A mark of the Island Fiction series and all of its six titles, is the cinematic quality of the writing.
Crafting the stories scene by scene with attention to the speed activating quality of verbs, short sentences and moving the story forward by using timelines that use flashbacks discerningly, the authors have teen readers asking, "When is the movie for this one coming out?"
Although relatively new and never seen before in our markets, Island Fiction hits the mark in capturing that familiar contemporary feel of book and movie tie-in.
Today's reluctant reader is still a consumer of stories through TV, Film and animation. As writers we can allow this understanding to motivate what we write and how. To write in a cinematic way was the conscious directive of our rewriting process.
In his book trailer, Jamaican author Michael Holgate illustrates the intensity and mystery of his award winning book Night of the Inidgo; (Moonbeam silver medal for teen spirituality). Anyone who has read NOTI will easily recognize the characters depicted in the trailer and identify the scenes. Potentially more of a short film than an ad for a book, young viewers who see it, are left fantasizing about a time and place when this and other Island Fiction stories will make it to the screen - big or small.
Cinema is arguably the most captivating form of storytelling and in Trinidad, the TTFILM CO. has been leading the way by providing grants for writing and producing local work.
With T&T's annual film festival in its sixth year in 2012, there is now a distribution avenue and a growing audience to play to. Finally, we are seeing images familiar to us. Here and now at Home, we are being entertained by our unique reflections of fun, drama, glamor, luxury, mystery and comedy; once the exclusive domain of "Away", and anywhere but here. And by "here" I am including the West Indian diaspora.
Island Fiction author Francis Escayg has already completed two film projects and if it weren't for the special FX required to bring Silk Cotton Forest to the screen I am sure we would see it at Movie Towne sooner rather than later.
Free screenwriting templates and 'how-to's are a click away.
Taking time to envision your story as a movie may be a more exciting and creative option than a sequel or a new work - Think about it!
Above All,
Happy Writing,
JJ
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