15 Comments

If Hollywood doesn't kill you, nothing will : )

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hahaha

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Hey I'm not kidding. LA almost killed me, but then I was 25 and single. Not that I wouldn't want another crack at it...

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You two packed a lot into five questions! Great job using your negotiating power, Tess. Wonderful to share your *Damsel* backstory with the Quiet Reading community, Evelyn! 🫶

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Thank you so much, Tara! Just like on your Substack, I love introducing readers to new writers. xoxo!

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Mar 19Liked by Evelyn Skye

I love Tess's books. LOVE them. Thanks for this interview, Evelyn. Can't wait for the movie, and the sequel (book) and maybe ? sequel movie???

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oooh I'm so glad you are already familiar with Tess's books. And it makes it even better that she's a great human, huh?

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Mar 20Liked by Evelyn Skye

Yes, that always makes things better. ❤️

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Thank you for this interview, Evelyn! I recently discovered your Substack and it's so friendly and informative. Thank you. :) I often wonder, if any of my novels ever get optioned, would I want to write or participate in writing the screenplay, so it's great to get some insight into the process. :)

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I’m so happy you’re here, Petra! And I wonder the same thing. I have tried writing one and I have no idea if it’s any good. Like Tess said, it’s definitely a different skill. So fun to try!

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What a great interview, Evelyn! And congratulations Tess for your upcoming Netflix movie.

When I had my first novel idea and failed at writing it, I enrolled in a Screenwriting MA to learn how to write a story. Writing a screenplay is completely different than prose but I love what it teaches about plot, setting, character, pacing, and the visual aspect of storytelling.

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yes! Sometimes I use Save the Cat to help me outline my novels. Screenwriting pacing can helps novelists with the dreaded "Saggy Middle" of a book. That's so cool that you took a screenwriting class!

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I did a whole masters! 😅

For some reason, we didn’t use Save the Cat, it was a British University. But I had it at home and it helped me a lot.

I think lots of writers like to use it! It’s so helpful. The saggy middle is a drag also in screenwriting… 🫠

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OMG my eyes just went right over the MA part of your comment! Wow!!

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Evelyn, yesterday, I found my way here through Jane Ratcliffe's post 'How to Find Joy in Writing through Hard Times'. Thank you for sharing your husband's story and yours, of love and hope in the most painful of times. It's a blessing to see your husband doing well! And that your writing during difficult times has brought you success both in books and in movies. I was excited to hear about your book Damsel and the movie. Last night my husband and I watched it, both on the edge of our seats. I think I clutched a pillow throughout the movie! I'll be purchasing your book Damsel to read next as I know from your post there are some variances. I'm also looking forward to reading other books you've written. I'm happy Substack has opened the way to discovering writers and books they've written. Otherwise I may not have found your work.

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