Horseback Riding and Book Publishing

I know…what could one thing have to do with the other?

Well, nothing really. Unless one considers the intangible benefits.

George and I

Recently, my life has centred around working full-time, writing screenplays, and getting the print version of The Orphans of the Creek ready for market (the design looks great, by the way. I’ll post a sample soon)

But last Sunday, I went on a trail ride through the Oak Ridges Moraine.

I hadn’t been on a horse in years, but George, the Fjord/Quarter Horse mix that guided me through the dense, hilly forest, made me feel like I had just ridden the day before. The staff at Pleasure Valley were very welcoming and patiently helped me reacquaint myself with the saddle, despite the rain, sleet, and hail that soaked us.

So again: what does this have to do with book publishing? And again: nothing, except for the intangible benefits that a little getaway can give you. Thanks to George, I feel realigned.

Have a great weekend everybody. Hope you get the opportunity to do something good for yourself.

See you out there!

If you’re a writer, write. And if you’re a reader, keep reading. We need you!

Author Richard S. Todd

Richard Todd is a novelist, screenplay writer, and Social Media guy. Plus a few other things that get lost in the clutter. Visit him online at www.richard-todd.com.

Book Tours and Live Appearances!

Hi everyone!

Keep your eyes on this space for information on my upcoming book tour and other live appearances in support of my new novel,  The Orphans of the Creek. 

I had such a great time during my Chapters-Indigo Raincloud Book Tour and live Self-Publishing Speaking Series that I can’t wait to do it all over again. Meeting new readers and mentoring upcoming writers makes every late night writing, editing, and designing worthwhile.

See YOU out there!

If you’re a writer, write. And if you’re a reader, keep reading. We need you!

Author Richard S. Todd

Richard Todd is a novelist, screenplay writer, and Social Media guy. Plus a few other things that get lost in the clutter. Visit him online at www.richard-todd.com.

“The Orphans of the Creek” – Print Version

Hi everyone!

I can’t believe The Orphans of the Creek has been out in eBook version for over five months now!

But because so many of my readers prefer old-school hard copy, I can’t resist producing a print version. The design is done; I’m just waiting for the ISBN number to sign a distribution agreement and get the presses rolling.

I’ll update news on the two film projects I’m involved in as new developments become available. You already know about “Clive“, but I’ll provide additional details about the second project soon.

See you out there!

If you’re a writer, write. And if you’re a reader, keep reading. We need you!

Author Richard S. Todd

Richard Todd is a novelist, screenplay writer, and Social Media guy. Plus a few other things that get lost in the clutter. Visit him online at www.richard-todd.com.

These Busy, Busy Days…and Reintroducing “Introducing…”

Hi all!

Yes, busy days indeed. Between writing two screenplays, promoting the digital version of The Orphans of the Creek, and working on other personal projects, I’ve finally gotten back to working on a distribution deal for the print copy of Orphans.

I’m not complaining though. With the weather as crazy as it’s been, I’ve been getting a lot done. The brisk wind and blowing snow have my permission to stay until I catch up!

Do you remember my “Introducing…” blog series? A few years ago I created this series to bring first-time and small-press authors to a wider audience. I’m happy to announce that I’m starting it up again. If you fall into one of the aforementioned categories, please drop me a line at richard@richard-todd.com.

After announcing this on various Facebook newsgroups, I already have several authors signed up. So don’t delay and reserve your spot!

See you out there!

If you’re a writer, write. And if you’re a reader, keep reading. We need you!

Author Richard S. Todd

Richard Todd is an author, blogger, and Social Media guy. Plus a few other things that get lost in the clutter. Visit him online at www.richard-todd.com.

Writing the Screenplay: Losing Narrative

My newest challenge has been to turn my short story “Clive” into a screenplay. And the challenge quickly turned into a true labour of love that I’m thoroughly enjoying.

For those who have experience with screenplays, you already know that they contain little in the way of narrative. So as an author who is known for descriptive, lyrical detail, I found that little was left after stripping my story to the bare bones until all that remained were the action and dialogue.

I was reminded of that old saying about tearing something down before you can build it back up again.

For example, here’s the opening to the original story which describes the setting:

Scanlon Creek summers were notoriously humid, with air that clung to you like a moist, thick overcoat. People crowded beach chairs and picnic baskets into aging SUVs to head to the shores of Shadow Lake for some relief from the oppressive weather. For those that remained behind, tempers were always a few yards shorter than usual. One wrong glance could cause a normally placid individual to rip right into you. 

And here’s the above translated into a screenplay:

“Act I, Scene I – OUTSIDE – DAY – ESTABLISHING SHOT OF HOUSES

Long shot of the fronts of Clive’s and Simard’s houses.

RADIO ANNOUNCER 1

It’s a scorcher again here in Scanlon Creek…”

Instead of descriptive narrative, I’m employing a not-so-new trick of using background dialogue to set the scene. While the radio announcer speaks, we use establishing shots to introduce the setting through colours, textures, and actions.

This is also where the relationship between the director and the writer becomes especially important. Ideally, the director should be intimately familiar with the narrative version as well, to ensure that both the director and writer share the same visual adaptation of each scene and how the actors are to react to the various settings.

And this is just for the beginning of a short story! There are many more aspects to converting prose to screenplay and I’m loving every one of them.

So much so, that once this project is complete, another dream would be to turn my full-size novels Raincloud and The Orphans of the Creek into screenplays as well.

All in good time.

See you out there!

If you’re a writer, write. And if you’re a reader, keep reading. We need you!

Author Richard S. Todd

Richard Todd is an author, blogger, and Social Media guy. Plus a few other things that get lost in the clutter. Visit him online at www.richard-todd.com.

“Clive” the Movie – Update

Hi everyone.

Last month I announced in this space that my short story “Clive” will become a short film this year. The project’s still a go – and here’s an update.

After weekly meetings with the director, French filmmaker Jerome Martin, I’ve just completed the fifth draft of the screenplay. Writing it has been a great learning experience and a lot of fun. I’ve introduced some new characters to add a little dimension to the story as well brought up the profile of two existing ones. The screenplay reads better with every new draft and Jerome has provided a lot of helpful and creative insight.

I have to say that I admire writers who adapt novels into screenplays. “Clive” has been an engaging project and I can imagine how much work my novels Raincloud and The Orphans of the Creek would be to to put on the big screen.

Not that I would complain about doing so!

We’re aiming for a September shoot, which will give us plenty of time to seek a location, assemble the crew, hold casting auditions, and perform all the tasks needed to bring this film to the screen. And I can’t wait for you all to see it!

In the meantime, I’ll continue to keep you posted every step of the way.

Because without you, there’s no point.

See you out there!

If you’re a writer, write. And if you’re a reader, keep reading. We need you!

Author Richard S. Todd

Richard Todd is an author, blogger, and Social Media guy. Plus a few other things that get lost in the clutter. Visit him online at www.richard-todd.com.

Meet French Filmmaker Jerome Martin

A few weeks ago I announced on this blog that my short story “Clive” is being made into a short film. At this time, I’d like to introduce to the film’s director and co-producer, Jerome Martin.

French filmmaker Jerome Martin

Jerome graduated in 1998 with a BA in Cinema Studies from the University of Sorbonne in Paris. He then worked in Paris as an Assistant Producer for many French production companies, such as Clara-Films, 2P2L, and TF1 Productions, producing both documentaries and TV shows.

After co-writing and directing a handful of short films, Jerome embarked on his first professional solo project: TALION (watch it here). After TALION, he worked in television and was an executive producer for “Painted”, a short film directed by Jason Kim.

Jerome has a gritty visual eye, which is a perfect match for my dark, lyrical writing style. His technical and artistic skills are enhanced by his enthusiasm for this project, and I’m very happy to be working with him.

I’ll keep you updated on things as they progress.

See you out there!

If you’re a writer, write. And if you’re a reader, keep reading. We need you!

Author Richard S. Todd

Richard Todd is an author, blogger, and Social Media guy. Plus a few other things that get lost in the clutter. Visit him online at www.richard-todd.com.