The New Way Authors are Turning their Books into Movies

If you're ready for the big screen and the big time, you'll love this interview  about a new way that authors are turning their books into movies.

Book Hostage Book Promotion: The Messiah Matrix by Kenneth John Atchity

Today’s book promotion comes from Kenneth John Atchity and his book called The Messiah Matrix. If you like romantic thrillers, take a look below. You might just find another book for your “to read” pile!

Book: The Messiah Matrix

Author: Kenneth John Atchity
Genre: Romantic Thriller

Publisher: Imprimatur Britannia

Format: Paperback and ebook
Currently Released

Summary:  A skeptical young Jesuit meets up in Rome with a vivacious archaeologist who tempts his vows and joins him in an investigation that threatens to overturn their religious beliefs. The book predicted the pope’s resignation and the election of an Argentine Jesuit pope.


Q and  A:

The best thing about writing this book?
Finding out that what began as a fictional theory gained credence as I fitted the parts of the puzzle together.

Where did you get your idea for this story?
My classical training and research on the Catholic Church and the Roman Empire.

What would you tell aspiring writers out there?
That they should not waste a moment of their time agonizing. Write the story—sell the story!

What is your favorite book?
Homer’s Iliad.

Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate?
Coffee

Anything else that you want to add?

Garden-fresh tomatoes!

I want to thank Kenneth John Atchity for allowing me to promote his book on my blog. I hope this post has inspired you to go out and read The Messiah Matrix!

Guest Post: Memo to Screenwriters #3: Being Solely Identified by Your Scripts Leads to Permanent Identity Crisis by Nancy Nigrosh

 

Diablo Cody on the set of her directing debut, "Paradise"

Like so many others, Elmore Leonard, god bless him, praised writers for their “perseverance to just sit there alone and grind it out.”  Of course writers might think he was only referring to writing, especially when coupled with his memetic 10th rule: “if it looks like writing, re-write it.” Taking this credo too literally is certain to drive writers even further into the ivory tower of the introvert. Justified, indeed.

Elmore Leonard’s fans don’t have to have read his work extensively or at all, to uh, “know” him. He presents himself as a look-us-in-the-eye type, not some remote artist alone in a tower being celebrated from afar. In other words, Leonard exists to us as a man, not solely as a writer. His appeal extends beyond what’s on the page -- the other half of the career equation. Even an opposite icon like J.D. Salinger’s controlled seclusion and rejection of immortal author conventions are just as famous as the characters he created. We know what these writers look like. We can even imagine what their opinions on various topics might be. Even though they are no longer alive and writing, they still speak through the media in identities separate and apart from their work.
Elmore Leonard on stage in 2012 with "Justified" stars Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins.

I was recently asked about the difference between a screenwriter’s identity and a screenwriter’s voice. Simply put, in a screenplay it’s the “voice” collected into pages that’s put up for sale. If the writer’s persona has been left behind embedded in the pages, versus used portably as a sustainable tool the writer can re-use, then the writer has to start from scratch with every screenplay to gain back any kind of self referral as an artist. Imagine if the DIY self-published authors of today followed the technique traditionally used by screenwriters to simply type their name under the title as reference to authorship with no personal outreach to their readers.

Instead it’s typical for DIYs to directly engage with their readers, communicating whistle-stop style to gain converts. Tweets become campaign waves; blog tours, virtual handshaking -- which serve before or after any work is read to exponentially expand the writer’s off-page identity. DIY scribes understand that any discriminating buyer for their work will, without question, consult a website algorithm then mentally measure the writer’s metadata before making a purchase. In a contemporary Hollywood universe, any kind of screenplay buyer does the same.

Consider the more familiar difference in how a film director develops identity in a traditional film business scenario. There’s discoverable emphasis on the director’s background and training with critical analysis of themes associated with that director’s work. There’s an easy dialogue flow about where and how that director grew up; which filmmakers influenced them; who their mentors were. There‘s no expectation that a page they wrote or even piece of film they directed could solely speak for them by proxy. Directors aren’t conflicted about their human persona being a key component to their professional role. When they aren’t directing they’re visibly participating in far ranging community outreach to exercise their essential uniqueness and creative values.

If screenwriters demand exclusive evaluative focus on the pages they “just sit there and grind out” without including interactive public behavior to identify themselves as unique storytelling masters the way Elmore Leonard and some other writers do, the screenwriter’s identity becomes dependent on how that material fares in a finite Hollywood marketplace. In this traditional film business scenario the emphasis on material necessarily becomes about cost: the cost for the rights, cost of re-writing and cost of producing it. The page is what has value, not the man or woman who wrote it, who are bound to become less important. The ensuing professional relationship composition is calculated to take power away from the screenwriter.

Some folks might be waiting for the WGA to conduct a blind study to see if kick-ass public identity development works. It might be simpler and faster to take a look at Diablo Cody’s career or Tony Kushner’s.

Ms. Cody created a public persona different from the one she grew up with that she believed was more authentic. Working at an office, she started stripping while also blogging about it. Note that she didn’t blog in any way about a screenwriting career. She showed up online as herself and attracted the attention of an alert film producer, who encouraged her as a writer. Activist Tony Kushner also shows up consistently as himself. His opinion is often sought about topics of concern, not just Hollywood-centric ones. We know about these artists’ human personas, which not only influences their writing, but attracts the notice of their worlds at large, thus creating anticipation of their work.

Reposted From Indiewire

Guest Post: 50 Things Under $50 Bucks To Promote Your Book by Penny C. Sansevieri,

These days it seems like everyone's book marketing budget is a little tighter. If you're feeling the pinch, or if you're just looking for some great free stuff to do on your own, here are some tips that can help keep you on track. Along with the tips, I've also linked to other articles I've written on the various topics, in case you want to dig deeper: 

 

1. Buy your domain name as soon as you have a title for your book. You can get domain names for as little as12.95. Tip: When buying a domain always try to get a .com and stay away from hyphens, i.e. penny-sansevieri.com - surfers rarely remember to insert hyphens. You should also consider using your keywords in your domain because it'll help you rank better. Social media is great, but don't use your Facebook or Twitter pages as your "website" - you should own your domain and have a site. Period. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/penny-c-sansevieri/how-to-build-the-perfect-_b_1932184.html
2. Head on over to Wordpress.com and start your very own blog (you can add it to your website later): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/penny-c-sansevieri/ten-reasons-why-you-shoul_b_839231.html
3. Set up an event at your neighborhood bookstore. Do an event and not a signing, book signings are boring!
4. It's all about content these days so why not create a calendar for content? Often if you aren't sure what to write, or when, a content calendar will keep you on track. You can plan the calendar around your free time (though you should blog weekly) and around holidays or events that may tie into your book.
5. Then, while you're at it: brainstorm content ideas and start a content folder you can always refer back to when you aren't feeling "inspired" to write anything.
6. Check out other, similar authors online and see if you can do some networking.
7. Do some radio research and pitch yourself to at least five new stations this week. Here's a great place to find radio stations! http://www.radio-locator.com/
8. Ready to get some business cards? Head on over to Vistaprint.com. The cards are free if you let them put their logo on the back, if you don't they're still really inexpensive.
9. Put together your marketing plan. Seriously, do this. If you don't know where you're going, any destination will do. If you don't feel like doing an entire "plan" then pick ten things you want to do this month to promote your book.
10. Plan a contest or giveaway. Contests are a great way to promote your book. Make sure to mention the contest on Facebook!
11. Time to get yourself onto Wattpad. Never heard of Wattpad? It's a place where you can run your content, chapters, short stories, whatever you want, and it's a fantastic way to build fans and get feedback on your work!
12. Send thank-you notes to people who have been helpful to you.
13. Send your book out to at least ten book reviewers this week.
14. Do a quick Internet search for local writers' conferences or book festivals you can attend: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/penny-c-sansevieri/eight-tips-to-make-your-n_b_850665.html
15. Create an email signature for every email you send; email signatures are a great way to promote your book and message.
16. Ready to pitch bloggers? Excellent, then start by doing a search for the right ones on Google. You can also head over here and plug in your search term to find the top blogs in your market: http://www.invesp.com/blog-rank/
17. Enhance your Amazon Author Central Page by linking to your blog, Twitter feed or adding a video if you have one: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/penny-c-sansevieri/sell-more-on-amazoncom-un_b_3670424.html
18. Plan your free eBook promotion. If you're on KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) drop your price to zero for one day or three days. You'll want to schedule this a week or so out, then head on over to sites where you can list your freebie. There are tons of them but here are two to get you started: www.igniteyourbook.com and www.ebookswag.com
19. Write your bio and have someone who can be objective critique it; you'll need it when you start pitching yourself to the media.
20. Schedule your first book event!
21. Start your own email newsletter; it's a great way to keep readers, friends and family updated and informed on your success.
22. Start a Twitter account and begin tweeting. If you don't think Twitter is significant, think again; it's been a major part of our marketing strategy for over two years now (before anyone even knew what Twitter was).
23. Develop a set of questions or discussion topics that book clubs or online book clubs can use for your book, and post them on your website for handy downloads.
24. Start a Facebook Fan page. Fan Pages are much better than a personal profile for marketing because they're searchable in Google.
25. See if you can get your friends to host a "book party" in their home. You come in and discuss your book and voila, a captive audience!
26. Find some catalogs you think your book would be perfect for and then submit your packet to them for consideration. If you're unsure of what catalogs might work for you, head on over to http://www.catalogs.com/ and peruse their list.
27. Go around to your local retailers and see if they'll carry your book; even if it's on consignment, it might be worth it! Don't just offer this at bookstores either, see if your local dry cleaner, gift shops, and restaurants will take it. Often local establishments are very supportive of their local authors!
28. Visual is so important these days, how about getting an account on Vine or Instagram and doing short videos and pictures about your book or topic? Visuals are a great way to sell a book!
29. Write a review for someone else's book that's similar to yours. Not sure how this relates to your promotion? Well it's called networking and it's just a great idea to always do outreach.
30. Get yourself on Library Thing or Goodreads and start gathering friends and building your profile there: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/penny-c-sansevieri/how-to-become-a-goodreads_b_3719161.html
31. Make sure your blog is connected to Amazon via their Amazon connect program (yes, it's free). (You can do this through your Author Central Page)
32. Ask friends and family to email five people they know and tell them about your book.
33. Leave your business card, bookmark, or book flyer wherever you go.
34. Subscribe to Talkwalker.com or Mention.net and make sure that you are getting alerts under your name as well as your book title(s), brand, and keywords.
35. Pitch yourself to your local television stations.
36. Pitch yourself to your local print media.
37. Work on the Q&A for your press kit. You'll need it when you start booking media interviews!
38. Schedule a book giveaway on Library Thing or Goodreads. It's a fantastic way to drive new interest for your book! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/penny-c-sansevieri/the-power-of-the-goodread_b_3736965.html
39. Is the topic of your book in the news? Check your local paper, and write a letter to the editor to share your expertise (and promote your book!).
40. Stop by your local library and see if you can set up an event. They love local authors.
41. Do you want to get your book into your local library system? Try dropping off a copy to your main library; if they stock it chances are the other branches will too.
42. Go to Chase's Calendar of Events (www.Chases.com.) and find out how to create your own holiday!
43. Going on vacation? Use your away-from-home time to schedule a book event or two.
44. If your book is appropriate, go to local schools to see if you can do a reading.
45. Got a book that could be sold in bulk? Start with your local companies first and see if they're interested in buying some promotional copies to give away at company events.
46. Don't forget to add reviews to your website. Remember that what someone else has to say is one thousand times more effective than anything you could say!
47. Trying to meet the press? Search the Net for Press Clubs in your area, they meet once a month and are a great place to meet the media.
48. Want a celebrity endorsement? Find celebs in your market with an interest in your topic and then go for it. Remember all they can say is no. Check out the Actors Guild for a list of celeb representatives.
49. Ready to get some magazine exposure? Why not pitch some regional and national magazines with your topic or submit a freelance article for reprint consideration?
50. Work on your next book or work on writing mini-books. Sometimes the best way to sell your first book is by promoting your second, but also many authors are writing and promoting mini-books to keep readers engaged while they wait for their next book to come out. How long do mini-books need to be? 50-75 pages. That's it!

2013 AFAUSSS Conference in Boston

Clint Hill meets President George H.W. Bush. Mr. Hill has met every president

Clint Hill and Tom Wells (Kennedy Children's Detail) 

 

 

Kennedy Detail agents Rad Jones, Ken Wiesman, Chuck Zboril, Clint Hill, Toby

Oscar Castro-Neves Praise for Dr. Warren Woodruff's Dr. Fuddle and The Gold Baton

"How wonderful to discover a book for young readers that is full of art, history, great music, and yet teaching what is right and what is wrong. All done in an magical and imaginative way. We need this book."   ~ Oscar Castro-Neves

Oscar Castro-Neves

Oscar Castro-Neves (born May 15, 1940 in Rio de Janeiro) is a Brazilian guitarist, arranger, and composer who is considered a founding figure in Bossa nova. He was born as one of triplets and formed a band with his brothers in his youth. At 16 he had a national hit with Chora Tua Tristeza. Many of the early Bossa Nova musicians began as teens so this was only slightly unusual. In 1962 he was in a Bossa Nova concert at Carnegie Hall, later he toured with Stan Getz and Sérgio Mendes. He went on to work with a diverse array of musicians includingYo Yo Ma, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, João Gilberto, Lee Ritenour, Airto Moreira, Toots Thielemans, John Klemmer, Carol Welsman and Diane Schuur. During the 1970s and early 1980s he was member of the Paul Winter Consort.

He currently lives in Los Angeles, California where he has worked as an orchestrator for several films including Blame it on Rio and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.  

 

Dr. Fuddle and the Golden Baton
by Warren L. Woodruff

Only retrieving the gold baton can hold back chaos.

Story Merchant Client George J. Fowler's My Cuba Libre FREE FIVE DAY KINDLE DOWNLOAD September 9 to 13!

Please enjoy your FREE Kindle Download and REVIEW ON AMAZON!

George Fowler's very personal story about his lifelong dedication to the cause of Cuban freedom and his efforts to remove the dictator Fidel Castro from power and bring democracy to his homeland.

STORY MERCHANT BOOKS AUGUST BEST SELLERS

Fossil River by Jock Miller Prehistoric predators threaten the U.S. economy.

The Messiah Matrix by Kenneth John Atchity A gold coin reveals the true origins of Christianity.

Writing Treatments to Sell by Chi-Li Wong & Ken Atchity

The Tall Dolores by Michael Avallone An Amazon Stripper, Diamonds and death

So Help Me God by Larry D. Thompson An abortion gone wrong pits church against state.

Association of Former Agents of the U.S. Secret Service (AFAUSSS) 2013 Conference

There was a special luncheon at the JFK Library yesterday, hosted by Director Tom Putnam.  The agents were honored and had the opportunity to share a few memories with the group and they received a standing ovation from the agents (and spouses) who followed in their footsteps. 

The agents with JFK Library Director Tom Putnam (next to Clint)

Clint Hill

Ken Wiesman, Ken Giannoules, Toby Chandler, Chuck Zboril, Clint Hill, Tom Wells, Rad Jones, Walt Coughlin, Bob Kollar

Join Me on February 15, 2014 at Southern California Writers Association Lecture on the "Pros & Cons of Direct vs, Legacy Publishing"

 
SCWA - Future Speakers - February 15, 2014

Opportunities in a Dynamic Environment

Dr. Ken Atchity

Story Merchant Dr. Ken Atchity believes in the power of stories to change the world. A storyteller himself (his recent thriller, The Messiah Matrix , can be visited on www.messiahmatrix.com) Ken has been privileged to spend a lifetime helping stories reach their ideal audiences in both publishing and entertainment. As a literary manager he has sold over 200 books (fiction and nonfiction), and overseen over twenty New York Times bestsellers, including Mrs. Kennedy and Me, The Kennedy Detail, Dracula: The Un-Dead, and The Last Valentine. As a producer working with both major studios and indie financiers, he’s produced thirty-something films, most recently Hysteria, Erased, The Lost Valentine, and the Emmy-nominated The Kennedy Detail.

His own books include several for storytellers, including How to Publish Your Novel, Writing Treatments To Sell, and A Writer’s Time: A Guide to the Creative Process from Vision through Revision.

Former professor of comparative literature at Occidental College and Distinguished Instructor at UCLA Writers Program, Ken has also served as Fulbright Professor to the University of Bologna and as regular book review for The Los Angeles Times Book Review for twenty years.

With what he calls “the new Gutenberg Revolution” in full sway with the technologies of communication, Ken says, “I’ve not been this excited about helping storytellers for years. Today there is truly a level playing field, where the old gatekeepers are giving way to new methods of reaching the audience.” At the recent Thrillerfest in New York, his talk on “Direct vs Legacy Publishing” was the most highly-attended workshop in Craftfest. His analysis of the situation can be found on his website www.storymerchant.com.

For all his background as manager, producer, writing coach, and author, Ken is proudest of being known for “thinking outside the box.” “If I find someone stuck in old ways of thinking,” he says, “I’m not sure I can help him. We’re living in a world of accelerating change, and your mind must be open to seizing the opportunities such a dynamic environment presents. Storytellers haven’t been this fortunate in over a hundred years.” That’s what Ken will talk to us about when he speaks in February.

He can be reached at Atchity@storymerchant.com.




Banquet Room at The Claim Jumper
18050 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Break for Lunch then reconvene with an hour Q and A

SCWA September Newsletter