Elaine Clark McCarthy

I wrote my first book when I was six. It read, in its entirety, "Bobby was a boy. He lived and he died. The end."

I believe I've learned a lot about what a story is in the [ooo-la-la!] years since then. (Thank you, Craig Ferguson) I've written newspaper columns, mystery novels, children's books, science fiction, plays (some produced), screenplays, short stories (some published) and erotica (some blushing)...

And then: The Falconer.

Here comes the Big Brag: I got a [ay caramba!) dollar advance from Random House, an equally delightful deal from 20th Century Fox. Book of the Month Club and Literary Guild had a bidding war (BOMC won), and Reader's Digest Condensed Books managed to condense it. It was also published in 18 foreign countries and translated into 17 foreign languages. Susan Anspach read the audio version. Sandra Bullock and Sean Connery were interested in being in the movie and Forrest Whittaker was going to direct it. Oh my.

Writer's block? I used to say, "Oh, ha ha, there's no such thing. It just means there's something wrong with the story." Words to be bitten in the [mon dieu!] by. But I AM BACK. Watch this page.

Meanwhile, may all your readings be satisfying ones. And keep cheery!