How Does Stephen King Feel When Studios Change His Stories?

Under The Dome
Stephen King’s novel Under The Dome made its way to television this summer. (Photo courtesy CBS Television)

When you’re a writer, one of the most challenging parts of the job is when people want to change your work. Whether you’re dealing with an editor, an agent or even a professor conducting a workshop in your latest creative writing class, those criticisms are hard to swallow. But what happens when you’re one of the most famous authors on the planet and a studio wants the creative license to tweak your story almost to the point of being unrecognizable? How do you cope? Continue reading “How Does Stephen King Feel When Studios Change His Stories?”

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Probably A Story

Smoke rises over eastern Texarkana
Smoke rises over eastern Texarkana toward Mandeville early one morning. (Photo © 2012 Jathan Fink)

Smoke billowed into the sky and nearly blocked out the sun as I headed to work two weeks ago. I wondered what could be burning, if anyone was hurt, or what kind of tragedy the fire rose out of. I had been out shooting photos for another story already that morning and was running behind schedule, plus I had a billion things to do that day and chasing down a fire wasn’t on the agenda. But the journalist within said “Where there’s smoke, there’s probably a story.”  Continue reading “Where There’s Smoke, There’s Probably A Story”

Set Goals for 2012

Set Goals
Take charge of your life in 2012. Set goals now to accomplish everything you want to do this year.

I can’t even tell you how happy I am that 2011 is officially over. I was sick much of December, and I thought I’d lose a lung by the time I recovered after three long weeks. My entire body felt bruised from the inside out, wracked as it was with violent coughing spells that left me gasping and breathless. Thankfully I’m better now, which is a blessing I’m grateful for.

Continue reading “Set Goals for 2012”