But with nonfiction, the task is very straightforward: Do the research, tell the story.
From Laura Hillenbrand
The following Wednesday, I opted to go with Random House.
I spoke to my agent and learned that a Hollywood scout had seen my proposal in one of the publishing houses, and had faxed it to Hollywood, where it was generating a lot of interest.
I am actually in poor health due to chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, and my ability to work is greatly diminished right now, so I have to get better before I can start another big project.
Having a lot of people suddenly depending on me to get the job done was a marvelous motivator. The book and movie deals seemed to flip a switch in my head, and off I went.
Books on horse racing subjects have never done well, and I am told that publishers had come to think of them as the literary version of box office poison.
I have to detach myself completely from aspirations. I hardly ever listen to music anymore because it arouses all of this yearning in me.
I'm attracted to subjects who overcome tremendous suffering and learn to cope emotionally with it.
The biggest problem has been exhaustion. I've spent about 6 of the last 14 years completely bedridden.
Since signing with Universal, I have been working closely with Gary Ross, the director, producer and screenwriter. We have spent many hours on the phone, and I've been sending him information and items that have been useful to the writing process.
3 perspectives
2 perspectives
1 perspectives