When It Comes To Spooning I’m a Fork and other tales from the front-lines of marriage and parenthood by Marc PreyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
What can I say about this book that the title doesn’t do for me? Well for starters, this book is fantastic, funny and well written. I definitely would recommend this collection of short stories about one man’s different relationships. They range from finding is soul mate to the birth and raising of his two sons. I think that my favorite would have to be the one about the low gas gage. I don’t know how many times I have pushed our large mini-van those last few feet to the gas station. If you have a chance and need a good laugh get this book today!
I received this book as an early review copy for my honest review and I have given it. The opinions expressed herein are my own.
Bio: Marc L. Prey is the acclaimed screenwriter of such films as "Bury the Dog" (2012), "All I Want for Christmas" (2007) and "Damaged Goods" (2006). He was born in Detroit, Michigan, and has spent most of his life in the Great Lakes State. Marc has written comic strips, graphic novels, short fiction and blogs. He holds a bachelor's degree, master's degree and law degree and previously worked as a journalist and attorney. Marc's screenplays have won numerous screenwriting competitions, and he is frequently called upon to "doctor" scripts for producers, directors and other screenwriters. Due to his work promoting the Michigan film industry, Marc was appointed by Michigan's governor to the state's Film Advisory Council in 2008 and reappointed in 2011. Marc currently resides in the quaint Michigan village of Milford with his wife and two sons. When It Comes to Spooning, I'm a Fork is Marc's first published book.
1) What genre do
you like to write?
My book is
considered nonfiction humor. It might also be classified as a memoir. Many of
the stories originated from a humor blog I used to write about my foibles as a
husband and father. My profession, however, is screenwriting. As a film writer,
I've produced work in nearly every genre, from comedy to drama, romance to
horror. If I had to choose a favorite, it would be comedy. It should come as no
surprise, then, that my first foray into traditional publishing is with a humor
book.
2) How long have you been writing? What prompted you to start writing?
From the moment I first learned how to match a verb with a noun, I've
been fascinated with the written word. Growing up, I spewed out reams of
angst-filled poetry and pretentious short stories, and in college I dreamt of
writing the Great American Novel. Even when I later went to work as a lawyer, it
was always writing briefs and memoranda that gave me the most satisfaction. Once
I discovered I could make a living at writing, the law didn't stand a
chance.
3) What inspires you to write?
As a screenwriter,
my inspiration rises when I view a quality film or read a great script. I also
find inspiration in a good idea, something that screams “film” and drives me to
transfer it from my mind to the page.
4) When a story idea pops into your head, how long does it typically take to write it (from start to finish)?
Since my experience
is primarily as a screenwriter, I will answer this accordingly. I always start
by outlining my film ideas. This process can take approximately one-to-two
weeks. From there, I jump into writing a first draft of the screenplay. A
feature film screenplay is generally in the neighborhood of 120 pages (general
rule: one page of script = one minute of film). I can usually complete the first
draft in four-to-six weeks. Once done, I try to put the script aside for a week
or two before re-reading it and performing revisions. From start to finish, this
process may take as many as three months to complete. There are times, however,
when an external deadline may cause me to shorten this period by as much as
half.
5) What did you find to be the most difficult part of the writing process? The easiest?
In writing the
essays that were eventually compiled into my book, the most difficult part was
finding the time to write. This was prior to my transition to a full-time
writer, when I was working sixty hours per week as an attorney while
simultaneously trying to be a successful husband and father. As a result, I was
forced to write early in the morning and late at night. The easiest part of the
process was coming up with the idea for each weekly story. I simply reflected on
all the things I had messed up at home that week, picked the funniest one, and
started typing.
6) Of all your characters, whom do you most relate to?
Since my
“characters” consist of myself, my wife, my two sons and our pets, I would have
to answer this by saying Rocky, the family cat.
7) Is there one of your characters that you did not like when you started writing about them, but found yourself liking by the end of the story?
I'm going to have
to plead the Fifth Amendment here.
8) What is your least favorite part of about writing? Favorite?
With screenwriting,
my least favorite part is dealing with the notes from producers and corporate
development executives. It is not unusual to have a producer respond to your
screenplay with effusive praise, pay you a nice sum for it, then immediately ask
you to change everything about it. My favorite part of screenwriting is the
satisfaction I get when a reader is moved upon reading my work.
9) When you are not writing or editing, what do you do for relaxation?
In no particular
order, I enjoy reading, watching my favorite television shows and bothering my
children. Actually, bothering my children probably comes first.
10) What genre of books do you like to read?
When reading for
pleasure, I mostly choose mysteries, thrillers and science fiction. I also enjoy
reading other humor books.
11) What authors do you enjoy reading?
My favorite humor
writer is Dave Barry. Not only is he a funny guy, he also happens to be a
first-class storyteller. In fiction, I'm a sucker for the works of Dan Brown,
Scott Turow, Elmore Leonard and Neil Gaiman.
12) Tell us where people can find your book.
My book is
available at all the major online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes &
Noble and Books-A-Million,
as well as through the publisher, Motivational
Press. It is also available at many book
stores, including Barnes & Noble, or through my personal website (www.marcprey.com).
Author photo, bio and interview answers were provided by Marc L. Prey and used with permission.
