I’ve worked on some exciting special projects in the last few years.
In the last few years, I’ve worked on some exciting projects. One of them was Miracle’s Boys, the mini-series. Basically, some people thought the book would make a good show so they got three fabulous actors together—Julito McCullum, (Lafayette), Sean Nelson, (Charlie) and Pooch Hall (Ty’ree). They also brought in some cool directors—Neema Barnette, Bill Duke, Ernest Dickerson, Spike Lee and Levar Burton (who, coincidentally, at the same time was working on another book of mine—Visiting Day—for Reading Rainbow!) Then, to totally make my day, they got Tiki Barber (RB for the New York Giants) and Jorge Pasada (Catcher for the New York Yankees), to play coaches on the show!
These are some of the photos:
That’s Tiki and me hanging on the set.
Dr. Dre pointing out cds to Julito and his boys, Pooch giving his million dollar grin before heading into the building...
Above is Sean Nelsen (Charlie) with Essie Chambers (one of the Producers). Wild! That’s the only word that comes to mind right now. It was Wild!
The musician, Nas, came along and did the theme song. Dr Dre played a guy selling cds on the street. Harlem (one of my favorite spots in Manhattan) was the backdrop for it all.
Of course, I ended spending far too much time on the set instead of being at home writing but I got to sit in one of those fancy Director’s chairs (It didn’t have my name on the back though.) Some days, I took my family with me.
The making of Miracle’s Boys was definitely a high point in my summer.
I also, when I got my senses back, worked on a couple of books that will be out in the next few years. One is a picture book called The Rope. James Ransome said he’d illustrate it. Yay! He’s the one who did Visiting Day and I think he’s just an amazingly talented illustrated and a great guy. Check out his website if you get a chance.
I am also trying to finish up a book called Still Winter that will be a middle-grade novel. Don’t ask me what it’s about—I’m about two-thirds finished with it and still don’t know. Maybe that should be the title: Still Don’t Know. Hmmmm... Anyway, it’ll be out sometime in 2007 and when it hits the world, you can see it first right here. Another book, The Potential For Light, is for young adults. I’m hoping to finish that one early next year. We’ll see.
Other things I’m up to—Think I might try to write a screenplay next year. A couple of other books in various stages. But as I’m typing this, I realize it’s almost dinnertime so I should get into the kitchen and start cooking. Also, poor Maus is giving me the old “Please walk me” eye. I guess it’s time to go.