Jencey's Corner

Every author dreams that, one day, their book will be made into a movie, or a television series. Of course, it happens to few of us but it’s nice to dream and many writers cast their novels during the writing process; it can help with characterisation and visualising your leads. I’m not one of those authors but I have relished this opportunity to act out a fantasy, so many thanks to Jencey for this! Public Battles, Private Wars is quintessentially British, and like, say, Brassed Off, The Full Monty and Billy Elliot , chances are it would be made (if at all) with a British cast. However, as we’re in fantasy-land I’d also like to imagine it relocated to a small American mining town, somewhere outside Pittburg, let’s say. So here’s my dream-team cast lists: the cream of Hollywood and British acting royalty. Mandy Walker – my lead – a feisty young redhead who finds love and personal fulfilment during a terrible year of hardship and strife would be played by Karen Gillan and...

Welcome to Upchurch Connecticut where the moms are snobs and your husband is barely there. One day you receive a phone call from one of the other moms (Kitty Cavanaugh).   What could she possibly want?   Synopsis: Kate Klein is a young mother of three who brought her children to this lovely house and makes a discovery.   Kate does the responsible thing and let the police know, but she can’t let it go of what she has discovered.   She starts to pursue leads as to who did it?   While her best friend Janie is game to help solve the case her husband is not.     What about a blast from the past?   What changes does this bring for Kate and her family? My Thoughts: I was very entertained by this classic Jennifer Weiner novel.   I listened to the audio version where Emily Skinner narrated.   I very much enjoyed her narration.    This novel was one of the more humorous mysteries I have ever read. Who doesn’t ide...

Thank you to Patti Callahan Henry for coming to Writer's Corner today to share her casting picks for THE STORIES WE TELL.  The main character in THE STORIES WE TELL, Eve, is in her forties and running a letterpress company. Eve is a creative spirit trying desperately to keep the image of her life together. If I close my eyes I can see Diane Lane playing this character exactly right. Oh, to hear her say. "Can't anyone be happy in your stories?" (a line from the book).   Eve's husband Cooper is cool enough to pull off the best of lies and look good doing it. Sean Penn would saunter through this role with ease. By the opening of the movie, he'd have a scar across his face and look good sporting it while keeping his life together. And Max, Oh my favorite character and Eve's co-worker. Mark Ruffalo definitely. I saw him while I was writing this part--his rugged good looks and raspy voice with a quick wit.   Eve also has an eighteen year o...

L. Alison Heller shares her second novel The Never Sisters with us.   Thank you for a copy.   We are also sharing a few copies for our readers.   Stay tuned for further details. Synopsis: Paige has always done what is asked of her by her parents.   She has the perfect career as a Marriage Counselor.   All is right with the world until her older sister Sloane comes back into her life.   Her family has to cope with how this will impact them.   This is not Paige’s only problem.   Her husband Dave shows up at the apartment during the middle of the day.   He says that he is suspended until further notice from work.   Paige has many questions but with few answers.   Will her sister be able to help her?   Will Dave tell her the truth? My Thoughts:   So what did I think of L. Alison’s second novel?   I liked it.    The novel asks the question what happens when a long lost sister comes back to...

Thank you to L. Alison for stopping by Writer’s Corner to share casting The NeverNever Sisters .   So let’s see what Alison has to share! Paige: During the months that I was heavily revising the book, I happened to step into the same subway as Mamie Gummer, who was just there, hanging out in the middle of a crowded car, talking to a friend. I try to act like a cool New Yorker when I see celebrities but this time, I broke into a huge goofy grin because the only thought in my head was, “There’s Paige! Hello Paige!” (The voice in my head sounded a lot like Andre the Giant in The Princess Bride .) She’s all lovely and golden and possesses the exact unique prettiness, as well as a sweetness, that I pictured the character having. Sloane: This one is tough. Aubrey Plaza could probably do a decent job, although she’s a little young, I think. Or maybe one of the other Gummer sisters in a dark wig? They’re probably young too. Oh! I know! Angelina Jolie: I hear she’s not hard...