Books as movies
I talked about Camaro Espinoza with a film and television producer late last year. He asked me what I thought about Camaro being adapted to the screen, and I told him that I’ve always written those books and stories with half a mind to what they’d look like before a camera. Look at The Night Charter, which has a super-slow-mo sequence!
After we talked, it occurred to me that I hadn’t even mentioned the soundtracks I do for my books. Though my inspiration and colleague, David Morrell, is appalled by the idea of treating fiction like a paper movie, I’ve somewhat embraced that mindset over the years. I “cast” my books with familiar and unfamiliar faces, then set my work to music. The only thing missing is my director’s chair.
Some writers are frustrated filmmakers, and I’m probably one of them. I did my fair share of stage acting when I was young and occasionally thought about pursuing a life in that industry, but I found my place at the keyboard. I’d still love to have a hands-on role in bringing Camaro or any of my characters to the large or small screen, but I don’t necessarily need to. It’d be cool, but it’s not what I live for.
With Los Angeles burning to the ground, I don’t expect much movement in Hollywood, but who knows? Maybe a Camaro TV series is right around the corner. I guess we’ll see.