On Writing : Would you adapt your own work? by Alex Hunter

Hi, Alex Hunter. I've adapted other people’s novels into scripts, and I wouldn't mind adapting my own work if I wrote novels, short stories, etc.

Getting a screenwriting partner to help you is a great idea. They might know more about screenwriting than you, and they might be willing to show the script to producers, directors, etc. in their network.

I'm fine with other creatives and producers taking on my work and reinterpreting it.

Alex Hunter Honestly, I think I’d be open to someone else adapting my work — but it definitely depends.

If the person respects the emotional core of the story, I’d be excited to see their interpretation.

If not, then it would probably feel strange.

So for me, it really comes down to trust and shared vision.

Maurice Vaughan yes, a partner would be easier, going it alone, not so much!

Philippe Jeanneteau yes. I am intrigued though to see if someone else had their own vision, and where they might take it. At the end of the day, the books will still be there and, for me, that’s the most important thing!

If you decide to get a partner, you could make a post on the Job Board, Alex Hunter. www.stage32.com/find-jobs

Alex Hunter I think seeing your work reinterpreted can go both ways — it can be fascinating, but also a bit disappointing at times.

Some adaptations really elevate the original vision, like All You Need Is Kill becoming Edge of Tomorrow. Others drift so far from the spirit of the source that it feels like a completely different work.

But I guess that’s the risk and the beauty of adaptation — once another creator steps in, it becomes a new piece of art with its own life.

Personally, I’d still be open to it, as long as the emotional core remains intact.

I don’t think I’d ever adapt any of my novels or comics into screenplays, simply because I wrote them the way they were meant to be. I’d want someone else to adapt them in that case, and keep me on as a consultant so they don’t stray far from the source material.

That being said, though, some of my novels I definitely wouldn’t want adapted under any circumstance. Like Petal, the series is so high in surrealism that I genuinely don’t think adapting it would be possible.

At first I had no problem with adaptation, but I changed my mind.

I’d rather learn to write the screenplay myself, because there is always a window to develop new things in the world.

I started with novels, and now I’m learning to write my first screenplay.

I believe each writer has a specific voice and a specific way they want to see their world, so they must write it themselves.

Works either way. I get hired to convert novels to screenplays and the reverse. On here-Peter Ford, Ishanee Bawankar, and others.

Meriem Bouziani Have you had a specific experience that changed your opinion?

Banafsheh Esmailzadeh Oh gosh - Im not sure I'd be a very welcome consultant!

Alex Hunter honestly I’m not 100% sure I would be, either xD I’m incredibly allergic to the idea of being entirely hands off lol but maybe in the future I’ll get over it, who knows?

I have considered that question quite a bit. My passion project - Dixie Dynamite - is something that I have worked on for so long and have such specific ideas about that it would be difficult to not be part of the writing team if it ever got into production but I want my works to be appreciated by others as well so there is a trade off. If I was dreaming I would think that I have a project that generates positive feedback and generates additional interest in other projects and perhaps I am afforded more opportunities on those future projects.

No, I didn’t work with anyone. I wanted to, because I still struggle with English and I didn’t have good expertise in script structure. Then I realized it’s better to try it myself, so I keep developing the idea. And honestly, it feels so chaotic that I’m the only one who can manage it.

I've wondered about this too. I think both being completely hands-off or me only would bother me, so maybe co-write with someone

To turn your novel into a movie, it is first necessary to rewrite it as a short story, since all screen plays (unless you can do a long epic or a series -- count yourself lucky if that's your lot!) are short stories. Knowing what to leave out is tough while writing the novel. It's tougher while reducing your novel to a short story. For most writers, if attempted too soon, it is the writer's version of Sophie's Choice.

But something being difficult should never be a reason to not try. Go for it. Then get an honest 2nd and 3rd opinion and try again. Attempting the impossible is what enables us to discover our inner boundaries.

I have and am adapting my own books for TV and features, but have also adapted the books of others, and have worked on many screenplays by others. It is wonderfully rewarding, but be warned, occasionally the relationship can shatter - especially if somebody gets very precious about it. Second Rule of Write Club - In your adaptations be prepared to kill your babies, or somebody else's, when necessary, whether they be characters or scenarios.

David Taylor I normally kill my babies in the books!

Hi Alex, I very much enjoy adapting novels and short stories and have adapted three novels and one short story. If you're interested in speaking, please let me know.

ALEX - The writers delight, dreaming up new and interesting ways to kill characters.

Yes. Always. My story, my direction - I'm the only one allowed to direct my own works which I've written.

Everyone has a vision of what they want in an adaptation. I always have an editor after I am done to revise things I missed.

Stefano Pavone I'd happily let my stuff go! To the right person, that is.