Fresh Fiction Blog | Suzanne Brockmann | Storytelling delivery vehicles: Books vs. movies

On June 6^th, my 51^st published work, WHEN TONY MET ADAM, an e-short-story about characters from my Troubleshooters series, was released. It features Navy SEAL Tony Vlachic and movie actor Adam Wyndham, who also happens to be my most popular character Jules Cassidy's ex-boyfriend. I wrote this story in part to celebrate the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and in part to show readers what happened during the months between the end of ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT (TS #12), where Tony and Adam have a chance meeting, and HOT PURSUIT (TS #15), where it's made clear that the two men have been romantically involved for quite some time.

But June 6^th was also a special day for me for another reason entirely. It was Day One of shooting for THE PERFECT WEDDING, a SAG ultra-low budget feature-length movie that I co-wrote and that I'm producing this summer.

A quick description of the movie: The Perfect Wedding is the story of two gay men, Paul (Eric Aragon) and Gavin (Jason T. Gaffney), who fall in love when they spend a holiday weekend at Paul's parents' house, where they gather to help plan Paul's sister Alana's (Apolonia Davalos) wedding. The question of their sexuality is not a part of the story -- everyone knows they are gay, and no one cares. The humor comes from the situations the characters find themselves in, and their responses to the obstacles they must overcome -- there are no stereotypes, no one is in the closet, no one is a drag queen. (Not that there's anything wrong with that! <g>)

The movie is an ensemble piece, led by veteran actors James Rebhorn (over one hundred roles in movies and television shows, including Independence Day, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Cold Mountain, Scent of a Woman, Seinfeld and 30 Rock), and Kristine Sutherland (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Honey I Shrunk the Kids). In addition to the Paul/Gavin romantic comedy storyline, there are other interwoven subplots: Paul's mother Meryl (Kristine Sutherland) is planning a big wedding for Alana, in part because Meryl's husband Richard (James Rebhorn) has just been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. Richard is essentially symptom-free, but Meryl is terrified of what the future holds. Even though she knows it's foolish, Meryl can't help trying to create something so big and beautiful that no one -- not even Richard -- will ever forget it. But Alana wants a small wedding, and hijinks ensue. With Paul's help, Alana's fiance, Kirk (Brendan Griffin), re-proposes that they get married that very day, in a small ceremony at sunset near the water, with only close friends and family attending, just as Alana had always imagined. The proposal, the intimate wedding, and Paul and Gavin's ultimate connection are touching scenes in a very warm and funny story about a very real, modern American family.

So that's what you'll see onscreen, about six months after the 20-day shoot has ended. In the meantime, as a low-budget producer, I'm moving furniture, cleaning gaffer's tape from the floor, picking up cast and crew from the airport, searching for local restaurants that can feed thirty-plus very hungry people for seven-dollars-a-head (tops!), or watching our extremely handsome leading man shoot a scene for hours and hours and HOURS while wearing only a towel. (Life is tough, but someone's got to do it. <g>)

But the question I get asked the most these days is, "What's the difference between writing a novel and writing a screenplay?" And the difference isn't in the writing process, although collaborating with two other creative minds can be interesting. (I co-wrote this script with my husband and my son!) Still, there's plenty of alone-time and isolation during the actual writing. The difference comes in the production of the storytelling delivery-vehicle.

When an author finishes the final draft of a novel, it goes to the publisher who sets it in type, and creates cover art, and deals with the printing process. Yes, there are editors and copy editors who read it and catch typos and try to get your street thugs to use correct grammar (Me: STET! <g>) But the final product is a book that you hold in your hands or download onto your e-reader. And while there is definitely a team of people involved in the publishing production process, the creative work is done mostly by the author.

But a single person cannot make a movie -- at least not a movie with a script like THE PERFECT WEDDING. To start with, you need a cast of nine people to bring the characters to life. So already, right there, you've got a small crowd. Then add your crew. The director takes the written script and adds his own unique vision. The director of photography brings her creative mind into the process to help set up the camera angles and shots. The gaffer lights the scene, which helps create mood and lets us see the action. The art director and the set dresser create a beautiful yet realistic world where our characters live. Our wardrobist decides what the characters should wear in each scene, and the makeup/wardrobe tech makes the actors look their best.

And then there's the Production Manager, the First Assistant Director, the Key Grip, and all of the other production assistants and interns who swarm over the set every day, helping to get the scenes shot. (About 25 crew in total!) It takes all those talented people to tell the story when the delivery-vehicle is a movie.

So what's the biggest difference between a novel and a movie? From a producer's standpoint, it costs a whole lot less to feed a novelist! But the creative collaboration – seeing so many people bring their talent and passion to a team whose sole focus is to tell this one tale?

It's an undeniable thrill.

I'll be posting more pictures and news from the set of THE PERFECT WEDDING all this month on my Troubleshooters World Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SuzBrockmannTSWorld Drop by and say hi!

You can find Suzanne Brockmann:

www.SuzanneBrockmann.com

Suz Brockmann's Troubleshooters World on Facebook

Suz Brockmann's Friends of Jules on Facebook

Suzanne Brockmann on Facebook

Recent video chat with Brenda Novak

Comments

I Love your troublshooters series! I love that you support gay rights. I have alot of gay and lesbian friends. So this means alot to them and to me. Thanks!
(Amber Hall 12:46pm June 12, 2011)

Blessings to you for your strong convictions.
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:43am June 12, 2011)

Congrats! :) Love Jules... Great character. :) Can't wait to see your new movie!
(May Pau 7:15am June 12, 2011)

I'm reading Tall, Dark and Deadly right now. Have Night Watch in the wings. Love your books.
(Lorraine Hill 9:32am June 12, 2011)

I have been gathering your book for a while now to get them together to read, but I am a friend on both of your FB's. I
thank you for taking the time to step out there and address
these issues in the wonderful way you do. My daughter is
Pansexual and my son is undecided and we have raised them to
not be ashamed of who they are. Thanks for helping people
see that it doesn't have to be hidden or put out there as
the butt of the joke it can just be...

blonde_mama_t(at)me(dot)com
(Debbie Talbot 10:12am June 12, 2011)

Hi Suz - I've been following on FB, the photos of the movie - it looks like it's really going well (if only the weather would cooperate) Everyone looks like they're working hard, but loving it ! I can't remember if you have mentioned whether or not any of you book series have been optioned for movies - Have they? Would you consider it? As you know you are one of my all-time favorite authors, and I hope that the movie goes well. When might we be able to see it? I know we will see more of Jason, because he is one talented young man - Best to all !! Anne
(Anne Buono 10:14am June 12, 2011)

Sounds like a good book, I'll have to read it.
(Wilma Frana 10:39am June 12, 2011)

Super Congrats on the movie and When Tony Met Adam. Love the Troubleshooters series but gotta say Infamous was a homerun for me.
(Rita Henuber 11:03am June 12, 2011)

I have not read any of this series but it does sound great. Loved the info about the book and congrats on the movie.
(June A, Manning 11:08am June 12, 2011)

Suzanne, I admit that I am a fairly new reader. My sister introduced me to your books about 6 months ago, and I have read almost everyone, including the newest When Tony Met Adam. I have to give you much kudos for writing something that had the possibility of being so controversial. I truly admire people who stand up for what they believe. I love your books and your work to show that everyone is equal no matter who we choose to love. As a new mom you are a true role model and inspiration to me. I can't wait for the movie-and also hope to see possibly some of the troubleshooters brought to life as well??? Continue the great work.
(Jeane Abbas 12:16pm June 12, 2011)

Hey, everyone -- I'm running around like crazy today in movie producer mode! I'm hoping to be able to sit down and chat a bit (answer questions and say hi in more than shorthand!) in about an hour. (And if not then, I'll be here tonight!)

Hugs,
Suz
(Suz Brockmann 1:26pm June 12, 2011)

P.S. I just had lunch with Kristine Sutherland. I'm having a fangrrl moment!
(Suz Brockmann 1:29pm June 12, 2011)

Camera, lights, action! vs Publishers, copy editors, book tours! Either way you view it, Suz Brockmann leads a charmed life!
(Janice Milliken 1:48pm June 12, 2011)

Wow! Congratulations on the film! How exciting for you. I love m/m romance so I will have keep my eyes open for it. Good luck!
(Stacie Deramo 2:02pm June 12, 2011)

Is it more fun to work with all those people to create the film than by yourself to write a book?
(S Tieh 2:04pm June 12, 2011)

Congratulations on making your movie! I love all your Navy Seals, Troubleshooters and Tall Dark and Dangerous. I can't wait to read Adam and Tony's story.
(Andrea Dickinson 3:45pm June 12, 2011)

wow great twitier i would love to read it i m on twitter fb
(Desiree Reilly 4:05pm June 12, 2011)

How exciting! A new creative experience that gives you a new outlet to tell your story. I am anxious to see the finished results. Good luck!
(Rosemary Krejsa 5:18pm June 12, 2011)

This sounds like an exciting process and filled with some fun and learning along the way.
(Leni Kaye 5:40pm June 12, 2011)

There are definitely more people involved in making a movie. Congrats!!!
(Lisa Garrett 5:47pm June 12, 2011)

the movie sounds great and so does the book i can't wait!
(Tammy Ramey 6:58pm June 12, 2011)

Congratulations! I can only begin to imagine how hard you've worked so I hope you have lots of excitement and fun with this new adventure! You deserve it!
(Karen Dyer 7:05pm June 12, 2011)

This past year I have gotten into reading your books and loving them! Congrats on the movie, what exciting news!
(Colleen Conklin 8:19pm June 12, 2011)

Congratulations!! To have that recognition in books & film. Impressive.
(Mary Preston 8:49pm June 12, 2011)

Read all your books and so look forward to this story. I celebrate the repel of DADT along with you.
(Maude Allen 8:59pm June 12, 2011)

Read When Tony Met Adam and it was awesome. Love the way you write those stories and they are filled with fun twists. Can't wait for your movie to hit.
(Christina Harrison 9:20pm June 12, 2011)

I love your books. I am so excited about When Tony Met Adam. I so want Adam to have his HEA! Thank you so much for the giveaway!!!
(Jennifer Beyer 9:53pm June 12, 2011)

Whew! Another ca-razy long day on set! (And I participated in only a fraction of it all!)

The crew (and three cast members) spent the morning in the broiling hot sun at Big Earth, a Sarasota gardening supply company, where Paul, the movie's main character and his best friend and AA sponsor, Zach, both work. I didn't participate in that magic, but Jason (who plays Gavin) went over and did a scene in the early afternoon.

Then the entire crew (and cast members Jason and Roger Stewart, who plays Roy) came to our second location, a senior center, where Jason's character, Roy, was teaching a sign language class to a group of seniors. I was there for the full setup of that, helping to move furniture and entertaining the crowd of extras who show up. (Everyone who came got a signed book! )

All in all, a productive day -- every day, we're a little bit closer to our finished movie!

(The process is HUGELY different from writing a book!)
(Suz Brockmann 10:28pm June 12, 2011)

(Whoops, confusion sets in. Jason's character is named Gavin. Gavin. Sheesh.)
(Suz Brockmann 10:29pm June 12, 2011)

Hey, Suzanne. I've been following you for years. I love the Troubleshooters series and all of your "side" projects including your off-Broadway play. It's nice to see you take such an active role in supporting what you believe in. I look forward to reading this book, as well as all the ones to come in the future!
(Molly Wilsbacher 12:39pm today)

Hey, Molly,

Thanks so much for your kind words!

And yes, the off-broadway play was a real adventure, too. But this project is even more massive. We have a HUGE crew and a big cast -- 9 major roles.

Tomorrow's a big day -- we're filming a church wedding (the end of the movie -- have I given too much away? ), and it's the first day our entire cast is together! (We're hoping to do a table read in the early afternoon!)
(Suz Brockmann 10:32pm June 12, 2011)

This story is just as good as all of your others, just wish
it was a full length story. I can't wait for the next in
Troubleshooter World.
(Laurie Peterson 10:32pm June 12, 2011)

I Love your troublshooters series! I love that you support gay rights. I have alot of gay and lesbian friends. So this means alot to them and to me. Thanks!
(Amber Hall 12:46pm today)

Hey, Amber!

I hear you -- having a gay son (or a gay friend) makes the issue VERY personal!
(Suz Brockmann 10:34pm June 12, 2011)

Blessings to you for your strong convictions.
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:43am today)

Thanks, Marjorie! Love makes a very sturdy foundation, doesn't it?
(Suz Brockmann 10:40pm June 12, 2011)

Congrats! :) Love Jules... Great character. :) Can't wait to see your new movie!
(May Pau 7:15am today)

Thanks, May! It's always a pleasure to meet a fellow "Friend of Jules." I can't wait to see the movie, too. (Our cast and crew are so talented and devoted to doing their absolute best -- it's awe inspiring!)
(Suz Brockmann 10:42pm June 12, 2011)

I love reading about our Navy Seals as they are the special hero of America especially with their recent success in removing Osama. God bless them all.
Connie Fischer
[email protected]
(Connie Fischer 8:21am today)

Hey Connie!

Yeah, that was impressive. It was cool, too, after all those years of researching SEALs, to know what must've gone down, and how they must've practiced and prepared.
(Suz Brockmann 10:44pm June 12, 2011)

I'm reading Tall, Dark and Deadly right now. Have Night Watch in the wings. Love your books.
(Lorraine Hill 9:32am today)

Glad to hear it, Lorraine! Did you know that I started writing Night Watch on September 10, 2001? I wrote the first ten pages or so, but really felt as if I'd gotten off to a wrong start. Instead of rewriting it that evening, I took the night off, certain that I'd be better off starting fresh in the morning.

Of course, the next day was a very bad one. 9/11. It took me months after that to start writing again, and other deadline took priority. It was at least a year before I sat down to write the book that would be called NIGHT WATCH.

Oh, and more light-hearted trivia about that book: The original title was WILD, WILD WES.
(Suz Brockmann 10:47pm June 12, 2011)

Sounds like a good book, I'll have to read it.
(Wilma Frana 10:39am today)

Sounds great! Thanks for sharing!
(Dawn Staniszeski 10:46am today)

Congrats on the book and movie.
(Pam Howell 10:48am today)

Super Congrats on the movie and When Tony Met Adam. Love the Troubleshooters series but gotta say Infamous was a homerun for me.
(Rita Henuber 11:03am today)

Thanks, Wilma, Dawn and Pam! (Nice to meet you!)

Rita, thank you! That's lovely to hear.
(Suz Brockmann 11:00pm June 12, 2011)

I have not read any of this series but it does sound great. Loved the info about the book and congrats on the movie.
(June Ann Manning 11:08am today)

Thanks, June Ann! (Welcome to my world!)
(Suz Brockmann 11:01pm June 12, 2011)

You must be bursting with talent to be able to write books and direct movies! Keep writing about gay issues, the more people read about it, the more accepting they become.
(Sue Farrell 1:28pm today)

Thanks, Sue! But I'm not directing this movie. Our director is a young man named Scott Gabriel. He's VERY talented -- every day I'm awed by his skill.
(Suz Brockmann 11:06pm June 12, 2011)

Camera, lights, action! vs Publishers, copy editors, book tours! Either way you view it, Suz Brockmann leads a charmed life!
(Janice Milliken 1:48pm today)

LOL, Janice! Charmed perhaps, but not a lot of sleep lately!!
(Suz Brockmann 11:06pm June 12, 2011)

Wow! Congratulations on the film! How exciting for you. I love m/m romance so I will have keep my eyes open for it. Good luck!
(Stacie Deramo-McGillen 2:02pm today)

THANKS, STACIE!!!!

Is it more fun to work with all those people to create the film than by yourself to write a book?
(S Tieh 2:04pm today)

Actually, both are fun, but in very different ways. I have to confess, though, that it's exhausting to work with other people! LOL! There is much chaos on a movie set, and I don't do well with chaos!!! Sometimes I need to remove myself from the set and just spend some time alone in my office!
(Suz Brockmann 11:09pm June 12, 2011)

Congratulations on making your movie! I love all your Navy Seals, Troubleshooters and Tall Dark and Dangerous. I can't wait to read Adam and Tony's story.
(Andrea Dickinson 3:45pm today)

wow great twitier i would love to read it i m on twitter fb
(Desiree Reilly 4:05pm today)

How exciting! A new creative experience that gives you a new outlet to tell your story. I am anxious to see the finished results. Good luck!
(Rosemary Krejsa 5:18pm today)

Thanks, Andrea, Desiree and Rosemary!
(Suz Brockmann 11:24pm June 12, 2011)

This sounds like an exciting process and filled with some fun and learning along the way.
(Leni Kaye 5:40pm today)

There are definitely more people involved in making a movie. Congrats!!!
(Lisa Garrett 5:47pm today)

the movie sounds great and so does the book i can't wait!
(Tammy Ramey 6:58pm today)

Learning is putting it mildly, Leni! I am being SCHOOLED!

Lisa, in the list I included in my blog, I didn't bring up the post-production team -- film editors, our musician and score composers, etc.

Thanks, Tammy!
(Suz Brockmann 11:26pm June 12, 2011)

Congratulations! I can only begin to imagine how hard you've worked so I hope you have lots of excitement and fun with this new adventure! You deserve it!
(Karen Dyer 7:05pm today)

This past year I have gotten into reading your books and loving them! Congrats on the movie, what exciting news!
(Colleen Conklin 8:19pm today)

Congratulations!! To have that recognition in books & film. Impressive.
(Mary Preston 8:49pm today)

Thanks, Karen, Colleen and Mary! It's definitely an adventure!!!
(Suz Brockmann 11:28pm June 12, 2011)

Read all your books and so look forward to this story. I celebrate the repel of DADT along with you.
(Maude Allen 8:59pm today)

Read When Tony Met Adam and it was awesome. Love the way you write those stories and they are filled with fun twists. Can't wait for your movie to hit.
(Christina Harrison 9:20pm today)

Thanks, Maude and Christina!
(Suz Brockmann 11:30pm June 12, 2011)

Suzanne - I love your books, your one of the few authors that I re-read. I'm bummed that Tony & Adam's story is an eBook, I haven't succumbed to the electronic yet, still love the paper. One way or another I'll have to read this. And I'll be following the progress of the movie & hope to see it one day.
(Diane Sallans 9:21pm today)

Hey, Diane! You know you can get a kindle or nook ap for your computer.

Now, I know that reading a book on the computer screen isn't the easiest on the eyes, but WHEN TONY MET ADAM is a short story. It's about 80 manuscript pages (which translates, I think, into about 60 ebook pages). YOu can read it in a relatively short amount of time, so if you do end up downloading it onto your computer, you won't suffer eye-strain!

But what you can do is you can go to amazon or bn.com and follow the instructions for how to download a kindlebook or nookbook onto your computer. The app is free, and once you have it, you can buy WTMA from amazon or bn.com, the same way you would buy a paper book. Except instead of having to wait for it to be deliver, it will be downloaded instantly onto your computer. (That's kinda cool.)

hope that info helps!!!
(Suz Brockmann 11:34pm June 12, 2011)

I love your books. I am so excited about When Tony Met Adam. I so want Adam to have his HEA! Thank you so much for the giveaway!!!
(Jennifer Beyer 9:53pm today)

You're welcome, Jennifer!
(Suz Brockmann 11:35pm June 12, 2011)

This story is just as good as all of your others, just wish
it was a full length story. I can't wait for the next in
Troubleshooter World.
(Laurie Peterson 10:32pm today)

Thanks, Laurie!

You will have a wait a bit -- my next book is the first in a paranormal trilogy, working title BORN TO DARKNESS. It's due out in February 2012.

But I will be releasing an anthology of Troubleshooters short stories -- that should be available in October 2012!
(Suz Brockmann 11:37pm June 12, 2011)

Okay, gang. I'm off to bed, because tomorrow starts waaaaay too early!!!!

Drop by my Troubleshooters World facebook page all this month for pictures and news from the set of THE PERFECT wedding! (www.facebook.com/SuzBrockmannTSWorld )
(Suz Brockmann 11:38pm June 12, 2011)

Congrats on your movie! Looking forward to reading your book!
(Patti Paonessa 9:51am June 13, 2011)

The military always raised my pulse up a notch. Congratulations on the movie version of your novel dwelling on Navy Seals and their ensuing relationship troubles and solutions.
(Alyson Widen 1:57pm June 13, 2011)

How thrilling to be able to get involved in such a creative process!
(Jeanne Sheats 2:55pm June 13, 2011)

How exciting for you! A movie, a play, and so many terrific books filled with amazing heros that you make so very human.
I was laughing with my 20 yr old grandson last night (he was playing with his new Droid phone) about Kindle on the phone. I had downloaded it, but I am legally blind and I don't think I could read even Adam and Tony's story on my phone. He asked why I didn't buy a Kindle and I told him after I read all the books I have waiting to be read, I might just do that (I doubt I live long enough to get caught up). After I drowned my Droid and camera in the ocean in Puerto Vallarta a couple weeks ago, I realized I'd have lost my Kindle, too. I tried to finish my soggy paperback, but the pages disintegrated when I tried to turn them. I had to order another copy.

Your stories are always so good! Somebody really is missing the boat because they'd make great movies or TV. The special effects might be expensive, but Pahrump NV looks like Iraq/Afghanistan and is used for air practice by the military.

My daughter does payroll on Castle. I'm the one on your Facebook page with Gilles Marini as my icon because he was at the wrap party. She's done TV and movies for years and is always telling me some new gossip Wish she could do yours.

Keep writing. I'll keep buying, and I will try to read your e-book on my laptop. Thanks for suggesting that.
(Linda Morgan 3:40pm June 13, 2011)

I just wanted you to know that I got hooked on your books right after I read Prince Joe and Blue. It took me awhile to catch all the books with your seal Ten team but I finally caught "Lucky". I wanted you to know I fell in love with "Jules" from the beginning. He is witty and very courages. He is one of my favorite characters. I can't wait to read about Tony and Adam. Keep on writing about your Troubleshooters. I will keep buying!!!!
(Lois Offerman 7:44pm June 13, 2011)

Hi, Suz, I'm so glad that you are finally getting to realize your big dreams, writing and producing a film. I hope you'll keep us abreast of what is happening. Actually, I'll probably be writing to you. Congratulations to Jason as well. I'll be rooting for him. Is this his film debut?

All the best to each of you.
(Sigrun Schulz 12:14pm June 14, 2011)

Hey, Suz! Can't wait to see The Perfect Wedding!
(Kelli Jo Calvert 12:14pm June 14, 2011)

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