A very happy New Year to you all! 2018 is going to be an excellent year – infinitely better than 2017, which was mostly pretty awful for me. I’d been unknowingly suffering for some time with a severe vitamin deficiency (Pernicious Anaemia) and by January last year, I was really ill. I’m now fully recovered, but it took until September to feel better again. It’s been a long and slow recovery.
Consequently, I wrote nothing at all last year; when I was really ill, I couldn’t even read, which is unheard of! But now I’m raring to go, and want to share this exciting news with you all. And also ask for some help!
I’d hoped by now to have finished my historical novel set on the Isle of Portland during the English Civil War, and prior to 2017, had spent a huge amount of time (and money!) researching the novel. I have a whole library of books on the subject, and am still very keen to embark on this project. I’m hoping to begin in the latter half of this year.
Return to Stonewylde!
But I’ve been side-tracked into returning to Stonewylde. A lovely author friend of mine, who has some knowledge of the TV/film industry, is a huge Stonewylde fan. We’ve had long discussions, and the upshot is that I’m now embarking on turning the first book, Magus of Stonewylde, into a ten-part TV series!
Over the years (it’s now twelve years since we first published Magus) many, many people have said what a great film/TV series Stonewylde would make. Lots of readers have said how very visual the books are, and how they really do believe themselves to be there, in the heart of Stonewylde, mixing with the Villagers and Hallfolk, celebrating in the Stone Circle, watching the moon rise from Hare Stone, and avoiding the stalking menace of Quarrycleave.
I’d always been wary of the idea of turning the books into screenplays, largely because I didn’t want the story messed with, or the setting Americanised, or a script-writer ruining the magic of Stonewylde. But my friend suggested that I should write the screenplay myself (not something I’d imagined I could do) and after that, the idea took root.
I’ve re-read Magus for the first time in over six years, and as I read, I imagined it playing out on the screen. And I really think it works! The advantage of a television series over a film is obviously the fact you can include so much more story and detail, and really develop the characters just as they’re portrayed in the book. You don’t have to chop out huge chunks of story, or compromise with detail. The downside is of course that you need to sustain interest over a longer period. I’m envisaging a ten episode series, although that may have to change once production companies are approached.
So … the norm, apparently, is to write a pilot episode and try to sell this to a production company, who will then engage writers to create the screenplay. However, my plan is to write the whole thing myself – all of Magus of Stonewylde. Obviously the pilot episode has to be very exciting and gripping, but looking at the first two chapters of the book, I think these would convert well.
One of the most crucial things, apparently, is a dynamic logline. The logline is the bait that’s dangled in front of production companies, and if it’s tasty enough, they’ll then look at the pilot episode script and a synopsis of the series. Loglines are the industry term for a sentence (two at most) which encapsulates the story and intrigues and excites enough to make them want to find out more. Apparently it’s best not to use names of characters. It’s also important that you mention your flawed hero, the secondary helper, the big obstacle/drama, and the villain or threat. All in one sentence!!!!
Help!
This is where I wondered if you, my lovely readers, could help. I’ve had several goes at creating the perfect logline, none of which I’m satisfied with. I thought that maybe, given the amazing level of support and enthusiasm you’ve shown over the years, you could make some suggestions? What I’d probably end up doing is writing them all out and then perhaps putting together bits and pieces from several to create something that really works. Unless someone clever comes up with the perfect logline, of course!
The sentence can be quite long, but not too long. No names of characters. No spoilers. Just a hook and enough to explain the very basics of Magus of Stonewylde, and intrigue the person being pitched to. One of my biggest problems is that I can’t actually decide who’s the hero! Yul naturally springs to mind, of course – but Sylvie is equally the hero. I’m talking here about just the first book in the series. Or perhaps we could present them both as the heroes in the logline? I just can’t decide. So I’d really, really appreciate any help anyone can give. Don’t worry if you think your logline isn’t brilliant – the more I can look at, the easier it’ll be for me to put something together myself. If you could please post your idea on the link to this blog on Facebook, or in the comments section here, that’d be fantastic. Everything would then be easier for me to access. Apparently if you look on the IMDB.com website at series or films, you’ll see loglines a-plenty, which may help.
Right, enough of this – I have a screenplay to write! A very happy and exciting New Year to you all, and let’s hope that by the end of 2018, there’ll be a major production company signed up to create the first season of Stonewylde, with four more seasons to follow!
I’ll be blogging more regularly now and will keep you all updated on progress with the screenplay. It’s lovely to be able to share this with you all, and I really hope that together we can come up with the perfect logline. Thank you!
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Awesome news Kit ,i really look forward to seeing this come to life , Love and health
Thanks, John! Fingers crossed! xxxxx
I wish I could help Kit! When I think of Stonewylde I think of Sylvie and Yul and adventure and sacrifice, love and pain, strength and weakness, love and hate! I think of religion in it most basic forms and the best and most horrid sides of humanity!
I know that doesn’t help you but your books sent my life in a whole new direction and the friends I’ve made because of that are awesome ?
Thank you so much, Jules – and some good ideas there too! xxxxx
Oh Kit!!! How long have we been casting this for??? We spent hours and hours on thr forum posting pics of suggestions. What fantastic news!!!
A long time, Lisa! And now at last, maybe it’s time! xxxxx
Thrilled at this news Kit. Good luck and I’m looking forward to seeing Magus on screen xx
Thanks, Cheryl – me too! xxxxx
One girl suffering from an unknown illness, with a boy whose life had been nothing but pain and hardship come together to change the course of history in a community many wish they could inhabit. Good and evil collide.
Thanks – I like that! xxxxx
Oh my gosh! I am beyond excited about this news! And for YOU! I’ve always felt this story would translate amazingly well to a TV series! I’m away to re-read Magus now to inspire me to come up with some logline ideas now! ?
Great – thanks so much! xxxxx
She was the shining light that was to guide him through the darkness, but even darker shadows threatened to destroy them both
Love and light to you Kit and good luck with this exciting new venture xxx
Thanks, Wendy – that’s lovely! xxxxx
Blummin’ fantastic news Kit! As Lisa says – we’ve been planning and casting this for years!
Logline- gosh that sounds tricky. I’m going to check IMDB for ideas… ??
Thanks so much, Sujee! And yes, we’ve been talking about it for so long. It’s time to start now! xxx
Omg… I love it.. see so many people wandering around in my head right now! I think you should play in to the outline not the inner.. I met you a couple years ago at Elfia Arcen and you sold me your books because of the love you showed me for the place the magical ground of stonewylde.. and I didn’t like reading!
2days after Elfia I finished book 1
That’s lovely, Joyce! More than a couple of years ago though, I think! So glad you’ve enjoyed Stonewylde. xxxxx
Great news. Will have a think and see what I can come up with. Can’t wait till all our prwvious discussions become reality 🙂
Me too! xxxxx
Oh Wow! What fabulous news to start the new year. The best of luck with this .
Please can I be an extra even though I don’t do it any more!
I love what Wendy has written. X
I don’t think I’ll have any say in who plays as extras, but if I do, you know you’ll be first in line! After carrying a Stonewylde bag onto the set of Eastenders!!! xxxxx
The news I have been waiting for. Fabulous. Adored the first book. Very thrilling and magical.
Thank you! Now you need to read the rest of them! xxxxx
Here goes….
Trapped in the City, her health failing, it took the magick of Stonewylde to revive her.
Magick which took her on a journey through darkness and to the light of true love.
Good luck with the screenplay Kit! It’s going to be amazing xx
That’s great – thanks very much, Antonia! xxxxx
The 21st century was killing her when her salvation unexpectedly came in the form of a hidden community with a mixed past of cruelty, passion and simplicity which will also be her undoing.
Too rambling? But Sylvie is a strong character. ..
I like that – thanks very much, Toni! xxxxx
So so pleased for you. Cannot wait to see it once it’s all ready to go. Best of luck with it all. I’ll have a think on that log line for you. X
Thanks Laura! And yes, please do! xxxxx
Great news so thrilled for you. Stonewylders have been waiting for this for ages so excited. Thinking cap on for logline
Thank you, Jezzer! And please do – if your amazing poetry is anything to go by, I’m sure you’ll come up with something brilliant! xxxxx
To fight the forces of evil, light and dark must work together. When 2 very different people are thrown together, evil faces it’s end.
Thanks very much, Karen! Love the light and dark reference! xxxxx
OMG we have been waiting for this since the very first reading of the series.
Will put my thinking head on !!
Love and Bright Blessings xxxxx
Thanks, Splodge! After that lovely poem at Moongazy Camp, I’m sure you’ll come up with something good! xxxxx
Back in October 2006 I wrote a short review of the first book for Amazon (it’s still there). This is a slightly trimmed version that might give a few ideas.
Stonewylde is a near feudal community of ancient beliefs and practices, where most of its inhabitants are completely isolated from modern life. However almost without their knowing it their idyllic lifestyle has been corrupted and it’s fate lies with a young newcomer from the modern world and an illiterate village youth. It is a story of love, passion and extreme sacrifice, where the reluctant hero and heroine desperately fight for their own survival against the dark forces that are intent on destroying them and ultimately the ancient world in which they live.
Thanks very much, Geoff! Obviously too long for a logline but as you say, there are some excellent ideas in there. That’s the problem I’m finding – how to create a strong hook with so few words. Thanks a lot for this! xxxxx
When magic grabs your hand and drags you through the caverns only the joining of his dark with your light can save you …..
Love it – thanks, Paula! xxxxx
A girl sick with unknowing cause, and a boy always on the wrong end of strife. Can they fight evil together in a community, that although magical, requires that they are seperated?
Thanks, Matt! Some good ideas there xxxxx
In a world closer to home than we think, lies a hidden community who live in the ancient ways of the old, cut off from the modern culture of today. Supernatural forces combined with love, ignite the relationship between a misunderstood boy and an ill girl on her path to healing, as they figure out how to fight the dark forces lurking at bay.
I sent my comment too quickly, Kit! But I have been such a huge fan of your books since I was 14 and I am soon 24 now! What I have written isn’t ideal and is quite rushed as I’m doing it at my office in work, haha. But I hope that maybe it will give you some inspiration. Good luck with everything, I adore your work and I adore you.
Blessings
Shauna x
Oh Shauna – you’re lovely! Thank you! I love your logline, and have added it onto my list of suggestions which I’ll be looking at carefully soon, and trying to use bits of everyone’s ideas. Thank you again! Bright blessings xxxxx
How exciting!!! When I read Magus, I thought it was indeed very visual and would make an excellent movie or TV show.
Hope it will get picked up, can’t wait to see it come to life.
Brightest blessings xxxxx
Thank you, Lisa! Brightest blessings to you too xxxxx
Hi Kit sounds fab!
What about;
A love story in which a young London woman becomes the unwitting saviour of a closed Dorsetshire community led by a Magus, corrupted by power.
Thanks very much for that, Denise – I like that! xxxxx
How very exciting is this ! I remember reading Magus and taxing my friend Sal in an absolute uproar of “oh my god!!! That Magus….” Kind of moments…
Good luck my friend very excited xxx
Thanks so much, Lee! It’s all very exciting! xxxxx
Behind the gates of a secluded community the silent moon rises and watches as a tender love story unfolds, but the silver-haired girl and the dark village boy must combat the forces of evil if their love is to survive.
Many graces and blessings to you, Kit, and to all my Stonewylde friends. I love Stonewylde!
Thanks so much, Alice – absolutely beautiful! Very glad you love Stonewylde – thank you. Blessings to you too xxxxx
Not a log line…but just Whoop Whoop Whoop! Makes perfect sense that you write the Screenplay too Kit. It’s always been you, from the very beginning. It’s your baby. Really hope this works out for you. Xx
Thanks so much, Kas! I really hope so too! It would be a dream come true xxxxx
Under the protection of a great circle of standing stones, a frail young girl comes to live and be healed in a hidden community of ancient traditions, at the behest of their charismatic leader, the Magus.
That’s excellent, Miriam – thank you! xxxxx
Hi Kit, love the idea and hope you can get someone to take it on. I don’t know if you have got your logline yet, if not, will this help?
A land of beauty, joy, peace and light shrouded in the Mothers best gown, with the elfin child, her iron willed protecter at her side, stands with a foot in both worlds.
But the darkness seeps from the shadows coming to steal the light and peace from the peoples lives.
Beautiful! Thank you!
Alas, too late for Alan Rickman as Magus, but I’m sure if you have a hand in the casting Kit, the cast will be totally fitting ?
Yes, sadly too late for him, and Rutger Hauer too. I doubt I’d have any say but fingers crossed! xxx
Deep inside an ancient hidden community a vibrant young man must fight against its charismatic but corrupt leader to save its future.
Warm wishes Kit – I loved all the Stonewylde books!
Thank you very much, Juliet! And I’m so glad you loved the books!