Are you looking for “Art” or “Profits”?
I know—a silly question.
But sometimes I wonder when I’m watching a film.
Maybe we could be a profitable team. Of course, I know, it must be entertaining—and that’s what makes it profitable—right?
I always made money as a writer, whether I was creative directing (and writing) advertising for high-end cosmetics, or making
The Avon Lady ring doorbells around the world. I helped keep Smirnoff Vodka as the #1 choice on every bar, and convinced
Americans, with the smiling help of lovable Robert Morley, to fly British Airways Jets, including the sleek Concord. “Do come
aboard. We’re serving parsley sandwiches with tea today.” Ford, Pan Am, and Kodak benefited from my point of view
during my four-year creative directing stint in Buenos Aires. Then I used my writing skills to promote my own business—an iffy venture at best—a splendidly beautiful country inn and executive conference center in the middle of nowhere. It was remarkably successful.
But Now I Need You...
Yes, You, the Agent, the TV Producer, the Publisher, who will easily see either of my novels, which are a good read, are naturals as a full-length film or long-running TV series. Before sharing some other profitable offspring with you, I’d like to introduce both novels: There are six very big reasons THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME would be incredibly appealing on a movie or TV screen--Six major women characters. Of course there are some gents, too, but the heroes of both of my novels are women. The unlikely star of the ROLE is Bethel, a girl from nowhere with nothing. There are lots of Bethels out there. But my Bethel had the balls, yeah, the balls, the gall and the guts, plus a strong enough dream in her head to create a new Bethel—excuse me, she created an extraordinary woman named Bettina.
Bettina walked differently, spoke differently, yep, Role Playing. That’s something we all do at some point in our lives. But Bettina was playing a role that would never have a closing night, a final curtain.
Or Maybe You'd Rather Have a Date with Clare
Then I wrote: CLARE: WIFE, MOTHER, MISTRESS … Murderer? It is NOT a murder mystery, even though you or any man might consider murder if it would buy Clare’s total devotion. She does NOT have to re-invent herself. She’s every woman’s dream—smart, successful and beyond beautiful. Are all her decisions as flawless as her look? Well, no. Especially her choice of men. Not all were bad. Remember that old term, Head over heels—that’s one of the guys. Again, like THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME, CLARE reminds you how smart women are in creating a circle of friends who make all the difference when you’ve been dealt a bad hand.
Two Non-Fiction Properties
Okay, enough of my novels and their profit potential. I have two non-fiction properties which could easily have a HUGE RETAIL LIFE, but also have the wherewithal to have a long productive life on TV.
I think you’ll like the titles: DEAR OLD FRIENDS… "Stay Young, Stop Thinking Your Age, and Love Life Every Day" - and - EMBRACE YOUR AGE… "You Can Be Better Than Ever"
Both are kind of Memoirish. I was blessed to have much older friends who advised me—and I listened. DEAR OLD FRIENDS pays them back. And in my newest book, And in my newest book, EMBRACE YOUR AGE, I tackled aging fears head on, and offer all kinds of friendly but pointed guidance for being a better friend, mate, parent---even employee. I ask questions: Do you think you’re old? Are you someone worth looking up to? Do you know where your nearest psychiatrist is? (Check your bathroom.) You’ll understand how both books serve as a stimulant for Elders to stop retreating and to Embrace the miracle of life, every day. If you don’t need this kind of loving guidance, someone you know does. And remember this: At this very moment, you are the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be—so let’s not waste the day, shall we?
I don’t just write books—
I have a TV Series Bible, complete with the Pilot Script. I think it could run for many many years.
And besides that, a screenplay. A dark comedy that would produce laughs and tears.
Besides the Novels...
THE SENIORS – Old enough to know better. The Bible is ready for you, including the Pilot script. It’s another product I believe could run for many many years. AND, although I haven’t written a screenplay for my two novels, I do have another original screenplay—a dark comedy--I believe that’s the correct genre. It was hard as hell to write—you’re laughing out loud one minute, and teary-eyed in the next scene. The film’s title: DIE LAUGHING The tag line: A hilariously sad movie. As I’ve said (or should have said) before, I don’t write to amuse those mystical creative juices that wake me up every day—naw, I’m too commercial. I’m thinking how well does it do its job? Does it entertain? Does it make the viewer want to tell other people about it? I guess you won’t know until you take a look. I’ll be happy to discuss any and all of the above.
Concluding Thoughts...
So, I’ll repeat what I said in the beginning.
There’s Art and there are Profits.
Not all writers produce commercially profitable novels/scripts/ideas—I do—and would like to work with you. Write me at: talktome@jamesbflaherty.com,
or give me a call at: (212) 457-4097 (EST).
Thanks for listening today. I’ve enjoyed every minute of letting you see what’s inside my head.
All best, Jim.