Wednesday, October 19, 2011

On the Secret Circle

Back in 1992 L.J. Smith wrote the first novel in the Secret Circle series. I only read the first book recently when I rediscovered the series because of the new show on the CW.

I read all four of the novels in two days, and loved every minute of it. About the time Diana was introduced with her sunlight and moonlight hair, I realized I'd read it before.

Then again, I've read so many books I can't remember half the titles, and the descriptions are so generic most of the time I couldn't tell from them either.

Now, am I the only one surprised a series written in the 90's is just now becoming a television series?

Granted, aside from the title, the names and the fact the characters are witches, the show is nothing like the books. (In fact, half of the characters aren't even in the show).

I've come to expect this from Hollywood.

Shows and movies are rarely like the amazing novels they were adapted from.


Okay, those fans of Janet Evanovich and the Stephanie Plum series might point out that the movie rights for One for the Money were purchased in the 90's when the novel first came out, and the movie is just now-- kind of-- coming into 'life'.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, I know.

R.S, why should it be any different with television shows?

Uh, maybe because it's television?

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the show for what it is.

A teen drama full of angst, stupidity, and sex. It is the CW after all. It's like Buffy without the Vampires or the kickass slayer abilities.

** Side note** If you've seen the show, did you notice each episode seems to begin with the same two people in bed together? 


What books or series of books have you read that you'd like turned into movies or shows, or wish hadn't been touched by the hands of Hollywood? When it comes to the screen play, where does creative license end and butchering begin?

R.S.

3 comments:

  1. I can't think of any specific examples but I always hate it when they turn books into tv shows or movies. I try to enjoy it for what it is but I end up picking it apart, hahah. And I know what you mean about reading so many books it begins to blend together! Sometimes I re-read books and honestly can't remember if it's deja vu or if I have read them before!

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  2. One of the worst movie adaptions that comes immediately to mind is Michael Crichton's Congo. Normally I can set aside the book and enjoy the film for what it is but that one was truly awful. After several disappointing experiences, I think for the most part I've stopped crossing over. If I really, really love a book, I don't watch the movie and if I've really enjoyed the film, I don't pick up the book. As an example, I've never read a Nicholas Spark's book and have no intention of doing so. Perhaps they're wonderful, but I've seen the films...and have no interest in reading the books to see if they're better. There are, of course, exceptions to this movie/book crossover "issue" of mine, but I can't think of any right now. Which is kind of funny considering I really like game/book crossovers. LOL

    I think the time between purchasing rights and creating a film or tv series has much to do with the audience. There are only so many time slots in a TV schedule and producers have to time their presentations to TV execs in the best way for their series to be accepted.

    I also have read more books than I can remember and have occasionally picked one up and found part way into it that I've read it before.

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  3. I can't wait for One for the Money to come out!!! I love J.E. Found your blog on the Writers for YA on She Writes. Visit my blog www.cfitewrite.blogspot.com.

    Looking forward to getting to know you. :))

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