  |
|||
|
|
In social engagements, I never tell people that I work as a screenwriter or military technical advisor. I usually tell them I consult for the aerospace industry. Why, you ask? Well, if you tell someone that you are a writer the first thing they tell you, "I've got this great idea for a story." They then begin to tell you a half - conceived notion about a half - remembered dream. The other thing that these well meaning people ask is, "Where do you get all your ideas?" I usually tell them I pay $50.00 a dozen from a small firm in Schenectady, New York. Sorry, I can't tell you the address. It's a trade secret.
The topic of story ideas is what has me writing this Friday morning. Having just bought a new house, I am in the process of unpacking boxes of books long packed. I am also having the unique pleasure of re - reading books that I have not read for many years. One author that sticks out in my mind as writing very clear fiction mostly related to war was Rafael Sabatini. Rafael who, you ask? Rafael Sabatini. Does the movie CAPTAIN BLOOD stir any memories? How about AGAINST ALL FLAGS? Both of these movies starred a little known actor named Errol Flynn who made a name for himself playing in early "pirate" movies. Great movies, but read the books. They are works of wonder. Little read today, he wrote some of finest historical (war related) novels ever. If you ever have the chance to wander a used book store and find one of his books, get the change from your pocket and buy it. You won't be disappointed. Sabatini was born April 29, 1875 in Jesi, Italy. His mother, Anna Trafford, was from Liverpool. She was an accomplished pianist and singer. Vincenzo Sabatini, Rafael's father, was Italian. Since Rafael's parents were still performing when Rafael was an infant, they sent him to Anna's parents in England. By 1899, Rafael was selling his short fiction to first class national magazines. By 1905, he was a full time writer. His best works were published in the 1920's. Published in 1925, Scaramouche became an international best seller. Continuing to write steadily, his last book was published posthumously in the year of his death 1950. He was also an influential historical writer and wrote six books of non - fiction including a definitive biography of the Borgia family. His legacy as a writer extends to today. On his grave is the sentence, "He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad." Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Great Ideas for Stories in Military Movies is owned by . Permission to republish Great Ideas for Stories in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to John Lovett's Military Movies topic, please visit the Discussions page. |
||
|
|
|||
