Michael's Musings

November 17, 2010

Yesterday, I got back to writing on my screenplay.  I should finish my first pass of Act I within a day or two.

That's right, folks.  Screenplays have 3 acts, too...just like stage plays.

The second act is always the bear to write.  You know (or should know) what your climax is going to be, but the problem is coming up with a proper plot development to get you there.

But, if I've been doing my job right, at some point the characters will take over and start writing their own story.

If you're a writer, you know what I'm talking about.

If you don't, then have a creative day anyway and I'll be back with you tomorrow.

Michael

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November 16, 2010

Yesterday, I heard an audio recording of the original production of my 1-person play, JOLSON, which was staged by the Showboat Theater in Encino, CA, back in the mid-1980s.

It wasn't the best quality recording, since it was recorded on a device held by somebody sitting in the audience during a performance, but it sure brought back some nice memories.

Thom Keane (Koutsoukos) played the role back then, and he was quite good.  "My" Al Jolson has since been played by Walter Hudson and Mo Hanan.  Each one has brought something different to the role.

Thom's wife, Deborah, who made the recording from the audience and who sent me the CDs, also sent along some photos from that production, which was directed by my lady (at that time), Charla Doherty.

If you've read my memoir, MY FORTY-FIVE YEARS IN HOLLYWOOD AND HOW I ESCAPED ALIVE, you know how proud I am of this play which, aside from the Los Angeles area, has been staged in many cities throughout the United States.

You have a creative day.

Michael

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November 15, 2010

The Austin Comic Con is over.  I had a great time and I sold twice as many books there than I've ever before sold in a single day.

I am exhausted.

I had great fun catching up and chatting with some of my Los Angeles acquaintances, such as Lee Majors, Billy Dee Williams, Anne Lockhart, Adam West, Joan Severance, Richard Anderson and many others.

The best thing that happened during the 3 days (even better than selling all the books):

A gentleman, probably in his fifties, came to my table Saturday.  He had been going around to the various actors and buying their autographs.  He had a bag full of them.

Including my memoir, I had five (5) different books for sale at the event and he not only bought a copy of each one, but he bought two extra copies of my THE ART OF STORYTELLING, one for each of his kids.

But, that's not the best part.

As he walked away from my table, he said: "Finally, I've bought something here worthwhile."

Made my day!

 

You have a creative one, and I'll be back with you tomorrow.

Michael

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