David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! discussion
This topic is about
Joelle Charbonneau
Author Q&A
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Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) Q&A Event--April 7-10th
How long did the publishing process take for you? From f..."
Oh - the publishing process was pretty typical - which means it was LONG! I finished writing the first draft of The Testing in early summer of 2011. My agent and I did some revisions on it and then submitted. I didn't realize at the time (because I wasn't reading a lot of YA or tuned into YA as much) that I was behind the trend. That made the submission process longer than many I experienced in the past. Still - it went pretty quick compared to some of my friends' experiences. We submitted before Labor Day and officially announced the deal in December. The Testing then came out in June of 2013 - so 2 years after the book was initially finished.
What do I like to have near me when I write? Ha! Well, there are two answers - popcorn and diet Pepsi. I need both!
Oh - the publishing process was pretty typical - which means it was LONG! I finished writing the first draft of The Testing in early summer of 2011. My agent and I did some revisions on it and then submitted. I didn't realize at the time (because I wasn't reading a lot of YA or tuned into YA as much) that I was behind the trend. That made the submission process longer than many I experienced in the past. Still - it went pretty quick compared to some of my friends' experiences. We submitted before Labor Day and officially announced the deal in December. The Testing then came out in June of 2013 - so 2 years after the book was initially finished.
What do I like to have near me when I write? Ha! Well, there are two answers - popcorn and diet Pepsi. I need both!
Tommy wrote: "Turns out I do have questions, both which involve the "pantser" approach to writing.
A lot of writers, especially pantsers, claim that they always reach a point where they're scared the story jus..."
I think all writers at some point - plotters or pantsers - feel as if the story isn't good enough. For pantsers, we have the additional problem of worrying that we haven't a clue where the story is going. Sounds fun - right? Personally, I think it is harder now to write a book than it was when I was first starting on the publication path. When I was first writing, the story was mine and mine alone. No one would care if I hit The End. There was no certainty that someone would read it. Now I am more aware that the story will be read by at least someone. (If only by my agent.) Because of that, I now feel when I am writing that the story already belongs to readers instead of just to me. There are expectations that come with writing a book now that I am worried I might not reach. So, while I thought this career would get easier as I got more experienced, I've learned that writing is harder with each book and my expectations for myself as a writer grow with each new page.
A lot of writers, especially pantsers, claim that they always reach a point where they're scared the story jus..."
I think all writers at some point - plotters or pantsers - feel as if the story isn't good enough. For pantsers, we have the additional problem of worrying that we haven't a clue where the story is going. Sounds fun - right? Personally, I think it is harder now to write a book than it was when I was first starting on the publication path. When I was first writing, the story was mine and mine alone. No one would care if I hit The End. There was no certainty that someone would read it. Now I am more aware that the story will be read by at least someone. (If only by my agent.) Because of that, I now feel when I am writing that the story already belongs to readers instead of just to me. There are expectations that come with writing a book now that I am worried I might not reach. So, while I thought this career would get easier as I got more experienced, I've learned that writing is harder with each book and my expectations for myself as a writer grow with each new page.
Tommy wrote: "And:
How many drafts does it take you before you feel like a story is "good to go"?"
That depends on the book. I tend to be very anal about sentence structure and whatnot when writing. So I am lucky that I only need about 2 drafts before my agent gets her mitts on my work. Then I typically do at least one or two revisions on the draft she saw before turning it into my editor who always has lots of fabulous thoughts that make the book better. So - let's say two full drafts is typical before I decide to be brave and let people read.
How many drafts does it take you before you feel like a story is "good to go"?"
That depends on the book. I tend to be very anal about sentence structure and whatnot when writing. So I am lucky that I only need about 2 drafts before my agent gets her mitts on my work. Then I typically do at least one or two revisions on the draft she saw before turning it into my editor who always has lots of fabulous thoughts that make the book better. So - let's say two full drafts is typical before I decide to be brave and let people read.
Joelle ---Do you use any current events in politics to influence your books??
Mod
Great casting choices!
Mod
Mod
What does your typical day look like?
Hello Joelle, I was just wondering if there are any ideas you have for books that you haven't been able to put on paper yet?
Do you allow your closet door to be open at night? Sorry... I always try to make sure a 'fun' question gets slipped in ;)
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
Casandra - Do I use current politics in my writing? Well...I can't say it is always intentional, but when I go back and read the final proofs, I tend to spot a lot of current political issues in them. When I started writing The Testing, I wanted to create the world's worst SAT/college admittance process. By the time I finished writing Graduation Day and reading it for the final time I realized the underlying theme could be seen as a commentary on No Child Left Behind. I think I also address the idea that in politics, some of the worst things come out of the best of intentions.
Casandra - Do I use current politics in my writing? Well...I can't say it is always intentional, but when I go back and read the final proofs, I tend to spot a lot of current political issues in them. When I started writing The Testing, I wanted to create the world's worst SAT/college admittance process. By the time I finished writing Graduation Day and reading it for the final time I realized the underlying theme could be seen as a commentary on No Child Left Behind. I think I also address the idea that in politics, some of the worst things come out of the best of intentions.
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
Jenny - Ha! You know - the most surprising thing is that I am an author. I never aspired to publish a book. I never dreamt that I could. I was an actress who preferred speaking written dialogue to doing improv. The fact that I could actually finish writing an entire manuscript was so exciting that it gave me the courage to see what else I could accomplish. But now that I am a published author, I would say the most surprising thing is that I share an editor with Lois Lowry. How awesome is that? (Yes, finding that out was a total geek out moment for me.
Jenny - Ha! You know - the most surprising thing is that I am an author. I never aspired to publish a book. I never dreamt that I could. I was an actress who preferred speaking written dialogue to doing improv. The fact that I could actually finish writing an entire manuscript was so exciting that it gave me the courage to see what else I could accomplish. But now that I am a published author, I would say the most surprising thing is that I share an editor with Lois Lowry. How awesome is that? (Yes, finding that out was a total geek out moment for me.
Karen wrote: "Do you have dogs or cats or snakes or horses, well, ANY pets?
What does your typical day look like?"
Karen! Ha - well, we have lots of squirrels in the backyard and I think a family of skunks lives under our deck. But those don't get to come inside...at least not that I'm aware of. I do, however, have a cat named Jake who is a very talkative tabby. He likes to sit on my hands when I try to type. He's helpful that way!
What does your typical day look like?"
Karen! Ha - well, we have lots of squirrels in the backyard and I think a family of skunks lives under our deck. But those don't get to come inside...at least not that I'm aware of. I do, however, have a cat named Jake who is a very talkative tabby. He likes to sit on my hands when I try to type. He's helpful that way!
Mod
Sorry... I always try to make sure a 'fun' question gets slipped in ;)"
I like the fun questions myself :P
Karen wrote: "Do you have dogs or cats or snakes or horses, well, ANY pets?
What does your typical day look like?"
Karen - Typical day? I'm not sure there is one since I have a 6 year old in the house. But most days I try to get e-mails done in the morning while he is having fun playing before bundling him off to school in the afternoon. Once he's on the bus, I tend to run an errand or two if necessary and then sit down to write. I have about an hour or two of writing time before the bus brings him home and then I write again at night when he goes to bed. Needless to say, I don't get a lot of sleep.
What does your typical day look like?"
Karen - Typical day? I'm not sure there is one since I have a 6 year old in the house. But most days I try to get e-mails done in the morning while he is having fun playing before bundling him off to school in the afternoon. Once he's on the bus, I tend to run an errand or two if necessary and then sit down to write. I have about an hour or two of writing time before the bus brings him home and then I write again at night when he goes to bed. Needless to say, I don't get a lot of sleep.
Mod
That is SO COOL!!! I would be geeking out myself :)
Harlee wrote: "Hello Joelle, I was just wondering if there are any ideas you have for books that you haven't been able to put on paper yet?"
Harlee- Well.....there is this one idea. I started working on it and then put it to the side to write what I'm working on now. However, I do plan on going back to it sometime in the near future. It's got a science fiction bent to it and I want to see where the story goes! I will write it. I will!
Harlee- Well.....there is this one idea. I started working on it and then put it to the side to write what I'm working on now. However, I do plan on going back to it sometime in the near future. It's got a science fiction bent to it and I want to see where the story goes! I will write it. I will!
Alana ~ The Book Pimp wrote: "Do you allow your closet door to be open at night?
Sorry... I always try to make sure a 'fun' question gets slipped in ;)"
Alana - Hee! You know - I've never cared whether the closet door is open or closed when I sleep. BUT - that being said, my husband closes it before he goes to bed. So, I would totally allow it, but he won't. What's that say about us?
Sorry... I always try to make sure a 'fun' question gets slipped in ;)"
Alana - Hee! You know - I've never cared whether the closet door is open or closed when I sleep. BUT - that being said, my husband closes it before he goes to bed. So, I would totally allow it, but he won't. What's that say about us?
Joelle - Do you have any less than obvious tips for a non-plotter to keep a busy story straight(as for now my method is keep a notepad nearby and scribble a loose encyclopedia as you go... it gets messy)? Do you do anything outside of the manuscript to keep all your facts in order?p.s. I can't stress enough how great it is to be able to ask someone as yourself these questions. I still see authors as the magical unicorns you compared them to, and to learn from a unicorn I mean... c'mon.
Tommy wrote: "Joelle - Do you have any less than obvious tips for a non-plotter to keep a busy story straight(as for now my method is keep a notepad nearby and scribble a loose encyclopedia as you go... it gets ..."
Tommy - you're already way ahead of me in earning your unicorn horn! For a first book in a series or a standalone, I don't ever have anything to help me as I write. No other documents or stray pieces of paper with wonderful ways to navigate the story. Just me and the page. When I am writing books 2 or 3 or more, I do start with a word document that contains all the storylines I have going on. Relationships, friendships that are growing and changing, big mysteries, little things to tie up. Those I write down in a document and put to the side. If I get *stuck* I then go back and look at that document to see if I have included all of those threads into the story. If not, it gives me a place to brainstorm about what comes next.
I think the most important thing for a non-plotter is to write to the hook. Think one step ahead and write there. Don't try to see two or five or ten steps down the path. If you don't plot - you don't plot. Trying to second guess what you are going to do a week from now is just going to drive you crazy. Write like you are playing connect the dots. Go from 1 - 2. Once you get to 2 you can start worrying about where 3 might be. For me, I start writing chapter 1 only when I know what the hook to the chapter will be. That keeps me focused on that moment...that chapter. Once I get to the end of chapter one , I start chapter 2 by reacting to whatever the hook in 1 was. Once that immediate reaction is over, I can now start to think about where the rest of chapter 2 is going. Eventually, all the dots connect and I can see the entire picture. But I have to trust that a picture really will appear for the process to work. If I doubt that I am going to figure it out and try to pre-draw the picture before I write - well, let's just say the picture is terrible and it takes longer.
Does any of that even remotely make sense to anyone other than me?
Oh - and when in doubt - when you are stuck as yourself one question - "What would make this worse?" Conflict is always the best way to move a story forward. Sometimes you get stuck because the stakes aren't high enough. When that happens - make it worse!
Tommy - you're already way ahead of me in earning your unicorn horn! For a first book in a series or a standalone, I don't ever have anything to help me as I write. No other documents or stray pieces of paper with wonderful ways to navigate the story. Just me and the page. When I am writing books 2 or 3 or more, I do start with a word document that contains all the storylines I have going on. Relationships, friendships that are growing and changing, big mysteries, little things to tie up. Those I write down in a document and put to the side. If I get *stuck* I then go back and look at that document to see if I have included all of those threads into the story. If not, it gives me a place to brainstorm about what comes next.
I think the most important thing for a non-plotter is to write to the hook. Think one step ahead and write there. Don't try to see two or five or ten steps down the path. If you don't plot - you don't plot. Trying to second guess what you are going to do a week from now is just going to drive you crazy. Write like you are playing connect the dots. Go from 1 - 2. Once you get to 2 you can start worrying about where 3 might be. For me, I start writing chapter 1 only when I know what the hook to the chapter will be. That keeps me focused on that moment...that chapter. Once I get to the end of chapter one , I start chapter 2 by reacting to whatever the hook in 1 was. Once that immediate reaction is over, I can now start to think about where the rest of chapter 2 is going. Eventually, all the dots connect and I can see the entire picture. But I have to trust that a picture really will appear for the process to work. If I doubt that I am going to figure it out and try to pre-draw the picture before I write - well, let's just say the picture is terrible and it takes longer.
Does any of that even remotely make sense to anyone other than me?
Oh - and when in doubt - when you are stuck as yourself one question - "What would make this worse?" Conflict is always the best way to move a story forward. Sometimes you get stuck because the stakes aren't high enough. When that happens - make it worse!
Joelle - It makes tons and tons of sense. And while I don't at all want to make this about me, I cannot express to the universe how grateful I am that you're the one doing this Q&A at this exact moment in time.Hoping we see many, many Joelle Charbonneau titles in the future!
Mod
Oh my gosh, Joelle, you are COMPLETELY speaking my language! I think you explained all that so well and it makes total sense to me. I'm also a non-plotter and I hate outlining it (takes all the fun out of it for me and makes it feel like work!) So it's great to hear similar thoughts from such an accomplished author :)
@David: Right? I just felt the words of folk yelling about the importance of plotting/outlining/this and that melt away under the bright light of Joelle saying "This is how I do it!"I'm kind of hybrid in my approach in that an outline of sorts develops alongside my writing. I definitely lean hard to the pantser side of the fence though.
And to think Joelle doesn't think she has earned her unicorn horn.
Mod
Joelle, this is been an amazing Q&A! Thanks so much for hanging out with us :)
David - I'm glad we are on the same team, although it sometimes feels as if I want to be on the other team. I've just learned I can't. And you are incredibly accomplished. I'm honored to get to say I virtually know you!
Joelle....Everyone is asking such great questions! ! I just want to thank you for such an awesome book!!! I loved them!! can't wait for the next book!!! Creating any other books we will get to read??
Tommy - :) Nope...the unicorn horn still feels a little strange. And plotting as you go is totally valid and mostly what pantsers do. At some point you can finally see where you're going...kind of like seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I love that moment because then I finally heave a sigh of relief that I'll make it to THE END! If you can get other glimpses of light throughout the process, take them!!! And I will be jealous when you do as I flounder along in the dark:)
I'm totally amused by the 'unicorn' banter... an author friend of mine has a nickname of 'rare, vermilion unicorn' and we (beta readers) are his 'unicornettes'...I know that's totally unrelated, but it made me smile.
How about another 'fun' question?
You can take a road trip with anyone (fictional or real, living or dead, yada-yada...) who do you take and where would you go?
Mod
Hi Joelle, I just finished reading The Testing and can't wait to get the next in the series.My question is how did you come up with the symbols on the bracelets.
Joelle - Firstly, thanks again for all the answers. You've been super cool and helpful. Now, I can't help but notice the lack of avatar accompanying your cool and helpful answers. Is Goodreads a temporary stop for you as a member? Because I'd love to hit that "add as friend" button, but don't want my fellow(and more developed even if she is too modest to admit it) unicorn ripped from me as soon as we bond.
Mod
Wow. Just wow! I'm incredibly honored to hear you say that. You made my year in about a million ways :)
Thanks Joelle for answering all our questions :)
Thank you so much, Joelle for answering all our questions! I was fangirling so hard when you complimented my name... It legitimately made my week I was so happy!
I feel like I am definitely going to find the perfect question an hour or two too late haha. But she's answered all my questions soooo well, I can't think of anything...Um, on a scale of 1-10, how high above 12 does Heath Ledger's Joker performance in The Dark Knight rank?
One of my favorites: do you come up with the title first and then the story, or vice versa?
Alana ~ The Book Pimp wrote: "I'm totally amused by the 'unicorn' banter... an author friend of mine has a nickname of 'rare, vermilion unicorn' and we (beta readers) are his 'unicornettes'...
I know that's totally unrelated, ..."
Alana - YAY for unicornettes:) That's awesome. Hmmm...road trip! Well, I'd love to take a road trip to the west coast (I'm thinking LA) with my father-in-law. He passed away a year and a half ago and I miss him a great deal. And I have to admit, when I think road trip, I think of adventure and fun and hanging out and he listened to music I would love to jam to in the car and was always up for an adventure. He looked at the world with eyes that wanted to explore. Something tells me we'd find a lot to explore on the journey.
I know that's totally unrelated, ..."
Alana - YAY for unicornettes:) That's awesome. Hmmm...road trip! Well, I'd love to take a road trip to the west coast (I'm thinking LA) with my father-in-law. He passed away a year and a half ago and I miss him a great deal. And I have to admit, when I think road trip, I think of adventure and fun and hanging out and he listened to music I would love to jam to in the car and was always up for an adventure. He looked at the world with eyes that wanted to explore. Something tells me we'd find a lot to explore on the journey.
Karen wrote: "Eep! Last day. Joelle, you have been such a pleasure to get to know! I can't wait to read Graduation Day. And get going with that Sci-Fi project, will ya? That's my favorite genre!! ;)"
Karen - I really can't wait to get back to the sci-fi project. Although, I really am dying to see how the book I'm working on now will turn out. There are just way too many stories out there too be told and not enough time!!! Thank you so much for reading and I really hope you like Graduation Day!!!!
Karen - I really can't wait to get back to the sci-fi project. Although, I really am dying to see how the book I'm working on now will turn out. There are just way too many stories out there too be told and not enough time!!! Thank you so much for reading and I really hope you like Graduation Day!!!!
Tasha wrote: "Hi Joelle, I just finished reading The Testing and can't wait to get the next in the series.
My question is how did you come up with the symbols on the bracelets."
Tasha - YAY! Thank you for reading. The symbols were a lot of fun to research. I used a lot of Greek, Norse, Roman and Maya mythology to find symbols and meanings that I really liked. For Cia - the lightning bolt seems pretty obvious as a symbol because she works with electricity and solar power. But under that it is a symbol of the loss of ignorance, which I thought was incredibly appropriate as she learns more and more about the world around her throughout the series. The eight pointed star is also one that you'll find in mythology. It tend to represent balance - which is why I used it for students who are the most well-rounded in all disciplines. I had to dig a lot for meanings that worked for me, which was lots of fun.
My question is how did you come up with the symbols on the bracelets."
Tasha - YAY! Thank you for reading. The symbols were a lot of fun to research. I used a lot of Greek, Norse, Roman and Maya mythology to find symbols and meanings that I really liked. For Cia - the lightning bolt seems pretty obvious as a symbol because she works with electricity and solar power. But under that it is a symbol of the loss of ignorance, which I thought was incredibly appropriate as she learns more and more about the world around her throughout the series. The eight pointed star is also one that you'll find in mythology. It tend to represent balance - which is why I used it for students who are the most well-rounded in all disciplines. I had to dig a lot for meanings that worked for me, which was lots of fun.
Tommy wrote: "Joelle - Firstly, thanks again for all the answers. You've been super cool and helpful.
Now, I can't help but notice the lack of avatar accompanying your cool and helpful answers. Is Goodreads a ..."
Hi Tommy - Yeah - I used to be on Goodreads and deleted my account earlier this year. I feel strange reviewing books in public and because of that I always used to forget to check Goodreads for weeks on end. When I did check, I'd find private messages that had been waiting forever for responses. Yep...I felt really guilty! Since I realized I can't do all things, I decided to delete the Goodreads account so people don't use it as their main contact for me. Otherwise, they might never get an answer to a question. BUT - that being said, you can find me on Facebook or e-mail (talktojoelle@aol.com), twitter or (gulp) Instagram. I just started Instagram due to lots of requests at school visits. I don't understand it, but I'm there.
I will say that this group makes me wish there was more time to play on Goodreads as a reader. You guys are awesome!
Now, I can't help but notice the lack of avatar accompanying your cool and helpful answers. Is Goodreads a ..."
Hi Tommy - Yeah - I used to be on Goodreads and deleted my account earlier this year. I feel strange reviewing books in public and because of that I always used to forget to check Goodreads for weeks on end. When I did check, I'd find private messages that had been waiting forever for responses. Yep...I felt really guilty! Since I realized I can't do all things, I decided to delete the Goodreads account so people don't use it as their main contact for me. Otherwise, they might never get an answer to a question. BUT - that being said, you can find me on Facebook or e-mail (talktojoelle@aol.com), twitter or (gulp) Instagram. I just started Instagram due to lots of requests at school visits. I don't understand it, but I'm there.
I will say that this group makes me wish there was more time to play on Goodreads as a reader. You guys are awesome!
David wrote: "Joelle wrote: "David - I'm glad we are on the same team, although it sometimes feels as if I want to be on the other team. I've just learned I can't. And you are incredibly accomplished. I'm hon..."
David - that seems only appropriate since you made mine!
David - that seems only appropriate since you made mine!
Xandra ~your tears don't fall, they crash around me~ wrote: "Thank you so much, Joelle for answering all our questions! I was fangirling so hard when you complimented my name... It legitimately made my week I was so happy!"
Your name is totally awesome! I mean - hello science fiction name. I could totally use it in a book...so if you spot it some day, you'll know where it came from!
Your name is totally awesome! I mean - hello science fiction name. I could totally use it in a book...so if you spot it some day, you'll know where it came from!
Tommy wrote: "I feel like I am definitely going to find the perfect question an hour or two too late haha. But she's answered all my questions soooo well, I can't think of anything...
Um, on a scale of 1-10, ho..."
Ha! Tommy - that's such a fun question:) He was awesome. I am so glad he was able to give that performance to us before he died. Although, I would rather have him still lighting up the screen that that performance. What a talent!
Um, on a scale of 1-10, ho..."
Ha! Tommy - that's such a fun question:) He was awesome. I am so glad he was able to give that performance to us before he died. Although, I would rather have him still lighting up the screen that that performance. What a talent!
I think I'd have a heart attack if someone used my name in their book. But a good heart attack nonetheless. It would be totally worth it.
Mary wrote: "One of my favorites: do you come up with the title first and then the story, or vice versa?"
Mary - that's a great question. You know - I have to come up with a title that I like before I start writing. It sets the tone for everything that I'm doing. Since I don't outline, I guess I need that one solid thing to build the story around. Thus far, all but one of my titles for a first draft stuck. The Testing was originally called Higher Education when I opened the file, but The Testing was talked about so often and was the main story question so by the second draft I knew the title needed to be altered. But I can't type a single word unless I have a title I like. I'm strange that way!
Mary - that's a great question. You know - I have to come up with a title that I like before I start writing. It sets the tone for everything that I'm doing. Since I don't outline, I guess I need that one solid thing to build the story around. Thus far, all but one of my titles for a first draft stuck. The Testing was originally called Higher Education when I opened the file, but The Testing was talked about so often and was the main story question so by the second draft I knew the title needed to be altered. But I can't type a single word unless I have a title I like. I'm strange that way!
Shauna wrote: "Joelle....
Everyone is asking such great questions! ! I just want to thank you for such an awesome book!!! I loved them!! can't wait for the next book!!! Creating any other books we will get to re..."
Shauna - They have all been such wonderful questions. I really hope you like Graduation Day! And yes!!! I will have more books coming. I am currently working on a standalone thriller called N.E.E.D. that I hope to finish soon. That will be out in 2015. And I am under contract with my publisher for at least one after that. So fingers crossed, I'll be doing this for a long time! Of course, the only way that happens is if readers continue to read. So thank you for reading and letting me do this job! You rock!!
Everyone is asking such great questions! ! I just want to thank you for such an awesome book!!! I loved them!! can't wait for the next book!!! Creating any other books we will get to re..."
Shauna - They have all been such wonderful questions. I really hope you like Graduation Day! And yes!!! I will have more books coming. I am currently working on a standalone thriller called N.E.E.D. that I hope to finish soon. That will be out in 2015. And I am under contract with my publisher for at least one after that. So fingers crossed, I'll be doing this for a long time! Of course, the only way that happens is if readers continue to read. So thank you for reading and letting me do this job! You rock!!
Do you have any tv show guilty pleasures?
I'm gonna make a bold prediction and say that if that Paramount Testing movie follows through and hits theaters you might be seeing contracts requesting that you write a few more books haha.
Harlee wrote: "Do you have any tv show guilty pleasures?"
Harlee - Oh - guilty pleasures....well, I admit that I love all cooking shows - especially competition ones. So Top Chef and Chopped are my favorite. And I am a total sucker for Shark Tank!
Harlee - Oh - guilty pleasures....well, I admit that I love all cooking shows - especially competition ones. So Top Chef and Chopped are my favorite. And I am a total sucker for Shark Tank!
Tommy wrote: "I'm gonna make a bold prediction and say that if that Paramount Testing movie follows through and hits theaters you might be seeing contracts requesting that you write a few more books haha."
Tommy - I am crossing my fingers that Paramount moves The Testing into production at some point because I'd love to see the process of how a book gets turned into a movie. The actress in me also would love an excuse to audition again:)
Tommy - I am crossing my fingers that Paramount moves The Testing into production at some point because I'd love to see the process of how a book gets turned into a movie. The actress in me also would love an excuse to audition again:)
David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite!
Books mentioned in this topic
The Testing (other topics)The Testing (other topics)
The Testing (other topics)
Independent Study (other topics)
Graduation Day (other topics)
Karen - I know - Paramount optioning the series is really amazing. A lot of authors "cast" the book in their head as they write, but I've never been able to do that because the characters looks like - themselves. I don't see them as movie stars. However, that being said, since Paramount optioned the series, I have had people ask enough that I've come up with some answers. I would love for Cia to be an unknown actress. I have a student who is studying Musical Theater at Syracuse right now that would love a shot and I think she would be perfect. I've always thought Dennis Quaid would make a fun choice for Dr. Barnes since he has a very trustworthy smile. Freddie Highmore and his boy-next-door vibe strikes me as a strong Tomas choice. Thomas Brodie-Sangster has kind of the Will thing going on and I really LOVE the idea of Chace Crawford as Michal. Cia would totally trust him. Who wouldn't???