Back to the movies

As some of you, dear readers, may have read in past interviews and biographical sketches, the Music of the Heart series began as dramas, then morphed into teleplays, before becoming novels—or what I like to call “fauxographies.” And with the October 2005 release of Finding Anna, then last July’s The Longing Season, it has become ever clearer to me that I need to return to my dream of making these stories into movies.

I have always been a reluctant novelist in telling these hymn stories. At first, I didn’t think I’d have enough to tell—certainly not 60,000 words worth! But the advice seemed sound: developing the stories into novels and winning over an audience would make a movie deal more promising. I believe that was good advice, and I’m glad I researched and traveled and outlined and dithered over dialogue for a year to make each book you now own worthwhile.

However, the publishing path is very rocky and, lately, impassable. So I have ended my relationship with Bethany House to pursue screenwriting and other writing opportunities. Book #3 is canceled, but I do not believe the hymnstory project is dead…too many stories still need to be told.

I have so enjoyed hearing from readers around the world. Finding Anna and The Longing Season have been translated into Dutch and German, gone hardcover with Crossings book club, and large print for my seeing-impaired fans. I’ve visited and called into book clubs to answer your burning questions, filled out online Q&As, done live and taped radio and television interviews, and had a photo shoot at my home for a magazine cover story. It has been an interesting adventure—and I’m always up for those.

Please continue to write to me and check back here for life updates. I imagine many readers will discover my books from your recommendations, and I’ll be only happy to chat with them. CS

Comments

[Jane Squires]

I just now found out about you and your books. They look like some I would enjoy and could use while recovering from surgery with an 8 month recovery time. Today is not a good day to write this so it will be short. Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless.

[Jacob Stevens]

Mrs. Schaub, I read a portion of your book "Finding Anna" and I loved it! Good writing, keeps you nailed to the book. You would probably find this of some interest to you. Your third book of the Series "Music of the Heart", "The Tender Lght", is up for sale on Amazon. I happened across it while looking for your books online. It says that it is not publicized yet, but, I guess they haven't caught wind that the book is canceled. I don't know! Haha.

[Rachel]

Hi there on Amazon they say you have three books out the third being"The Tender Light" I have the first two but can't find the 3rd althought I did notice on your sight it said the 3rd was cancelled or was that the movie?

[Mary]

I reviewed both of your books on my review site marysworld411.blogspot.com and if you are going to make them into movies...wow! They will be awesome. Sorry to hear you've split from BH but it sounds like you are on a new journey!

[MSC Dissertation]

Blogs are so informative where we get lots of information on any topic. Nice job keep it up!!