writer. screenwriter. learning person. loves being human.
Several years ago, the writer Michael Ventura very graciously gave me permission to republish on my website his essay The Talent of the Room. I recommended it to someone yesterday and re-read it again myself, and thought again how marvelous and smart and true it is. The essay is, in my opinion, a must-read for … Continue reading “The Talent of the Room”
From the Beginning: Advice for Aspiring Pro Writers by Kelley Eskridge Kelley’s note: I’ve put this here in response to the many questions I get from people who are interested in more information about the process of getting an agent and publishing a first novel. It’s a consolidation of my experience and that of writers … Continue reading “From the Beginning”
Kelley Eskridge Discusses Her Debut Novel Solitaire Gotta Write Network (December 2002) interview by Cindy Speer After reading Kelley Eskridge’s debut novel Solitaire it is no surprise to discover that she drew the delicate corporate world structure from her own life. As former Vice President of Wizards of the Coast (publishers of the Magic and … Continue reading “Interview: Gotta Write Network”
So here she was, framed in the open double doors like a photograph: Jackal Segura on the worst day of her life, preparing to join the party. The room splayed wide before her, swollen with voices, music, human heat, and she thought perhaps this was a bad idea after all. But she was conscious of … Continue reading “Solitaire Chapter One”
They’re the best part, auditions: the last chance to hold in my mind the play as it should be. The uncast actors are easiest to direct; empty stages offer no barriers. Everything is clear, uncomplicated by living people and their inability to be what is needed. “What I need,” I say to my stage manager, … Continue reading “And Salome Danced”
Jackal Segura is a Hope: born special and raised to a life of responsibility and privilege as a powerful symbol of a fledgling world government; destined for greatness. In a few months she will take up her role in the global administration, sponsored by the massive corporate entity that houses, feeds, employs and protects her … Continue reading “Solitaire”
Re: Cover of the Solitaire trade paperback. It is striking and hits the right emotional chord for the book. (Although oddly as I sit and consider it now, it does not seem to relate much to the story itself.) Re: Solitaire I really enjoyed the novel. It really struck an emotional chord with me. A … Continue reading “Ambiguity”