Several years ago, a producer approached my publisher because she wanted to make my novel, Dead Ernest, into a screenplay. Having bought the rights, she worked her socks off to get the play made. She had a writer who was keen to do the script, and a Name (and I wish I could say who she is!) who really wanted to play the part of Annie (the central character). I gave up hope ages ago - one thing writing teaches us all is to be prepared for disappointment. Always! - and of course the play never came off, simply through lack of funds.
I had an email from her today (we have become good friends) saying that she, the writer and the actress are still keen, but the recession has prevented them from going ahead. There simply aren't the funds.
This is soooooo frustrating! I never got my hopes up, but if only I'd been writing just a few years earlier! But I know many of us have been hard hit by the recession (not to mention the celebrity "culture"), so self-pity really isn't on.
Oh well. Back to the keyboard. I just might come up with an irresistible masterpiece this time (or fifty shades of failure...)
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It must be so frustrating to know there are people who want to make this play and it's just the recession stopping it from happening.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is, Patsy!
DeleteI'd be thrilled just to know someone wanted to do the play...and I'm sure you're pleased about that part, but not about the outcome.
ReplyDeleteK
Kay, the nice part happened ages ago (actually, so did the nasty part). But the latest email was a sad reminder!
DeleteHopefully it will happen for you one day Frances.
ReplyDeleteMaggie, after this year, I've rather given up on optimism!
DeleteYou never know what's round the corner, Frances - things may change and the play may yet happen - as well as disappointment, we also have hope :-) x
ReplyDeleteAh, hope...I'll try and hang onto that, Teresa!
DeleteIsn't there a popular saying, something like "hope is the last to die"? Therefore, I second Teresa in saying you never know what's round the corner.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Meike!
DeleteWow, Frances, that must have been so exciting - so near and yet so far! What a disappointment that it never came off, but you should be thrilled to think that it would have done - if only there'd been the funds.
ReplyDeleteI often think the 'if only' about various happenings in my writing career. But the thing we have to hold on to is: at least we have HAD a writing career, with all the ups and downs, excitements and disappointments to prove it! x
That's true, Olivia. And who cares about recognition and money? (I do, but perhaps I shouldn't!)
DeleteFrances,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about this. I, too, wish I would've started writing in earnest earlier. But keep typing away, because you never know. Your big break could be brewing on the stoop. Anyway, if you're like me, you couldn't stop, even if you wanted to.
You're right, Yvonne. It's a bug, isnt it?
DeleteMaybe when this madness is over they will look at it again.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping, Colette!
DeleteHopefully it might still happen one day. It must be frustrating for you and all concerned, especially as it would make a fantastic screenplay. But perhaps it's a postponement, rather than a cancellation.
ReplyDeleteI shall keep my fingers firmly crossed. I would love to see it happen.
So would I, Joanna! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDon't give up on it yet, Frances.
ReplyDeleteIt's out of my hands, Keith. But thanks!
DeleteI feel your frustration, Frances, but what a wonderful thought to know they're still interested. One of these days...
ReplyDeleteI'm not holding my breath, Rosemary, but thanks! I saw the actress on TV the other evenign, and she would be be soooo good in the main part. It's heartbreaking!
DeleteI think that Dead Ernest would make a splendid play. I wish you luck, Frances.
ReplyDelete