Matt Carrell's Blog
July 20, 2017
When your story becomes a film
There are countless stories of authors who were appalled when the story they had lovingly crafted finally appeared on the big screen. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Breakfast at Tiffany's even Willy Wonka sent the writer into a huff when they saw what the movie men had done to their book. So I guess the lesson is - if you believe that you have penned a literary masterpiece - don't sign the movie deal. Well I'm under no illusions about my books - they are light holiday reads with some good twists and unexpected endings. The Booker Prize committee is not about to bang my door down - so when I had the opportunity to see one of my short stories on screen I jumped at the chance - especially as I got to write the screenplay.
You can check out the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQXmb...
The story on which the film is based is now available as a paperback and as an e-book - here - myBook.to/CMbyMC
You will also be able to read about the experience of being involved in the screen adaptation of a story.
You can check out the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQXmb...
The story on which the film is based is now available as a paperback and as an e-book - here - myBook.to/CMbyMC
You will also be able to read about the experience of being involved in the screen adaptation of a story.
May 12, 2016
Is Thailand safe? More from Hua Hin
It's just a few weeks since we saw the horrific scenes in Hua Hin - an elderly couple and their son, victims of what appeared to be an unprovoked attack by a group of young Thai men. The couple have vowed never to return to Thailand - Thais I have spoken to have expressed a sense of shame and anger directed only at their countrymen. A new video paints a very different picture of what went on that night. There can be no justification for kicking an elderly woman in the face - but this video shows what initiated the confrontation and, apparently, who threw the first punch.
Many people criticise Thais for going into fights "mob-handed" as though there should be a code of honour for a street brawl. It would be better if those critics understood the concept of "face".
Insult a Thai at your peril - he or she must even the score - and it's quiet acceptable for your mates to help you do that.
Instead of complaining about that - it's pointless - visitors need to understand the concept and adjust their behaviour accordingly. If that's not acceptable - choose a different holiday location.
The Thais involved in this incident are likely to be punished (unless they have influential family) - the Brits will, in all probability, continue to milk the sympathy they have received for being victims.
Based on this new film - their promise never to return to Thailand can only be welcomed.
Check the video here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34zWNbAMdHw
Many people criticise Thais for going into fights "mob-handed" as though there should be a code of honour for a street brawl. It would be better if those critics understood the concept of "face".
Insult a Thai at your peril - he or she must even the score - and it's quiet acceptable for your mates to help you do that.
Instead of complaining about that - it's pointless - visitors need to understand the concept and adjust their behaviour accordingly. If that's not acceptable - choose a different holiday location.
The Thais involved in this incident are likely to be punished (unless they have influential family) - the Brits will, in all probability, continue to milk the sympathy they have received for being victims.
Based on this new film - their promise never to return to Thailand can only be welcomed.
Check the video here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34zWNbAMdHw
July 26, 2014
Please shoot the guy who makes up the headlines
My theme in this blog is that most journalists are lazy, unprofessional and will do anything to make the facts fit the conclusion they have already made. It seems the malaise extends to headline writers...
June 21, 2014
Love football? This new novel is for you,
In April 1981, ex-Liverpool manager Bill Shankly was interviewed by Shelley Rodhe on Granada TV. Alongside him in the studio was former Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Shankly told the audience, “Somebody said: 'Football's a matter of life and death to you.’ I said, 'Listen it's more important than that.’”
Coldharbour Town has climbed from the lower divisions of English football, finally reaching the Premier League under the careful stewardship of local businessman, Jack Enright. After just one season, it’s clear that even survival will require more cash than Enright is willing, or able to commit. Russian billionaire, Dimitri Koloschenko sees ownership of a football club as a means of establishing himself in the London social scene. Within weeks of buying out the reluctant Enright, his commitment is tested by the realities of owning a struggling football club.
As Coldharbour Town fights to retain its place in the top flight, a clinical killer starts to terrorise the community. Maggie Davenport leads a police investigation that appears to flounder at every turn, the local paper; under editor Toby Thomas, revels in the story of Britain’s latest serial killer and Adam Buckley is dubbed Coldharbour’s saviour and the “new Gareth Bale.”
In a town that appears to be in terminal decline, the priority should be to catch a murderer. It is after all, a matter of life and death. But some things are more important than that.
A Matter of Life and Death
Coldharbour Town has climbed from the lower divisions of English football, finally reaching the Premier League under the careful stewardship of local businessman, Jack Enright. After just one season, it’s clear that even survival will require more cash than Enright is willing, or able to commit. Russian billionaire, Dimitri Koloschenko sees ownership of a football club as a means of establishing himself in the London social scene. Within weeks of buying out the reluctant Enright, his commitment is tested by the realities of owning a struggling football club.
As Coldharbour Town fights to retain its place in the top flight, a clinical killer starts to terrorise the community. Maggie Davenport leads a police investigation that appears to flounder at every turn, the local paper; under editor Toby Thomas, revels in the story of Britain’s latest serial killer and Adam Buckley is dubbed Coldharbour’s saviour and the “new Gareth Bale.”
In a town that appears to be in terminal decline, the priority should be to catch a murderer. It is after all, a matter of life and death. But some things are more important than that.
A Matter of Life and Death
May 15, 2014
FREE download until Monday May 19
If you've made your mind up about gun control, this short story will make you think again.
America is rocked by another high school shooting. Something must be done and the solution is simple. When evil people have guns, the only way to protect the vulnerable, is to arm the good guys. After all, God made men but Samuel Colt made them equal.
Sam Bailey is only twelve years old when he arrives in the USA from a sleepy village on the east coast of England. He has already experienced at first hand how violence can tear a family apart, but nothing can prepare him for life in the loudest, brashest and most confident country in the world.
When the latest massacre occurs only a hundred miles away, the question everyone is asking is: could this happen at Sam's school?.
Amazon.co.uk
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Something-Mus...
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Something-Must-...
The story is also free on all other Amazon stores
America is rocked by another high school shooting. Something must be done and the solution is simple. When evil people have guns, the only way to protect the vulnerable, is to arm the good guys. After all, God made men but Samuel Colt made them equal.
Sam Bailey is only twelve years old when he arrives in the USA from a sleepy village on the east coast of England. He has already experienced at first hand how violence can tear a family apart, but nothing can prepare him for life in the loudest, brashest and most confident country in the world.
When the latest massacre occurs only a hundred miles away, the question everyone is asking is: could this happen at Sam's school?.
Amazon.co.uk
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Something-Mus...
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Something-Must-...
The story is also free on all other Amazon stores
April 22, 2014
Newspaper reviews
Getting newspapers to review your books is not easy unless you're with one of the big publishing houses. It usually means sending a lot of free copies to editors and hoping for the best. It's not happened to me, as far as I know, but an author friend reckoned most of the books he sent out ended up on eBay.
It's all worthwhile when you get a reviewer who seems to love your book.
This is the latest newspaper review for Vortex,
http://www.pattayamail.com/books/vort...
Vortex
It's all worthwhile when you get a reviewer who seems to love your book.
This is the latest newspaper review for Vortex,
http://www.pattayamail.com/books/vort...
Vortex
March 20, 2014
Vortex - read the first chapter
The first chapter of Vortex is available as a Goodreads download. I hope you will take a look -
https://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/down...Vortex
https://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/down...Vortex
March 16, 2014
FREE Short story -
If you've liked my blogs you might just like this, a FREE short story you can download from Amazon.
It's only free until midnight US Pacific time today - I hope you will take a look.
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
It's only free until midnight US Pacific time today - I hope you will take a look.
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
January 21, 2014
Vortex - my latest novel
Vortex, my third book, was published in early January:
In nature, the vortex takes many forms. On land or at sea it is mesmerising, powerful and destructive. When Andy Duncan secures a dream job in an Asian investment company, he discovers that the same forces apply in business. The pursuit of power, money and status blurs moral boundaries and once the first line is crossed the vortex will drag you in. Duncan is learning to play the game, but those around him are changing all the rules and he soon realises that his career, his freedom and even his life may be at stake. He is thrown many lifelines, the question is whether he can trust his saviours and whether he's willing to pay the price they demand.
Vortex
I hope you will check it out. It already has 5 star ratings on Amazon.
On Amazon.co.uk - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vortex-Matt-C...
On Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Matt-Car...
In nature, the vortex takes many forms. On land or at sea it is mesmerising, powerful and destructive. When Andy Duncan secures a dream job in an Asian investment company, he discovers that the same forces apply in business. The pursuit of power, money and status blurs moral boundaries and once the first line is crossed the vortex will drag you in. Duncan is learning to play the game, but those around him are changing all the rules and he soon realises that his career, his freedom and even his life may be at stake. He is thrown many lifelines, the question is whether he can trust his saviours and whether he's willing to pay the price they demand.
Vortex
I hope you will check it out. It already has 5 star ratings on Amazon.
On Amazon.co.uk - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vortex-Matt-C...
On Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Matt-Car...
December 12, 2013
FREE e-book
This acclaimed short story is FREE on Amazon until Monday December 16.
Something Must Be Done is set in the UK and a US High School. If you have made up your mind about gun control, take a look at this story. It will make you think again.
Something Must Be Done
http://www.amazon.com/Something-Must-...
Something Must Be Done is set in the UK and a US High School. If you have made up your mind about gun control, take a look at this story. It will make you think again.
Something Must Be Done
http://www.amazon.com/Something-Must-...
