I might get in trouble for saying this, but…yesterday, my publisher contacted me with news that one of the cable networks was interested in considering Red Polka Dot for a Made-For-TV movie.
If I had heard this two years ago, I would have already been at Circuit City, buying the newest flat screen TV. But now that I’ve been in the writing business for a few years, I’m much more optimistic about such things.
My agent and I went through a similar deal like this right after we made the sale, when a movie producer approached us about obtaining the rights to the novel. I just KNEW that Red Polka Dot was going to be a major motion picture, and that some unknown actress was going to woo audiences and critics as Maxine Phillips, and not only would she win an Oscar for Best Actress, but I would likewise win for Best Adapted Screenplay (because, of course, I was going to write the screenplay). I’m ashamed to say this, but I even had the music for the soundtrack picked out.
Well, as I’m sure you’ve figured out, none of those things happened. So when my publisher sent me the news, I was happy, but not HAPPY. I’ll cross my fingers, but I won’t be surprised if it doesn’t happen. If anything, I can take pride in the fact that a network at least considered the novel. And if they actually do option it, I’ll be buying that flat screen TV.
On a different note, here is another picture of my baby niece, Elisabeth Marie Johnson. I’ve spent the past few days trying to think of good nicknames for her (almost everyone in my family has a nickname). Her mother has already ruled out my favorite, Liz. I don’t know…Beth, Lisa, Eli, Betsie, Elsie, Libby –
Hmmm…Libby? It’s not Liz, but it just may do.