a whirlwind of activity for me. My Dark Horizon screenplay is nearing completion and I'm facing a dilemma because there are so many scenes I can't use because of the length of the screenplay. It's tricky to merge and omit scenes from the book into the screenplay. I was bothered by this at first while writing Fractured Time, but after much thought, I found the solution.
I'm going to write a series of one-hour episodes using the omitted scenes from each book. This could be the ultimate package to sell to a motion-picture company. It would be attractive for a number of reasons but pricing a package would be both creative and complex for all parties involved. The glaring disadvantage is that it may take much longer to sell the package than individual screenplays and series. Regardless of which occurs, I have a lot of work ahead of me.
My trip to New York City in June was very productive. I met with Metropol Literary agency and we spent the better part of the day on Fractured Time. We're on track for some pretty exciting things in the future. I also spent some time with my publicity campaign manager at Muse Media. We're looking at many things for next year as well as the remainder of this year. I've been blessed with some hard working people at both firms who are supporting me.
The WesterCon 57 - Conkopelli festival was really nice. I had the opportunity to participate on several panels and drop in on many others. I had an opportunity to speak with many people during and after the panels. I also had the opportunity to be interviewed by Dragon Page, a science fiction radio show. I want to say thank you to Mike and Evo for their help. They have a great show which can be found at www.radiostarfleet.com on Fridays at 4 p.m. pacific time and on KFYI 550 am on Sundays at 6 p.m. pacific time. They will air my interview during the week of July 19-25 on numerous stations. You can listen in at www.dragonpage.com and selecting show #123.
Upon returning home, I received good news from my publicist. DragonCon has invited me to participate in their festival over Labor Day weekend in Atlanta. I've also been granted an autograph session as well.
My high school project is completed. I've received numerous replies of interest regarding Fractured Time as suggested reading in many high schools around the country. Thanks to the teachers and librarians who took the time to consider my idea.
This month's writers' tip is an old topic revisited for new reasons. In an earlier segment of Author's Corner, I talked about what I was able to accomplish without an agent. I was successful at making contacts with motion-picture representatives and I generated quite a bit of interest in the Fractured Time screenplay.
One disadvantage that I've found is that I can't monitor the progress or lack of by a company considering my work. An agent has the opportunity to speak with his contacts on a regular basis, usually face to face. As a result, he or she can find out what is happening with the screenplay and if anything can be done to increase its marketability. As a writer, it's difficult to call or e-mail a motion-picture without "pestering" them. For me as a writer, my proposals were one shot deals that may or may not be on the front burner. I won't know unless I hear from the company. The agent can contact the company without creating a nuisance to them.
In choosing an agent, it is important to research the agency. If they have a poor track record with clients, you may be better off on your own. The Writers' Guild website at www.wgae.org has a list of agents which meet their criteria for professionalism and credibility. Their list is a good starting point in finding an agent.
Join me next month at The Author's Corner.
- Michael D'Ambrosio
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