M. Suzanne Terry

Andi, our fearless writing group leader, prompted us this week to think about what our book would look like when it is published.  She also asked what the movie would look like. So I thought I’d take a break from my word frenzy on Feast and dream of Fishbowl’s future.

“What size will it be? What weight? What color will the cover be? Hard or soft? What images? What type of font?”

I’ve always pictured Fishbowl in paperback and in blue. I like to imagine people adding it to their laptop bag or their backpack to read on the bus or in coffee shops, so it has to be easily portable. Of course, there will be e-copies of it as well, but I like to believe the majority of my readers still prefer the feel of a real book in their hands.

I am stumped on the picture. It seems ridiculous to put a fishbowl on the cover. Too easy. Their story spends a lot of time in coffee shops or drinking coffee or tea, so the picture could be hot-beverage-related. But that also seems to be a bit of a yawn. I’ll have to think about it some more. And by “think about it,” I do mean, “ask other people who are more visually oriented than I am to give their input.”

“Then, consider this, if your book was turned into a movie…who would play whom? What actors would you cast for what roles? Would it be a documentary or a feature film? Where would it be set, or what would the set look like? Would you make a cameo?”

Ahaha! I would so make a cameo. I would be the girl who gets attacked by the bird when she walks down the street.

It would be set in Denton. Because $$$ for Denton. Also, because it takes place here (currently…that may change in edits if it becomes problematic. I’m willing to negotiate.).

As far as actors, I don’t have a lot of people chosen. Here is a working list…

Bob – Adam Brody is my top choice, but I would be happy with Zachary Levi. Maybe Adam Scott. I love Adam Scott. He’s got to be in it in some role.

Jenny – I really love Olivia Wilde in this role. Maybe Zoe Saldana. I like her in anything.

Mrs. White/Caldwell – The reason I named her Mrs. White (not the final name – just a working name) is because I see Betty White when I write her.

James (the jerk) – Someone beefy. I don’t know yet. I’m open to suggestions.

Stephanie – Emma Stone? I actually picture late-twenties Janeane Garofalo, but you can’t go back in time.

Those are the only ones I have a face in mind for.

Now I need a Pinterest board for Fishbowl…