Welcome back to another edition of Author's Corner. BaltiCon and ConCarolinas have come and gone already and now I'm back to work on my projects. Both conventions were very good and I met quite a few new friends. We had some interesting panels including the Pirate panel at BaltiCon. I was joined by my good friends Tony Ruggierio, Tee Morris and Rich White in pirates' attire. There is a link between science fiction and pirates (Firefly, Han Solo, etc.) that intrigues many people.

My next convention won't be until Labor Day weekend at CopperCon in Phoenix. At this point, I don't foresee doing any others because of the schedule of my full-time job. 2007's schedule looks very advantageous for me so I'm expecting to get around quite a bit and hopefully with something more than the Fractured Time Trilogy to display.

So, what's going on in my world right now? The hottest prospect appears to be my comedy screenplay, The Christmas Solution. Orly Adelson Productions read my synopsis and is quite interested in the story. The Screenplay Agency, which represents me for this project, provided a copy of the screenplay to them and is working to hopefully secure the deal. Orly Adelson is nearing completion of the new Pete Rose movie 'Hustle'.

Metropol Literary has submitted my entire Fractured Time package to the Sci-Fi Channel. This package includes screenplays from each book and two ten episode TV series to follow the first two movies. I'm really excited about this but I think it's gonna' be a while because of the amount of material they need to review.

New York Literary is looking to contract a major publisher for my new Space Frontiers series, starting with The Eye of Icarus. Dangerous Liaisons is ready and waiting as book two of the series. The Devil's Playground is the third book and I'm currently about a quarter of the way to completion.

I'm waiting for word from The Abacus Group about representing me for the screenplays The Eye of Icarus and Leviathan. Leviathan will either be used as a sequel or with EoI as a miniseries (two movies shown in one time frame).

Once upon a time, I felt that I could handle things without an agent. I have become so inundated with work that I couldn't keep up with potential clients. I'm hoping that they can do a better job than I can, too.

What else can I possibly get into? Well, should Orly Adelson purchase the rights to The Christmas Solution, I've already outlined a plot for the sequel, should it become necessary. I'm also planning what to do with Dangerous Liaisons - two screenplays or one screenplay and a TV series. I haven't decided and I need to spend some time considering what each would encompass. I'm already constructing an outline for books four and five of the Space Frontiers series. At this point, I think the series will end with five unless I come up with some substantial plots to continue with.

Finally, here's the writers' tip for this month. In writing a screenplay, the story must be well-crafted with a solid story concept. Most importantly, you need to have an original character that people relate to, sympathize with, fall in love with or laugh at.

When I talk about well-crafted, I mean a solid plot with complimenting subplots; the use of three plot points (about one quarter in, one half in and sooner than three quarters in). These are the ideal locations as recommended by several pros I've spoken with. That's not to say that it can't be done any other way. Some things can be overlooked by the strengths they create. If you do it, it should make the story that much better and the characters that much stronger, otherwise you might be shooting yourself in the foot.

There are a number of good screenplay 'bibles' available for new screenwriters. I recommend reading one or two and more importantly, if you have an opportunity to talk with a producer or director, find out what their idea is of a good screenplay. Not everyone thinks the same, but you might be able to use their advice to get your first big deal.

Thanks for joining me and I look forward to hearing from any of you who have questions or comments.

Thanks,

- Michael D'Ambrosio

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