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Blog Books to Film Friday, November 14, 2008 I received an email the other day asking if Ellie Hatcher or Samantha Kincaid would be coming to screens any time soon. Despite having an actual credible Hollywood agent and the usual conversations, I won't hold my breath until film is in the can. The email did have me wondering why this is probably the most common question of authors. The person who asked me is a much appreciated reader of many many books, and in that context the questions is precisely that - a question about the status of my work. But in other contexts the question carries other connotations. When Michael Connelly and I toured Quantico together ("Bobby DeNiro told me not to name drop," whatever), we encountered a small group of people taking a tour. We were introduced and it was clear no one had heard of either of us. But when mention was made of a movie based on one of Michael's books, suddenly he was a superstar. Of course, he actually is a superstar, but that's not my point. My point is that his superstar status has nothing, or at least shouldn't have anything, to do with his books. Why do people (particular non-readers) use the book-to-film project as a proxy for success? Is it because they actually believe that any real book gets made into a movie? Is it because they want to know if you're rich, and they believe (somewhat correctly) that authors only get mad cash through film deals? Or is it a secret way to change the conversation from something they don't care about (books) to something we all love to dish about (celebs)? I know I shouldn't think about this too hard, because people are just trying to make friendly conversation. But, seriously, why do friendly conversations always lead to this place? posted by Alafair Burke at 1:45 PM 3 Comments:  Jen Forbus said... Well, I wouldn't mind seeing Ellie or Samantha make it to the big screen - or the small screen for that matter, but usually I'm disappointed in the movies (even One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - gasp). And, I know I'm in the minority, but I'd never drive 2 1/2 hours to see a movie celeb ;) I'd rather talk books than movies ANY day! November 14, 2008 at 4:27 PM    No said... I have to agree with Jen on this one...even though I mentioned earlier that I am a Law and Order groupie (and occasionally refer to myself-and so do my friends, I hate to admit- as the Molly Shannon character in the movie Superstar), I truthfully would rather discuss books than movies any day of the week...(well, maybe not Friday nights)...but you know what I'm sayin'.... November 15, 2008 at 4:30 AM    padubo said... I have a t-shirt that reads "Never Judge a Book by Its Movie." I encourage my grandchildren to READ THE BOOK before seeing the movie. It's most satisfying when they tell me they enjoyed the novel more. November 24, 2008 at 9:11 PM   Post a Comment << Home Previous Posts Video of the Day Prof. Burke in DC New online review for Angel's Tip History! Happy Halloween! Video of the Day Book Titles Thanks, Dru! My awesome grandmother I'm so grossed out right now