This has been an exciting year. My writing partner, Steve Fine, and I finished the screenplay adaptation of Ten Fingers Touching.
Our Fall highlight was a Table Read with eight actors reading the script in the presence of two producers and other guests. The actors did a wonderful job bringing the story to life as we listened to the dialogue spoken out loud for the first time.
The purpose of a Table Read is to refine dialogue, but in the spirited discussion that followed, no one wanted to talk about words. We focused on two aspects of the content. First, was the film version intended to be rated PG-13 or R? The question was raised because the movie is not 100 percent faithful to the book. It has more depth, conflict, twists, turns, and passion! In the interest of garnering a wider audience, we agreed to pull back to PG-13, similar to the book.
The second issue related to Marianna, the female protagonist. The actors felt that in this era favoring strong female characters, Marianna’s role should be equal and parallel to Martak’s, the male protagonist. We’ve revised the screenplay showing a more powerful Marianna and hope to have the next version ready for review after the New Year.
Best wishes to all for a joyous holiday season and a healthy, fulfilling and peaceful New Year
This week celebrates the 3rd anniversary of the launch of Ten Fingers Touching. It’s a good time to share an update on what’s happening with the story. In the past several years, I’ve had numerous book signings and I’ve also given many talks on Truth in Fiction: Lessons Learned from Fairy Tales. I’m often asked if there will be a sequel to Ten Fingers Touching.
Fairy tales have evolved over time. Many of the fairy tales we know so well through Walt Disney films were written centuries ago for adults. Their themes often contained acts of violence that were considered too scary for children.
Tragedy befalls the most famous lovers in romantic literature. Romeo drinks poison and Juliet plunges Romeo’s dagger into her chest. In a similar vein, Antony, receiving false news that Cleopatra has died, falls on his sword; but he is only wounded. Carried to Cleopatra, he dies in her arms. Shortly thereafter, Cleopatra inflicts herself with bites from a venomous snake and joins him in death.
The holiday season is special. Colorful lights, joyous music, delicious food, being with family and friends are traditions we all cherish. We enjoy the holidays and often recall our pleasure in celebrating them as children.
I’ve been working on the screenplay adaptation of Ten Fingers Touching for several months. Friends and fans have asked how it’s coming along, so I thought I would comment on its progress. My writing partner, Steve Fine, who edited the book, and I are working with a screenplay analyst who is guiding us through the creative and technical side of screenwriting.
While working on the screenplay adaptation of Ten Fingers Touching, I’ve also developed a talk on: Finding your Happily Ever After: Lessons Learned from Fairy Tales.
So much has happened since my last newsletter! Ten Fingers Touching appeared on the front cover of Publishers Weekly, on the back cover of FAE: Faeries and Enchantment Magazine and was featured at two Barnes & Noble book signing events. It has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon! I’ve also developed an engaging presentation on “The Enduring Appeal of Fairy Tales and their Relevance for Adults.” It is both substantive and fun and has been well-received.
