The Novel

Posted by Roy Freirich at 1/28/2008 12:42 PM
Categories: uncategorized


One of five finalists for the Southern California Independent Booksellers Assocation Award.


Book Reviews:

"...stark, impressive debut... a tightly knit ensemble drama... emotionally charged."

-- Publisher's Weekly


 "A riveting debut novel about the aftermath of a mass shooting in a fast food restaurant.  The author achieves the amazing feat of following an utterly disparate cast of dramatis personae through the vicissitudes of their lives as they are irrevocably scarred and changed forever.  A sure-fire page-turner and, without question, has great movie written all over it, vividly reminiscent of Atom Egoyan's great The Sweet Hereafter."

-- Rex Pickett, author of SIDEWAYS


"A lone gunman enters a fast-food diner, kills two patrons, and then turns the gun on himself. From that depressingly familiar scenario, first-novelist and veteran screenwriter Freirich spins a highly emotional story of how the survivors deal with the tragedy... As the narrative flashes between the surviors’ desperate attempts to cope and the fateful events of that day, Freirich employs a hyper, pop-culture-obsessed narrative voice to home in on the fleeting nature of existence. Soon to be made into a film, which will raise its visibility, this well-crafted debut packs an emotional wallop."

— Joanne Wilkinson, on BookList



“When a life is shattered, what is left to hold onto? Roy Freirich’s group portrait of the aftermath of a random shooting delves into areas of the psyche rarely explored with such precision and delicacy. A relentlessly suspenseful and mesmerizing novel from a brilliantly original writer.  Winged Creatures is an astounding debut.”

-- David Angsten, author of DARK GOLD



"A searing emotional drama of an American random shooting and the profoundly moving struggles of the survivors to regain their wholeness.  A great novel!  The film should prove an Oscar winner."
               
-- R.H.Weber, author of HOMELAND

_______________________________________________________________________

Order from Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Winged-Creatures-Novel-Roy-Freirich/dp/0312378955/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-6206741-3323915?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193464974&sr=1-1

 

Winged Creatures is out, and I feel proud of the work and a little nervous about it at the same time; it’s my first published book, after many years of dreaming about it, and careers of circling this kind of writing by working at other kinds: songwriting and screenwriting.

Not every song and screenplay has been a success, certainly, but the screenplay for Winged Creatures seems to be, with a movie scheduled for release this year, starring Oscar winners Forest Whitaker, Jennifer Hudson, Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley, with Kate Beckinsale, Guy Pearce, Dakota Fanning, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Josh Hutcherson, Embeth Davidtz.

I’ll be updating you in the next few weeks, and in the meantime please feel free to post comments and questions.

Best to everyone,

 

 

Roy Freirich

 
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  • 12/13/2007 8:59 PM Roy Freirich wrote:
    Please join me! I will be reading from the novel at Dutton's Books in Brentwood, on January 12.

    11975 San Vicente Blvd.
    Los Angeles, CA 90049
    310-476-6263
    Reply to this
    1. 7/23/2008 11:20 PM Tav wrote:
      I'm currently about halfway through "WINGED CREATURES", and I could not be more engrossed in it! The characters are really what make it for me--I love how each person's pain is woven so beautifully into how they deal with the trauma. I'm curious, though, have you seen the completed film yet? How does it hold up? Also is there a release date in sight? I heard that there was most likely going to be a late November/early December opening.

      Either way, fantastic novel, I can't wait to finish it!
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 10:36 AM Roy Freirich wrote:
        Thank you so much.  I have seen the film, and as it states in the credits, it's a "Rowan Woods Film," (called a "possessory credit") and while it does not indicate authorship it signifies the film is very much the director's unique vision and interpretation of the screenplay.

        As the screenwriter, I can vouch for how closely the screenplay follows the novel, but after that, it's simply out of my hands, and I will say that for me many key story elements were left behind, or undersold.  

        Of course, to put it in perspective,  Julius Epstein thought they screwed up his movie, too, which we all know as Casablanca.

        It's been an interminable wait for a release date, as the studio decides how to market the film.

        Most of all though, it's the connection with readers I value, without anyone's intermediary vision.  Comments like yours encourage me to keep at it, and reviews from readers on websites like Goodreads and Amazon can encourage a book publisher to try and widen the audience, or even to take a chance on me again.

        I'm in the Los Angeles area, and if you are as well, I'd be happy to drop by your local bookstore to sign some copies.


        Thanks, and best to you.

        Roy





        Reply to this
  • 1/21/2008 5:40 PM Dave wrote:
    I understand that the film Winged Creatures was to be released on 1-10-07. The theaters in the Palm Springs, CA area do not have it listed yet. When I ask about it I'm told they don't know. Can you tell me when it will be shown here?
    Dave
    Reply to this
    1. 1/21/2008 7:06 PM Roy Freirich wrote:
      Dave,

      Thanks for your question.

      I haven't heard a movie release date yet, but expect to shortly.  The novel was released on January 10, and it's available on Amazon and other book sites and at bookstores.  I have an author's blog on Amazon, where you can read more about the story.


      Best to you,


      Roy Freirich

      Reply to this
  • 2/16/2008 10:08 PM Jose wrote:
    When will the movie be released?
    Can u let me know on the date of released!
    Thank You!
    Reply to this
  • 3/9/2008 11:21 PM LINDA wrote:
    Hi Roy,
    I was an extra in the movie "Winged Creatures" and all my scenes were with Forest Whitaker. I'm looking forward to it's release. Can you tell me how soon that will be? Thanks, Linda
    Reply to this
  • 5/30/2008 3:38 PM Nitsy wrote:
    I have been trying to find a release date for the movie. What is the hold up? Is the movie going to be released?
    Reply to this
    1. 5/30/2008 4:30 PM Roy Freirich wrote:
      I'm trying to find out, too.  I'm hearing it will be a fall release.
      Reply to this
    2. 5/31/2008 9:44 AM Nitsy wrote:
      Thank you for prompt reply
      Reply to this
  • 6/1/2008 8:49 PM holly wrote:
    i enjoyed this book alot and can not wait until the movie comes out. my favorite actor is in it. i check everyday to see if they have a realease date for the movie, and can't wait until it comes out!!!!
    Reply to this
    1. 6/2/2008 8:40 AM Roy Freirich wrote:
      I check every day, too.  The movie would not have not worked without Josh.  He has one of the most difficult roles of all.
      Reply to this
  • 6/17/2008 5:35 PM susan golia wrote:
    Myhusband was an "extra" in this movie, the portion filmed at the Morongo Indian Casino in Palm Springs and was a thrilling experience for him. We are so anxious to know when it will be released. Thanks. please update when you can.
    Reply to this
  • 6/26/2008 7:30 PM Dale Lynn wrote:
    I have just finished the book and I loved it. I can't wait to see the film. I have passed the book to my husband and can't put it down.
    Reply to this
  • 7/2/2008 10:20 AM Jennifer wrote:
    The book was amazing and it was very realistic. I cannot wait for the movie to come out! It possibly could be Oscar-worthy if its any good. When will it be out in theaters?
    Reply to this
    1. 7/2/2008 10:45 AM Roy Freirich wrote:
      Thank you so much; it's gratifying to hear.  Unfortunately, at this point, the release date is still to be determined.  I will forward your comment on to the producer and director and studio, in hopes it will encourage them.

      In this era of movies spawned from comic-book heros and television shows, studios sometimes need to be convinced that there's an audience for original stories.  It's lamentable, but understandable: movies cost a fortune to make and market.

      I hope you'll recommend the book to others.

      Best to you,


      Roy

      Reply to this
  • 7/4/2008 9:59 AM Ryan wrote:
    I haven't finished the book Winged Creatures yet, but so far it's really really good! I'm also really excited to see the movie, and I hope it comes out soon! Keep up the good work!
    Reply to this
    1. 7/4/2008 11:43 AM Roy Freirich wrote:
      Thank you so much!  I appreciate the encouragement, and will forward your comments to the studio, and hope it encourages them.

      Please recommend the book to your friends; it's readers like you who can help a story reach a wider audience.


      Thanks again,



      Roy

      Reply to this

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