I am honored to be able to share some wonderful news today. Marybeth Weathers of Paramount Pictures’ San Diego Office informed me today that I have been selected as a co-screenwriter for the studio’s 2016 release of the film version of E.L. James’ “50 Shades of Gray.”

I will be among 11 writers selected to collaborate on the screen treatment for this runaway success of a self-published novel. Weathers told me that I was selected, in part, because the studio was impressed with my characterization of a female protagonist in my own novel, “The Dogs Don’t Bark In Brooklyn Any More.”

I have not actually read “50 Shades of Gray,” but I have been told, of course, that it is a romance novel. Because this type of genre-specific work is new to me, this is a tremendous opportunity for professional growth as a writer.

And, as a bonus … I will get to meet stars David Duchovny and Caroline Dhavernas!! I will also actually be working with director Darren Aronofsky, of whom I am a major fan!!

I expect to relocate to San Diego, where filming will begin next year. I am not certain when I will be making these arrangements but I will keep you all posted.

Thank you SO much, friends, for supporting my career as a writer. I will keep you posted as this project develops!!

Here’s a great interview by horror author Laura Enright on her new novel, “To Touch the Sun.” I personally liked her advice for aspiring writers.

And she’s a fellow fan of Harry Harrison’s “Stainless Steel Rat” books!

http://kristyfgillespie.com/2014/03/22/to-touch-the-sun-laura-enright/

Dagda Publishing is seeking reviewers.

From Dagda Publishing:  [“If you’d like to receive our publications in exchange for honest reviews on Amazon etc (it helps us out a lot) drop us a line on info@dagdapublishing.co.uk and we’ll get you on our list of reviewers.”]

O WESTERN wind, when wilt thou blow 
That the small rain down can rain? 
Christ, that my love were in my arms 
And I in my bed again! 

— Anon., 16th Century

“Okay, authors. Your best work has just been picked up by a movie studio and you have quite a bit of control over the project. What would the soundtrack be?”

Depeche Mode, Mazzy Starr, Cowboy Junkies, Nine Inch Nails, Sigur Ros and Placebo. Because I hear that shit in my head when I write.

Obama makes a controversial reference to the threat of nuclear terrorism in Manhattan … and the New York Daily News features an illustration of Will Smith’s “I Am Legend” (which … y’know … depicts a vampire apocalypse).

Seriously. See the link:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/obama-warns-russia-ukraine-advance-article-1.1734113

I respond to e-mails from editors with the word “swell!!”

Because “The Beaver” is the professional image I wish to project …

Although, if you write horror, it’s more like 666 tabs being open …

Why, yes — yes it does.