I was very happy to be invited by writer, screenwriter, and graphic artist, Anthony Schiavino, to participate in his Fall Guest Blogger series. I was even happier when I read the questions he gave me...the kind of questions most of us think about, but rarely have the opportunity to answer.
You can read the whole interview below:
This week we have writer Karla S. Bryant, who brings a little bit of “old soul” to the mix. Her short story, ‘Not My Secret to Tell’, retitled ‘Catch and Release’, is currently in pre-production as a short film by Mondall Films.
What would you say you do?
I say I write. Because it’s what I do. There are a number of goals I want to achieve as a writer, and I’m doing the work now to get there. Earlier, I wondered if I should wait until I was making more money from my writing before calling myself a “writer”. Then I wondered what that criterion would be. At $50,000, would I be a writer? $75,000? Would I have to wait until I made six figures? I realized that made no sense. Money has never been the deciding factor in determining if someone is a writer, or a filmmaker, or an artist of any kind.
Before you sit down to write, what gets you going?
Story. I have to have a strong story in my head. Without that, who cares about the characters or setting? It’s like a film that looks fantastic, but makes you feel nothing. Most of the time, I’m drawn to what’s playing out beneath the surface. So often, what people are thinking and feeling are very different from their words. When people do something that seems totally unexpected, they’re usually acting from that deeper level. Conflict between a character’s thoughts and their dialogue builds suspense and subtext. Keep pushing both and it makes a satisfying read.
Recently, I’d felt I was getting bogged down with formatting issues on a screenplay. I could feel the focus of my writing shift. Coming back to the mantra of story-above-all-else, I wrote a short story and submitted it on Trigger Street Labs. It became a Featured Short Story eight times before being chosen as the Short Story Spotlight selection for July 2012. That was all the affirmation I needed that story comes first. Always.
Recently, I’d felt I was getting bogged down with formatting issues on a screenplay. I could feel the focus of my writing shift. Coming back to the mantra of story-above-all-else, I wrote a short story and submitted it on Trigger Street Labs. It became a Featured Short Story eight times before being chosen as the Short Story Spotlight selection for July 2012. That was all the affirmation I needed that story comes first. Always.
Drop some names.
I’m not sure if I’m blessed or cursed that research for both my writing and genealogy projects often involve the same books. Both tracks have led me to an old series of the tawdriest kind of “non-fiction” pulp: the “Confidential” series by Jack Lait and Lee Moritmer, published in the ‘40s and early ‘50s. So far, I’ve made it through Chicago Confidential, Washington, D.C. Confidential, USA Confidential, and I’m trying to get my hands on a copy of New York Confidential. Love that the blurb reads, “Rough, tough, and well informed.” about advice that reads, “Never give a babe a break, or her parents your real name.” and “Chorus dames are okay for dates, but make sure that when she tells you she’s got to get home to ma, that it’s not an oboe player instead.” Most of my reading lately has been related to research…or reading drafts of work that friends have written.
Television shows that I never miss are Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Modern Family, Game of Thrones, and Boardwalk Empire. I’m consistently amazed at how good they are and how much better other shows could be. Vince Gilligan and Terrence Winter have brilliantly elevated the bar for TV.
What's in your glass?
It depends on the time, place, and company. If I’m laser-focused on a writing project—especially if the word “deadline” is involved at all—I’m downing a Metromint Chocolatemint Water. I like to tell myself it’s an energy drink. Which it isn’t. But, it somehow keeps me going. If it’s a night out with my husband or friends, it’s either a cosmo or sangria. I do occasionally enjoy a glass of red wine while watching “Mad Men” or “Boardwalk Empire.” It just seems fitting to raise a glass with Don Draper or Nucky Thompson.
What's the first thing you buy after lighting your cigar with a crisp hundred dollar bill?
Well, my fantasy has always been to have a small writing space of my own…a separate building, not just a room. There are about three variations in rotation in my mind…a cottage near a beach, a condo in a city, or a cozy cabin in the woods. I have no idea if I’d be a more productive writer in a space like that or not. But, I certainly want to experience it and find out.
Once I settle in my cottage/condo/cabin, I’ll light a second cigar with another crisp hundred dollar bill.
I know a guy, but how can other people find you/your work?
You can find me at www.karlabry.blogspot.com.
(You can read more about Anthony Schiavino and his current projects at: http://sgtzero.wordpress.com/ )