I haven’t met Paul in person yet, but we have corresponded by email. And the great thing about it for me is I feel like I’ve made a new friend. (We’ve talked about San Diego Comic Con a bit. He’s never been and I’ve told him he needs to go!) Reading his interview is a fascinating insight into how an actor prepares for a role. Having seen some his work on the screen and hearing him perform on the audios, I’ve grown doubly impressed, hearing him speak of the diligence and effort required of a performer for each type of role. As you might imagine, with writing, rewrites, edits, copy edits, galley readings and what not, by the time Keeper of the Grail was published, I had probably read it fifty times. So I didn’t think there was anything new for me. Then I heard Paul’s performance and I realized there was a whole other level to the story. This is what talented actors do. They make us see something that might be or sound quite familiar in a brand new way.

Of course, I would encourage you to pick up a copy of The Youngest Templar audios, even if you’ve read the books I believe you’ll find yourself enjoying the story all over again and experiencing it in an entirely new way. And I HIGHLY encourage you to check out some of Paul’s work on Star Trek and the other performances he’s created both on television and film. For a list of his credits, click here.

Thanks for your many talents Paul, and for bringing Tristan, Robard and Maryam and even Angel, the little golden dog to life.

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1) As an actor, is the preparation you do for a recording different from what you do for a film role?

In some ways it is the same and in others it is very different. In both I read the entirety of the script I am given.  In both it is generally a last minute proposition. For a book it is common to have a week of prep time for a project before recording begins. For Film and TC it is generally a day or two before you begin shooting that you get a script and often it is only the pages that you will be shooting not an entire script.  The big difference for the two mediums is that for a film/TV role you are responsible for one character, for a book you are responsible for the entire cast of characters and the narrative.  It is a huge proposition.  I truly love recording books, especially series like Youngest Templar because I get really close to the characters and they become like friends.

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2) In the recording process, do you find yourself caught up in the story, or do you focus completely on the work.

I absolutely become involved in the story and sometimes find that (even though I have pre-read a book before I record) I am surprised at how things occur in the book as I record. There is something that happens when you speak the words out loud as opposed to reading them silently to yourself that generates emotion and attitude; that surprise in the moment, and often things happen that are unexpected and surprising during the recording of a work of fiction. That said, often times there is a director who is listening as I record who helps to keep the work in line with what an author intends. We, as recorder and director are absolutely committed to producing the best, most engaging and most honorable presentation of the Author’s work as possible.

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3) Can you give listeners an idea of the technical aspects of recording an audio book? How long does it take? Are there outtakes or bloopers?

A book the length of The Youngest Templar Series will take me about three days 6 to 8 hours a day to record. I will sit in a booth that is quite sound proof to give the listener the best quality of sound possible. The Director will sit in a room adjacent with a window and an intercom to allow for communication. There are lots of bloopers, When you sit and read a book it is very focused work and often your eyes will play tricks on you and you will read words that aren’t there or you will finish a line of text and the next two lines will begin with the same words and you might skip an entire line of text, but worry not faithful readers the director will step in, or I will realize mid sentence that I have clearly missed something and I will simply go back to where the error occurred and begin again. Then the editor takes over and removes all the bloopers and you get the finished product. There are also lots of “noises” that happen when you read a book… the reader takes in a lot of air to read and a lot of burping happens. Somewhere, out there, lurking in the dark, someone has a disc of burps that have been edited into Christmas Carols or something ridiculous like that!

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4) You’ve had roles on many of the various Star Trek television shows. Have had any close encounters with Trekkies?

I have had the good fortune of attending many Trek Cons. It is a lot of fun. I love Trekkies as I have been a fan of the show since I was a little boy. (I still have my Kirk and Spock action figures)  (Okay Paul, that seals it. Next year, I’ll expect to see you at San Diego Comic Con! MS) They are the best group of fans around.  I have been too many cons in the States and have appeared in Britain, Norway and Italy. The fans are so generous and kind and I always love to talk about the shows with them.  Some have even met me at theatres around the US where I have appeared to talk and to say hello and thank you for the work I have done. It is always fun to know that I have become part of a show that I have so enjoyed and that has been such a huge part of my life.

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5) If you had a vote, would you want the adventures of Tristan, Robard and Maryam to continue?

If I had a vote… I would say I would love to hear what happens with Tristan next. He has met such wonderful and interesting and frightening people in history that I want to see who he runs into next. I don’t want to spoil the finale for the readers/listeners but I will say I think it very emotional and so satisfying that I cannot wait to see what comes next.

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For further interviews with Paul Boehmer follow these links:

TREK’S J. PAUL BOEHMER: A Nazi Hologram Becomes a Singular Borg

Star Trek Interview with J. Paul Boehmer

©2010 Michael Spradlin Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Are you excited about seeing the new Robin Hood movie this weekend? I know I am. In my The Youngest Templar novels, the young Robin Hood is the sidekick of Tristan, the protagonist. Hode is based on a real person (sometimes called Robert or Robare Hode) who lived in the early 13^th century. One thing I’m already excited about is how closely the Robin Hood Movie poster ‘borrowed’ from the cover of The Youngest Templar.

In celebration of the movie, I’ll be running a new feature all summer long called “ROBIN HOOD WEDNESDAYS” and will explain some of the history and myth surrounding everyone’s favorite outlaw. If you’re a teacher or librarian, please note I’ll be offering links to many downloadable materials like word searches, crossword puzzles and word jumbles, all of them with a Robin Hood/Youngest Templar theme. These would be a great thing to use in your classroom or as a part of your Summer Reading programs.

Remember to check back every week for new facts! In the meantime, here are ten fun facts about the Robin Hood legend you can use to impress your friends this weekend! Enjoy the movie and then pick up a copy of The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail for a fun reinvention of the Robin Hood legend!

Your authorness,

Michael P. Spradlin

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GOING TO SEE “ROBIN HOOD” THIS WEEKEND?

GRAB THE POPCORN BUT LEAVE THE GREEN TIGHTS AT HOME

Ten Things You Might Not Know About the Robin Hood Legend

1. Robin Hood is a modern day “mashup.” The contemporary legend of Robin Hood, as we know it today, is a derivative of dozens of different legends from Medieval England. There were several nobles who rose up against the Crown at various times. There are dozens of Robin Hood ballads and poems from the Middle-Ages and they were extremely popular with the peasantry. Through the oral tradition of storytelling many of the characteristics of several English Outlaws morphed into the adventures of a single man.
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2. Robin Hood didn’t wear green tights. Most men at the time wore simple garb, leggings made of wool and a plain unadorned tunic, or over shirt. Only the wealthiest foresters could afford Lincoln green leggings or shirts.
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3. Robin Hood was likely not “absurdly proficient” with a bow. He is said to have been a master of the bow and his exploits with the weapon have been glorified over time. In reality, the English longbow is an extremely difficult weapon to master and requires a great deal of strength to draw and aim. Splitting an arrow in half at fifty paces with another arrow would be highly unlikely. While Robin Hood may have been better than average archer, it’s unlikely he accomplished so many incredible shots.
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4. The term sheriff comes from ‘Shire Reeve,’ an official appointed by the crown to collect taxes. Obviously unpopular with the peasant classes, Shire Reeves used bailiffs (or deputies) to help them collect taxes.
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5. In Robin Hood’s Day Even the Priests Were Fighters. In the Middle-Ages it was very common for priests and other holy men to take up arms. In major battles they served a dual purpose of fighting and hearing the confession of the troops before battle. In the early 15^th century a Sussex priest name Robert Stafford led a band of outlaws using the name Friar Tuck, obviously plucked from the Robin Hood stories. A ‘Tuck’ is not a surname, but refers to the rope belt worn about the waist by Franciscan Monks. Since the Franciscan order didn’t form until the early 13^th century, is likely the character of Friar (Middle English for ‘father’) Tuck was added to the Robin Hood stories much later.
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6. There Was No Trial By Jury In The Middle-Ages. As an outlaw, Robin or any of the Merry Men could be executed immediately upon their capture. Hanging was the most common means of carrying out a sentence but men could also be dragged behind horses for miles, until they died, drawn and quartered, or beheaded. Whatever the punishment, those in charge made it as public and gruesome as possible to warn the illiterate peasant class that disobedience was not to be tolerated.
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7. The Merry Men Weren’t So Merry. The number and names of Robin Hood’s band of outlaws has almost as many variations as Robin Hood himself. Will Scarlet, Little John, Friar Tuck, Allan Aiadale, and Much the Miller’s son, are the most frequently named. And while, the peasant class may have delighted in them besting the Shire Reeve, time and time again, outlaws of the time were vicious, capable killers and none to be trifled with.
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8. What would you like with that Veggie Burger? Meat was difficult to come by in the English forest. The most common food was Rabbit, and many peasants used trained ferrets to hunt the Rabbits. Hunting of the King’s deer was often restricted and unless a peasant was wealthy enough to raise pigs, they often could not afford to buy meat. Whenever the king cracked down on hunting, people went hungry and poaching became prevalent leading to arrests and it became a vicious cycle.
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9. Richard the Lionheart: Robin’s Friend or Foe? It really depends on which story you read. In some, Robin is Richard’s loyal subject, out to protect the kingdom from those who would do it harm, while Richard is away in the Crusades. In others, Richard is a horrible despot whom Robin seeks to unseat. Regardless, Richard was unpopular with most of his subjects as he refused to speak English unless he was forced too (he was born in France and was the Prince of Normandy before he ascended to the throne), only spent about six months of his entire ten year reign in England, and drained the country dry financially in an effort to retake the Holy Land, which he was never able to do. However, his nickname The Lionheart is an apt description for he was a ferocious fighter and brilliant military tactician. So brave in fact that he was killed by a crossbow bolt, when he boastfully rode into enemy range while besieging the castle of Chalus in France.
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10. The DC Comics Super Hero Green Arrow Is A Modern Day Twist On The Robin Hood Legend! The Green Arrow, in the guise of his secret identity is a modern bowman who uses his uncanny archery skill to capture bad guys. In the origin story of Green Arrow, young Oliver Queen is obsessed with Robin Hood, and watches the Errol Flynn movie repeatedly. Later when he becomes Green Arrow, the mega-wealthy Queen renounces his riches and takes up his bow to defend the poor and the weak in Star City, following in the footsteps of Robin Hood as a protector of the down-trodden.

©2010 Michael Spradlin Blog. All Rights Reserved.

And what’s more, take a look at the movie poster for the film. Does it in anyway remind you of a certain Youngest Templar book? Coincidence? Deliberate? Either way, it’s nice to be able to make that kind of a connection to a bajillion dollar budget, sure to be a blockbuster movie.

For those of you who may not have read The Youngest Templar yet (and if you haven’t WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR! Ahem.) one of the characters is a young archer named Robard Hode, born in Sherwood Forest near the shire of Nottingham. I did a lot of research on Robin Hood legends in writing the book, and found that a real Robard Hode existed around the time my novel is set. He was one of the first nobles to stand against Prince John. The modern legend of Robin Hood as we know it, is quite likely an amalgamation of several deeds and exploits by numerous individuals. When I discovered the real Robard Hode I worked him into my story.

Your authorness

©2010 Michael Spradlin Blog. All Rights Reserved.

As an example, my wife and I were waiting in the line at the Kinko’s booth in the Javits center, as we had something we wanted to ship home. As we’re waiting up walks a costumed Incredible Hulk who takes off the top part of his costume (I need to mention here that he’s also on stilts) and sits down on a nearby counter and takes out a snickers and diet coke for a little break. That’s something you don’t see every day.

Also, I don’t like to brag or anything, but I was on a panel with (OMG) one of the stars of BUFFY, THE VAMPIRE SLAYER which might be my all time favorite television show! That’s right, Amber Benson, who played Tara in seasons 4-6, was on my panel on Writing for Television, Comics, Video Games and Books. Am, as I like to call her, was as nice as could be and is now joining the ranks of novelists. In the picture you can see her speaking into the microphone, second from left.

Then of course there were two other great things that happened one of which was, I had my name on the same sign as Joss Whedon! Creator of said BUFFY, THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and possibly one of the brightest talents working in any medium today. As you can see on the sign I was right next to him (almost). Sadly this is as close as I’ll probably ever get to meeting him.

Then the last funny thing that happened to me on Sunday was when I stood in the autographing area waiting to sign copies of The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail. All of sudden the curtain parts and in walks Lou Ferrigno (who played the Incredible Hulk on the 80’s television show) and he’s carrying a ginormous suitcase in each hand. He walks right toward me and says “move that chair…” Well, when the Hulk says, move the chair, you move the chair. You’re welcome Mr. Hulk.

So another Comic Con has come and gone. New York will be moving the show to October from now on so it will be a long wait to go back again. But that’s okay. I’ll get to go to San Diego in July and I just learned there will be a new Comic Con in Chicago in April 2010. Heh. Heh.

©2010 Michael Spradlin Blog. All Rights Reserved.

First I went to Comic Con in San Diego. I had heard about Comic Con in San Diego but I had never actually been there. I have two words to say about the experience. In. Sane. I find myself struggling to describe it and unless you’ve been there, it’s very hard to paint a visual picture. Imagine 125,000 of the biggest fan boys, geeks, goths, people who like to dress up in their favorite Star Wars costumes, geeks, Joss Whedon, Star Trek nerds, comic book writers and collectors of every stripe, all jammed into an overwhelmed convention center and you’d be about 1/1oth of the way there.

This was an exhibition of some of the most passionate and dedicated fans I think I’ve ever seen. When you walk through the crowd it’s like this: Storm Trooper, guy dressed like Captain America, Storm Trooper, guy dressed like Spider-Man, goth chick, Storm Trooper, another goth chick–OH MY GOD IT’S JENSEN ACKLES! Sort of like that.

In short, I loved it. These are my people! The geek shall inherit the earth!

I had a genuine purpose and that was to be on a Panel at the Con. Which I was. I have a picture right here of me sitting next to the fabulous MaryElizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore who served as Moderator. I was on the panel with my good buddy and international superstar, New York Time Best Selling author, who will rock the world with his upcoming book, Christopher Moore. As usual he was funny and smart and entertaining and I was pleased to ride on his coattails.

After Comic Con I went to San Francisco to do some other stuff. When I got home, I had to talk to the producer of the audio version of The Youngest Templar. When she told me the name of the narrator, an actor named Paul Boehmer, I immediately looked him up on IMDB.com and was thrilled to find out that PAUL BOEHMER HAS BEEN ON BOTH STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE AND STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE! OH. MY. GOD. And he is narrating my audio book! I might just faint.

In other news, artist Layne Johnson has signed up to illustrate my upcoming picture book OFF LIKE THE WIND! The Story of the Pony Express. I’ve always loved his work and I’m thrilled we’re going to be working together on this project!

More later!

Your authorness

©2010 Michael Spradlin Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Anyhoo, I thought I’d fill you in on just a few random things I did and saw in the last couple of weeks, before I take off tomorrow to attend the International Reading Association Convention in Atlanta. Incidentally if you are attending the IRA convention (and no IRA does not stand for Irish Republican Army) I’ll be doing a bunch of appearances there to sign books so see the end of this post for the details (but don’t skip over to the end, read the middle part first!).

So first I went to Texas. It was the first time I’d ever been to the Texas Library Association convention. Them Texas Librarians! Are they ever friendly and do they ever love their Texas books! My signing of TEXAS RANGERS: LEGENDARY LAWMEN was spectacular and I thought it was a great show all the way around. I’ll definitely be going back.

From Texas I went to New York City for New York Comic Con. Wow. Where to even begin? This is my second time at NYCC and it was another great weekend getting in touch with my inner nerd. I saw so many cool things and signed a lot of books. The coolest thing though was the Penguin Young Readers Group banner at their booth that had the cover artwork for THE YOUNGEST TEMPLAR: Keeper of the Grail right there in the middle. (By the way, the book is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com. I’m just sayin’!) All I can say is that Penguin Young Readers Group rocks! I had a great time hanging out in the booth and signing Advanced Readers Editions of the novel.

The thing I love about Comic Con is that you see things there you won’t ever see anywhere else. Some highlights:                                                       

1) The ‘light saber’ competition at the rear of the convention center with real judges like in a martial arts competition. I half expected to see Daniel LaRussa and Johnny and the rest of his Cobra Kai minions square off. You almost couldn’t tear yourself away from it.

2) I saw seven women dressed as Princess Leia from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

3) Almost every booth has a ‘booth babe’ an exceedingly beautiful woman whose sole purpose is to engage geeks in conversation and get them to buy stuff. What was funny this time is I saw a guy dressed in a Wolverine costume trying every move he knew (which apparently was about three moves, tops) to pick up a booth babe. Buddy, here’s a hint: YOU’RE DRESSED AS WOLVERINE! UNLESS YOU ALSO HAPPEN TO BE HUGH JACKMAN YOU HAVE NO SHOT!

4) A super cool Green Arrow statue. In the words of Napoleon Dynamite “I want that!”

It was almost too much fun and I’ve heard that San Diego Comic Con is even bigger and geekier so I can’t wait for that one come July.

From New York, a three day side trip to Orlando for other business, and then I was in Los Angeles for the LA Time Festival of Books. This is one of my most favorite events of the year. Held on the beautiful UCLA Campus it’s a gorgeous celebration of books and book lovers. Despite heat in triple digits it was a fun day and I can’t wait to go back again next year.

Then I came home and after two weeks in hotels and on airplanes breathing germy air, I got sick. So that’s my excuse for not posting for the last couple of weeks. Not to mention that in between all of that I had to get some writing done. 
 

So that’s it. Off to IRA. If you’re attending I’ll be signing at the Walker Booth on Monday May 5th from 4-4:30pm. And on Wednesday I’ll be signing at Anderson Bookshops from 10-11am, HarperCollins from 12-12:30 pm and Penguin Young Readers Group from 1:30-2pm. So if you’re attending the show during one of these times, please stop by and say hello!

Hope to see you there!

©2010 Michael Spradlin Blog. All Rights Reserved.

There are lots of shows that get critical acclaim. There are lots of TV shows that have large audiences (I for one have about had all I can stand of American Idol). But it seems that it’s become more and more rare that shows that get the critical acclaim also get the large audience. I don’t know why this is.  FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS has become appointment television in our household. I watch because I love the quirky characters and the town’s devotion to it’s High School football team. My wife loves it because she thinks it’s one of the most realistic portrayals of a modern marriage ever shown on television and my daughter likes it because according to her “the guys are hot.”

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS is that rare episodic TV show that manages it’s large ensemble cast with flare and depth. Each of the shows characters is fully drawn, flawed and in some way lovable. From the single minded Coach Taylor to the hunky, misunderstood loner Tim Riggins, every single one of them shines on the screen. So why aren’t you watching?

Maybe, you say, you don’t like football. FNL isn’t about football. Football is the backdrop and the thread that runs through each characters life, but it’s not the point. Maybe, you say, you don’t like shows about teenagers. Sure, there’s a lot of teenagers on the show but there’s also plenty of poignant adult characters who are trying to do right by each other and their children and finding it a very rocky road indeed. Maybe, you say, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS is on at an inconvenient time or that you actually have a life and don’t sit home on Friday nights to watch TV. To that I say, first, ouch. And second: hello TIVO!

With the writer’s strike cutting into production there will be no new episodes of FNL this year and that’s too bad. And their may not be anymore ever. That would be a shame. NBC is apparently mulling whether or not to cancel the show and lots of fans have launched save FNL campaigns and are sending NBC executives light bulbs and miniature footballs. Which cracks me up. So here is what you can do. If you have high speed Internet you can go to NBC.com and watch every episode for free! So what are you waiting for.

Watch FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. You won’t be disappointed.

I’m just sayin’

©2010 Michael Spradlin Blog. All Rights Reserved.

2. Is anyone watching Comanche Moon? There are two things that drew me to this six-hour mini-series. One is that I’m a huge fan of Larry McMurty. I’ve read everything he’s ever written and Lonesome Doveis one my all time favorite novels. I usually reread it every year just for the dialogue. The second thing that drew me in was Val Kilmer. Val Kilmer in a western is virtually without peer. How he never won an Oscar for his portrayal of Doc Holiday in Tombstone is beyond me. So I tuned in to watch the first two hours, and the verdict? I give it two and half stars out of four. Kilmer is fantastic. The problem is he isn’t on the screen enough. And the two actors playing Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call are trying to live up to two legendary performances that just can’t be outdone. Steve Zahn as Gus is probably the better of the two and is doing his best to channel a young Robert Duvall but he’s been asked to take on an impossible task. Still, there are McMurtry’s fingerprints all over the writing and I’ll keep watching.

3. I went to see I AM LEGEND over the holidays. I’m a big fan of the original novella and this picture is superior to the first movie version, The Omega Man (which I saw when I was twelve and scared the crap out of me! Now I rewatch it and can’t believe how cheesy it is). No spoilers here in this post in case you haven’t seen it yet. Let’s just say I found it entertaining but the end falls apart a little bit. One of the coolest parts of the movie is seeing a deserted New York City. Having traveled there many times, I found myself envying Will Smith being able to get across town so quickly. What did you think?

4. We had no school today. 4 inches of snow.

5. Today is the Presidential primary in Michigan. I will not miss the automated phone calls when it is over.

Peace. Out.

©2010 Michael Spradlin Blog. All Rights Reserved.

There are moments in a movie theater that you just can’t replicate anywhere else. Sure, you could spread greasy popcorn on your living room floor so your feet stick to it and spill your Diet Coke on the carpet, but that’s not what I’m talking about. Heck, sometimes I do that just for the fun of it.

You can have a big screen TV and a surround sound system and popcorn right out of the microwave and a box of Milk Duds that you picked up at Wal-Mart, but it still doesn’t compare with going to the movies. There is something about the darkened theater, and the giant screen and the images flickering on that wall of light.

Personally, I think it takes us back to our earliest primal beginnings. When we lived in caves lit only by firelight. A village elder or the tribal shaman stood in the shadows of the dancing flames and played out a story for us on the cave wall. in case you’re wondering, I also believe that American football is a metaphor for the settlement of the American continent, like Crash Davis that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, and that white chocolate is not real chocolate and therefore is an abomination unto man. But I digress.

I’ve always loved the movies. And this weekend seeing JUNO, made me understand why. It’s a movie so fine, with performances so real and nuanced by the actors, especially the star Ellen Page, that you forget you are watching a movie. It’s one of the truest depictions of teenage life that has ever been seen on the screen. It also has one of the most loving and realistic portrayals of middle class life of any movie I can think of right now.

Yes, it deals with teenage pregnancy. That might make you uncomfortable. But the movie doesn’t take a stand on the issue other than to say, there are consequences we all must face from the decisions we make. Personally, I think this movie should be seen by everyone over the age of twelve. Just as I’ve always felt that Jerry Maguire should be required viewing in every Graduate Business school in America. I don’t want to give away any spoilers except to say that I don’t see how any one on any side of the teen pregnancy issue could have a problem with this film.

I highly recommend it. Go see it. In fact it’s the perfect movie for parents and their teenagers to see together. And yes, I know that’s lame because, like, ick, what teenager wants to go to a movie with THEIR PARENTS? Do me a favor. Do it any way.

When you see it, or if you’ve seen it, let me know what you thought.

P.S. The paperback edition of Spy Goddess: To Hawaii, With Love is now on sale. Just, you know, a friendly reminder.

©2010 Michael Spradlin Blog. All Rights Reserved.