Magus of Stonewylde cover

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!

 

63 Comments

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  1. John Forster 6 years ago

    Awesome news Kit ,i really look forward to seeing this come to life , Love and health

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks, John! Fingers crossed! xxxxx

  2. Jules 6 years ago

    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 ?

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thank you so much, Jules – and some good ideas there too! xxxxx

  3. Lisa 6 years ago

    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!!!

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      A long time, Lisa! And now at last, maybe it’s time! xxxxx

  4. Cheryl 6 years ago

    Thrilled at this news Kit. Good luck and I’m looking forward to seeing Magus on screen xx

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks, Cheryl – me too! xxxxx

  5. Sandy 6 years ago

    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.

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks – I like that! xxxxx

  6. Heather Mac 6 years ago

    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! ?

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Great – thanks so much! xxxxx

  7. Wendy Pestridge 6 years ago

    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

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks, Wendy – that’s lovely! xxxxx

  8. Sujee 6 years ago

    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… ??

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks so much, Sujee! And yes, we’ve been talking about it for so long. It’s time to start now! xxx

  9. Joyce 6 years ago

    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

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      That’s lovely, Joyce! More than a couple of years ago though, I think! So glad you’ve enjoyed Stonewylde. xxxxx

  10. Moonstone 6 years ago

    Great news. Will have a think and see what I can come up with. Can’t wait till all our prwvious discussions become reality 🙂

  11. Ros Gibbs (aka Aurora Butterfly Moon) 6 years ago

    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

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      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

  12. Jenifer Garner-Curtis 6 years ago

    The news I have been waiting for. Fabulous. Adored the first book. Very thrilling and magical.

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thank you! Now you need to read the rest of them! xxxxx

  13. Antonia 6 years ago

    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

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      That’s great – thanks very much, Antonia! xxxxx

  14. Toni McKee 6 years ago

    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. ..

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      I like that – thanks very much, Toni! xxxxx

  15. Laura williams-Churm 6 years ago

    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

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks Laura! And yes, please do! xxxxx

  16. Jezzer (Geraldine ) 6 years ago

    Great news so thrilled for you. Stonewylders have been waiting for this for ages so excited. Thinking cap on for logline

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      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

  17. Karen Tanner 6 years ago

    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.

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks very much, Karen! Love the light and dark reference! xxxxx

  18. Splodge 6 years ago

    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

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks, Splodge! After that lovely poem at Moongazy Camp, I’m sure you’ll come up with something good! xxxxx

  19. Geoff Watts 6 years ago

    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.

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      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

  20. Paula 6 years ago

    When magic grabs your hand and drags you through the caverns only the joining of his dark with your light can save you …..

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Love it – thanks, Paula! xxxxx

  21. Matt 6 years ago

    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?

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks, Matt! Some good ideas there xxxxx

  22. Shauna McKee 6 years ago

    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.

    • Shauna McKee 6 years ago

      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

      • Author
        Kit Berry 6 years ago

        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

  23. Lisa Taunton 6 years ago

    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

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thank you, Lisa! Brightest blessings to you too xxxxx

  24. Denise Turner 6 years ago

    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.

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks very much for that, Denise – I like that! xxxxx

  25. Lee 6 years ago

    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

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks so much, Lee! It’s all very exciting! xxxxx

  26. Alice Taylor (Gwendolyna) 6 years ago

    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!

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks so much, Alice – absolutely beautiful! Very glad you love Stonewylde – thank you. Blessings to you too xxxxx

  27. Kas 6 years ago

    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

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Thanks so much, Kas! I really hope so too! It would be a dream come true xxxxx

  28. Miriam Stone 6 years ago

    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.

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      That’s excellent, Miriam – thank you! xxxxx

  29. Moonwolf (Dave Beanland) 6 years ago

    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.

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Beautiful! Thank you!

  30. Celt 6 years ago

    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 ?

    • Author
      Kit Berry 6 years ago

      Yes, sadly too late for him, and Rutger Hauer too. I doubt I’d have any say but fingers crossed! xxx

  31. Juliet 5 years ago

    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!

    • Author
      Kit Berry 5 years ago

      Thank you very much, Juliet! And I’m so glad you loved the books!

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