I’ve been working on revisions for the sequel to CassaStar, but it’s slow going. There are only so many hours in the day! I’m afraid I will have to cut back a bit on blogging if I hope to finish. So, if I’m not commenting as much, you’ll know why!
Since I’ve a big announcement planned for Friday, I wanted to post this today. Many of you had asked what was the deal with the author and the book, I Am Number Four, when I commented that I refuse to see this film.
The real author’s name is Jobie Hughes, and he was paid a whole $500 for his book. It was published by a book-packaging company called Full Fathom Five, created by James Frey, author of A Million Little Pieces. (Remember him? The dude that lied to Oprah?)
Helen Ginger posted about the situation last November. For the full story, visit Straight From Hel.
So, I won’t be seeing I Am Number Four. Fortunately, Unknown comes out this Friday, and unless the critics bash it, I’ll go see that film instead.
See you all Friday!
I'm feeling your pain, Brother! I don't know how some writers do it. I just cannot seem to muster up enough free time to run a blog, promote my work, keep up with social networking, work at my full-time job, and write new stuff.
ReplyDeleteBut it sure is fun and rewarding, isn't it? Best of luck to you.
Keep at it! Juggling all of our other responsibilities and finding time to write is tough, and sometimes impossible.
ReplyDeleteTerrible about that book company. Creating books just to find the "next Harry Potter"? Totally lame. I'll be sure not to support anything that comes out of that company.
JL, thanks!
ReplyDeleteLiz, I can't either. It's sad.
I don't think the writing community in general has responded well James Frey. It's too bad. Hope you get a lot of writing done!
ReplyDeleteI know, Alex - I feel like I'm running furiously trying to keep up with everything these days!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that about the book! Wow!
I did revisions once. By the time I got back to the chapter I had paused on I wanted to kill all my characters... not the best of signs.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder about Four.
ReplyDeleteFrey may someday *be written* as a victim in his own book.
Take the time you need to do things your way.
Go for it - get that sequel done - priorities, hmm? ;)
ReplyDeleteDo what you must but rememeber to find the joy.
ReplyDeleteI'll be watching I AM NUMBER FOUR, because I have to support my favourite Alex Pettyfer, but I do not support the publishing company which published the book the film is based on.
ReplyDeleteSending good thoughts re the revisions - Already I have to be very strict with myself over blogging vs writing time.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your revisions. I had not heard that story about the book. Now I need to go and check it out.
ReplyDeleteI don't have much interest in that film either, rather go see the Adjustment Bureau, or maybe Battle/Los Angeles.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why any writer would even bother with James Frey's little empire.
ReplyDeleteBut, as for not seeing the movie, the way i understand it is, the writer actually gets a cut of the movie profit, so the way to support the writer is to actually see the movie.
I'll probably see it when it comes out on Blue Ray. Way too busy this weekend
this is a toughie. On the one hand, he is getting great compensation, on the other, his name is not associated with it, but lots of writers have nom de pluers.
ReplyDeleteI probably won't go so the movie for completely different reasons.
Get to work, Alex. We adore you.
ReplyDeleteI remember that blog from Helen and commented on it. I'm mad as hell at the greed that is out there. Pays to have a great agent when shopping a book or a script.
ReplyDeleteI think unknown will be good.
ReplyDeleteHowever I'm still gonna see I am number for, sucks to hear that though :/
Good luck with revisions.
ReplyDeleteAnd, oh, wow, I didn't know that about the I AM NUMBER FOUR book. That's terrible!
Good luck with the revisions. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
ReplyDeleteBalancing blogging time with life and writing time is a real challenge. I don't always get it right, and for the last week or so I haven't had enough writing time.
Good luck with your revisions, Alex. It is certainly understandable if the blog has takes a backseat. There are plenty of times when mine gets neglected, and I imagine the revision process will be one of them.
ReplyDeleteLike you have told me, "take care of things we will be here." Glad you told/linked to the real story about #4, think I will pass as well.
ReplyDeleteJules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Oh gosh, yes--I remember reading all about that. What a rip-off for the poor writer!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes with the writing!
Oh wow, I didn't know the story behind "I am number 4." Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteI'm not keen on I Am Number Four or the story behind it, either. Though I have to admit it doesn't sound like my kind of book/film anyway, so I wouldn't have gone to see it even if it hadn't had the whole James Frey debacle behind it.
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, Alex. You're a man of many talents... Juggling your time to be the best of them
ReplyDeleteIt's a fine art we ALL need to learn. Keep at it, you're doing a great job.
I hate people that capitalize on other's talent. That is why I NEVER buy anything Martha Stewart.
Michael
Alex- do what you need to do I'll still be around.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, there are lots of machine pubs out there and writers fall prey to them all the time. Nothing they do is technically illegal and the best thing we can do is keep spreading the word.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your revisions!
I forgot what I was going to comment about as this is the first time I've noticed the comment box refers to you as 'Captain Ninja Alex' and that's awesomely hilarious.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I'll be seeing I Am Number Four either. I read the story behind the publishing machine behind it and it made me sad.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the revisions.
Big announcement for Friday?!!? Ooooh how exciting!!!! Yay!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your revisions!!!
I've just read the post about Jobie Hughes over at Straight from Hel's blog. Not only did Mr Frey not put this author;s name on the book but one of the characters'!:-(
It's a nasty business all round!! Take care
x
Ugh, revisions. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI can see why you wouldn't see I Am Number Four. I look forward to your Unknown review. Ha!
Univarn, that's not a good sign!
ReplyDeleteSezz, then just avoid the book.
Stephen, it's a warning to other writers not to fall into the same trap.
Tony, I haven't had any time lately.
Michael, good reminder about Stewart!
Melissa, spreading the word we can do!
Glad I could amuse you, TS!
Thanks everyone! I'll try to visit when I can...
I, too, am hopeful for UNKNOWN. And I totally get the time and lack of time thing.
ReplyDeleteRevisions are kind cool, no? Have fun.
ReplyDeleteI'll miss your face, but I'm REALLY looking forward to the sequel! So do what you gotta do my friend!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to never having enough time. Sending positive energy your way. Hope it gets better :)
ReplyDeleteGood grief - I'm shocked - my daughter's reading I am number 4 at the moment!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for your announcement!
I'm in the middle of revisions and I'm finding it slow going as well. I look up and suddenly the day is over! Waaaaaaa.
ReplyDeleteRevisions come first. We'll miss you, but we all need to keep priorities straight. Try my slow blogging formula and blog once a week for a while--just let us know what day to come looking.
ReplyDeleteI blogged about the evils of James Frey's empire last November, but I didn't know that I Am Number 4 was a product of that slave-labor camp.
People fell for the scam because Frey pitched his program at places like Yale and Princeton and the students thought his program had been vetted.
I hope the word is getting out how horrible his sweatshop is--and how much money he's making off unpaid labor. He retains ALL rights to anything they write after they take the $250, so not only do they lose a book, but they lose all characters and plotlines in perpetuity. Somebody needs to drive a stake into that guy's heart. Oh, except I guess he doesn't have one.
More important than boycotting the film would be getting out the word about who really wrote the novel and broadcast Jobie Hughes name around. Then when he comes out with his own books, he'll have some name-recognition.
Proud of you for standing on your convictions! More of us need to do that with increasing frequency! :)
ReplyDeleteI certainly understand about the time factor.
ReplyDeleteI had read the story about the author of #4 before and already told my daughter we wouldn't be going to see the movie.
Good luck with the revisions. My copy of CassaStar is on the way. I'm looking forward to reading it. New shoes are coming with it, so I'm extra excited.
ReplyDeleteWell, good on ya for making the smart choice, but we'll all miss you in the blogosphere. I often find myself spending more time blogging than writing. It's fun!
ReplyDeletePriorities, YOU got them right~
ReplyDeleteWow, that million pieces article, whoah. Be part of something, but no fame, maybe a percentage...sucks!
Frey is a piece of work, quite the art form of manipulation. If you sign the dotted line and are smart enough to read the fine print, then you know what you are in for!
Wonder if Jobie read the contract...I'd bet, NO!
I am ready to see Unknown and don't care what the critics think...they're not me! This looks like a straight up high-tension Liam Neeson movie and that's all I need!
ReplyDeletePat, I'm doing it!
ReplyDeleteAnne, that's what I'm trying to do as well - spread the word.
MPax, thanks!!
Ella, sadly, I bet he didn't.
Thanks everyone for understanding!
Cutting back on blogging?
ReplyDeleteI demand a full refund of my subscription fee!
Oh that's right....never mind!
Go with the paying gig, Alex!
Larry
I googled it after I read your post last time, and I was truly stunned... just horrible :(
ReplyDeleteGood luck with revisions! We'll miss you, but we know it happens :)
Whoa. I hadn't heard that story. That SUCKS. That could happen to any of us! It's terrible to think of what sharks are out there. Man.
ReplyDeleteAnd hey, good luck on the revisions. We're rootin' for ya!
I'd heard something about the situation with I AM NUMBER FOUR but I didn't realize James Frey was involved. I would stay FAR away from anything to do with that guy!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the revisions! Very exciting!
I know where you're coming from Alex about those hours in the day. I'm finding it difficult to keep up with comments and do all of the other things I want to do as well. It's a challenge and the Challenge hasn't even begun.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Thanks, Disc!
ReplyDeleteKaren, I would as well.
Lee, that's an understatement!
Writing comes first, Alex. We'll understand if you cut back.
ReplyDeleteIn a way, I hope the book, I Am Number Four (not necessarily the movie, though) is a best seller. Perhaps then Hughes could cut his ties with Frey and move on to his own work. He probably has a contract with Frey, though.
Thank you for spreading the word on this Number Four nonsense. I get so disgusted seeing authors treated so poorly and somebody else getting rich off of them--one of the reasons I'm still committed to the agent/traditional publishing model.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your edits! (and we all understand--you'll be back!)
Good luck on finishing! Time off from blogging is often just a necessity to get work done. Do you have a name for the sequel yet?
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame about the author. :(
Helen I hope he moves on to big things.
ReplyDeleteHart it is a shame.
And no name for the sequel yet!
Good luck on your revisions. I hope they come smoothly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on James Frey.
Similar to the story of The Edward Stratemeyer Syndicate which produced Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Bobbsey Twins, etc. The true authors signed their identity away never having the opportunity to get recognition for their work on those books until it was too late. The pay was very little as well.
If James Frey can get away with it then it's a shame for the dummies who come under his evil tricks. But hey, on the brighter side, when you sell your soul to the devil you get what you want. Hughes is now famous and being recognized even if through controversy. Who wouldn't want to at least consider publishing his next book? He got what he wanted: a foot in the door. And it was a mighty large foot. He got nothing this time around (just like movie stars) but the next time will likely be more profitable.
The best we can do for this author is keep his name attached to his work regardless of the pseudonym on the cover of that one story.
This is not all bad news. It's a reminder to play it smart and try not to get screwed in the process.
Happy revising.
Good luck with revisions, Alex! I don't think you should worry about blog stuff until it is done.
ReplyDeleteI am also not seeing I am Number Four or reading the book. Shame too because it is totally up my alley. I think the movie looks awesome, but just when I think I might see it my conscience kicks in and I remember why I don't support things that are fundamentally wrong.
Hi Alex .. gosh .. keep going & good luck - it will all come right in the end!!
ReplyDeleteThat story about the author is terrible .. I've been reading a few posts on Writers Beware .. and these sort of packaging people.
Thanks for highlighting this .. Hilary
Patricia, you're right - better be warned and make smart decisions.
ReplyDeleteSommer, good for you!
Hilary, at least the word is getting out.
Get on with the revisions already so we can get you back sooner, Alex!
ReplyDeleteThat's terrible about the author. Good luck with those revisions. I will have some soon too.
ReplyDeleteNancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
I am with your on that one bro. That's amazing. 500 bucks! He deserved less. haha
ReplyDeleteI hear ya, Alex. I've been pushing really hard to finish edits on one book, sub another, and plot another. Oh, while I'm keeping up on blogs. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with book II. I'm still super excited about the first one. :)
Rental!
ReplyDeleteYikes! I don't know how that would work out for me, but I think at least I can say that I truly followed my dreams and that is a great example to my kiddles.
ReplyDeleteHappy friday, Alex!
♥.•*¨ Elizabeth ¨*•.♥
You won’t be seeing I Am Number Four? I certainly will. The trailer rocked.
ReplyDeleteI'm torn...
ReplyDeleteI want to see the movie, but I don't like to see people being screwed out of what is due to them.
Thanks Alex for your visit and comment. Yes it was a lovely place and of course I had fun.....That's what life's about.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Yvonne,.
I've just read Helen Ginger's post and have to say I'm both shocked and sadenned by what I read. $500 for a novel and not even having your name on the cover? Not good.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the revisions, Alex. You can do it!
Whaa--? For real? No, I don't know that story! I'm going over to that blog to read about it. Where have I been that I don't know that someone dared lie to Oprah?!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with revisions Alex!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will do all that is necessary to present us (your readers) an awesome CassaStar sequel.
I know the pressure to finish a work in progress. Feeling the pinch, too. Hope your making good progress.
ReplyDeleteIn my humble opinion, we all need to cut back on blog comments and get some writing done (except during the April A to Z Challenge, of course).
ReplyDeleteSince I can hardly wait to read the sequel, I'm all for you taking time off from blogging to finish it!! Totally get it.
ReplyDeleteIf you hadn't mentioned that about I Am Number Four, I never would have known. It's not well publicized and I think that's something that needs to be shared. I passed it on and I'm proud to say that no one I know has gone to see it this weekend. Not sure about the rest of the world, though.