Monday, April 15, 2013

Gerry Mandel celebrates Charlie Chaplin with book giveaway

Welcome to Gerry Mandel, whom I've had the pleasure of getting to know through the St. Louis Writers Guild. Gerry is a freelance writer, focusing on short stories, essays, plays, and his blog (when the spirit moves him). He has been published in Untamed Ink, Toyon, Big Muddy, and Palo Alto. 
     His novel about Charlie Chaplin, for whom he holds a lifetime passion, was published in 2010 and has been accepted by the Chaplin Archives in Montreaux, Switzerland. April 16 is Charlie Chaplin's birthday, so Gerry's dropped the Kindle price on SHADOW AND SUBSTANCE to $2.99 for the month of April! 
     Several of Gerry's plays have been  produced by St. Louis area theater companies. A documentary he wrote and directed about the Lewis and Clark sculpture on the St. Louis riverfront won an international award. He also produces video biographies for his company, The Life Preserver. He lives with his wife, Mary Lee, and two golden retrievers in Kirkwood.

Comment on The Writers' Lens between now and April 30 for a chance at winning your choice of a print or ebook of SHADOW AND SUBSTANCE. Mentioning Charlie Chaplin will double your chances! Be sure to leave your email address.
Gerry Mandel with Chaplin sculpture in Vevey, Switzerland, where
Chaplin lived after leaving the U.S. in 1952.
What inspired your latest book? I remember the moment when the “What if...” inspiration struck. I was in L.A. producing music tracks for Busch Beer TV spots. This was during my “Mad Men” career in advertising. The session took place at night at A&M Studios, on LaBrea at Sunset Blvd. The “A” is for Herb Alpert, who made a fortune in the 60’s and 70’s with the Tijuana Brass. With his pot of gold, he bought what had originally been the Chaplin Studios. One of the sound stages had been left intact and was declared a Historic Landmark.
     Around  10:30 or 11:00 on this particular night, Perry Botkin, the guy heading up the recording session, called for a half-hour break. Instead of talking with the musicians, as I usually did, I thought, “I wonder what the Chaplin stage feels like at night.” I walked down an empty hallway that led to the stage. The heavy metal door was unlocked. I opened it and peered into the dark space. Only the four red glowing letters in “Exit” offered any light. I stepped through, closed the door quietly behind me - I wasn’t sure if it was okay for me to be in here - and walked into the room.
     I thought about Chaplin, about all he accomplished here, how he revolutionized filmmaking and comedy, how he became the most famous man in the world. Then, having grown up reading dozens of science-fiction books and short stories, I thought, ‘If I concentrate, maybe I can contact Charlie.” At least conjure up some sensation of his presence. Needless to say, Charlie didn’t show up that night, but the idea for my book did. “What if someone from the Midwest comes out to LA on an assignment and establishes contact with Chaplin.”
     I made some notes in my hotel room that night, while the idea was fresh. Several years later I completed the first draft of my novel.


Charlie Chaplin out of his Little Tramp outfit, 
the way I "saw" him in my novel.
What do you think readers will like about your book? This is a question that always stumps me. What I think readers will like is often different from what they tell me they like. As far as my Chaplin book goes, my best guess is the aura of Hollywood today and yesterday; the portrayal of Chaplin in a realistic and entertaining manner; the flight of fancy I engage in as Charlie and the protagonist (Cooper Thiery) move between the present and the past. 
     I wasn’t sure how well the Chaplin character came through until I received some comments from Chaplin authors/experts. For instance, Kevin Brownlow is a highly respected figure in the world of film. He received an honorary Academy Award in 2010 for his continued role in film and cinema history and preservation, and produced a landmark documentary on Chaplin for the BBC several years ago. I had met him at a Buster Keaton conference in fall of 2012. He said, “I was impressed by your book. I enjoyed it so much I made it last as long as possible. It was fascinating to read a fictitious version of an event one has been through oneself...You are a very good writer and your imagination caught me to such an extent that I began to feel as though I had just encountered Chaplin myself!”
     After that review, I really didn’t care if I ever sold another book or not. Kevin made it all worthwhile.

Would you share a bit about your next project? I’ve started two of them. One is fiction. Working title: “The Eulogy Club.” A group of 4 friends decide to deliver eulogies to their friends while everyone is still alive and can appreciate the sentiments. Except some unexpected and unwanted observations arise. This, coupled with the male reluctance to appear vulnerable, causes some problems, threatens their relationships. Right now the “book” is somewhere between humorous and dark; I’m not sure where it will end up. 
      The other is non-fiction. This comes from my fascination with Chaplin. I’m considering a close look at his decision to make “The Great Dictator” in 1940 (actually began work on it in 1939) when everyone else in Hollywood was afraid to upset Hitler and Nazi Germany for fear of losing box-office. The book would say a lot about Chaplin’s brave stance and Hollywood’s cowardice.
     I'm more comfortable with fiction, and have never tried a non-fiction book. Still, the subject intrigues me.

How much fact is in your fiction? My novel is based in fact - on the character of Chaplin, his personality, his achievements, his fears. His relationships with W. R. Hearst, Roscoe Arbuckle, his mother. But many of the events are fiction. I made up several situations and encounters that never took place but I felt were necessary to keep the reader involved. The process of researching and writing a documentary in Hollywood is also factual. The landmarks, clubs, restaurants, parks, streets of Hollywood - now and 80 years ago - are real. I spent a lot of time in L.A. when I was in advertising. Several people who read the book, and know something about Chaplin’s life and career, have asked me “Did that really happen?” Which tells me the fiction was close to acceptance as fact. I think that’s paramount in this kind of novel, dealing with real history and characters. The fiction has to flow seamlessly from fact. The time travel device is, obviously fiction. At least I think it is.

What are your top three reasons for writing? I have just one reason, with many sub-reasons. The driving force is because I have to write. When I don’t write, I get irritable, impatient, critical of other writing, tough to be around. Just ask my wife. The act of writing, of moving it from my head onto paper or onto the computer screen, is pleasurable and fulfilling. I often ask myself, “Am I wasting my time?”, but I’ve pretty much learned to silence that inner critic. The sub-reasons include the need to “move” people, much as a musician might do with a soulful blues or a magnificent piano concerto. There's also a "look at me" element in there. I'm proud of being a writer. Also, I like to see see where the initial spark leads. Often it surprises me. I have no idea usually where the journey I’m about to take will end up. I know, some writers and instructors say, “You need a plan, an outline, a map. Otherwise how do you expect to get there?” I don’t feel that way. I like the thrill of the journey, the unexpected turns in the road, sheer drop-offs over cliffs, thunderstorms and rainbows. My third reason is simple. I can say, when it’s finished, “I did that.” Even if it never gets published, it’s still mine. Of course I’d rather everything I wrote got published.

What is your opinion about fiction involving time travel? This is a special category. As a reader, you either buy it or you don’t. As I mentioned before, I grew up with a steady diet of science-fiction: Bradbury, Van Vogt, Clarke, Del Rey, Heinlein, etc. I knew it was possible. Still do, in a way. But it’s not everybody’s cup of tea... or tumbler of bourbon, to get closer to the truth. My wife, when she read my first draft of the novel, said, “I like it, but it’d be better without that time travel stuff in there.”
     Several years ago, a movie with Christopher Reeves had a wide audience. It was “Somewhere in Time,” a love story the moved from today back in time. Prior to that, there was a novel by Jack Finney, “Time and Again.” It is considered a classic today, even though it deals in a realistic way with time travel.
     As a writer, I know I took a chance with time travel. That didn’t matter. This is the story I wanted to tell, in a manner in which I told it. 

Find SHADOW AND SUBSTANCE on AMAZON

SHADOW AND SUBSTANCE: Hollywood, today and during the 1930's, is the setting for this intriguing tale of an unknown writer, and a world-famous film artist who died over 20 years ago. The project becomes a conflict of loyalties, as the writer finds himself torn between his drive to succeed and his desire to protect Charlie Chaplin. Enter Charlie, now confronting the man whose job it is to discredit his legacy.


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This is T.W. Fendley. Thanks for reading and commenting on The Writers' Lens. You can find out more about me at www.twfendley.com



23 comments:

  1. This book is one of the best of this historical fiction genre I have read. Gerry Mandel brings Chaplin to life--both figuratively and literally! Besides recreating this compelling character,he skillfully unfolds a mystery, which kept me turning pages way into the night. He left me convinced Chaplin was one of the greatest actors of the twentieth century and gave me a renewed interest in his films. Get this book and read it!

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    1. I never thought of this as a mystery, Peter, but you're right. I guess a bit of mystery helps any narrative, keeps the reader hooked and wondering, "What comes next?" Not a whodunnit, but what is the truth in here? Thanks for the encouraging words.

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  2. Gerry, I'm so glad to see this interview with you on "The Writers' Lens." I'm a huge fan of your work, as you know. Your Chaplin novel is a thoroughly delightful read--especially since I'm keen on this time period.

    I'm eager to read your forthcoming books! I'm always amazed at all you've done, been, achieved in various stages of your life. I hope that one of these days, there'll be a memoir in the works.

    Janet Riehl

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    1. Funny you mention memoir, Janet. I've thought about it, but end up with the misplaced notion that no one would really care. But the idea intrigues me. Maybe if I add just a touch of exaggeration and imagination....

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  3. Great interview, T.W., of one of my favorite authors! (I accept checks and PayPal, Gerry.) Seriously, Shadow & Substance is a true page-turner by one of the world's experts on Chaplin. As busy as you might be, this book is well worth the read.

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  4. Gerry Mandel is an awesome writer. He writes stunning prose. Congratulations on tremendous success and especially with the Chaplin project. The "eulogy" sounds like something I'd like to read. I too, feel that I'd rather enjoy the wrtier's jpurmey than have a mapped outline.

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    1. Your writing, Linda, encourages me to stay with "discover the journey with my characters" concept, rather than elaborate plotting and planning at the start. Something about spontaneity I find appealing. I never thought of my self as "awesome," but if you insist...

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  5. Chaplin and Mandel, what a perfect union!

    Bob Merz
    Houston, TX

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    1. Great comment, Bob. Maybe I should have written about Marilyn Monroe.

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  6. A very enjoyable novel with an interesting conceit which unfortunately was used by Woody Allen at about the same time, otherwise Gerry's book would have made a fascinating movie. Bill Shucart, New Hampshire

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    1. I accept the comparison, Bill. I told Woody, "Don't do Paris. I've got a Hollywood story for you." But, no, he wanted to spend time in France. After I saw his movie, I felt an immediate kinship with him. We're even the same age.

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  7. I've know Gerry for better than 10 years and can vouch for his knowledge of Charlie Chaplin and his brilliant career. I've read the book - and Gerry captures the heart and soul of the great film comedian. Well-written, imaginative, and a wonderful story. It will make you smile.

    Joe Delmore
    Wildwood, MO

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    1. Much appreciated, Joe. Love the "heart and soul" concept; it's what I went for. How's this for an idea? Charlie and Buster and Stan and Ollie and Marion Davies once made a film together, kept it hidden from the public for legal reasons. Now the sole copy rests in the archives of the Hearst estate. Two young men (this is fiction) from the Midwest attempt to track down and rescue the print, a journey that takes them from Hollywood to San Simeon to New York to London and finally to a collector in Bologna, an ex-patriot with a surprising connection to the actors in the film.

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  8. Who would have ever thought to write a novel with Charlie Chaplin as a main character? So much has already been written about Charlie Chaplin in the form of biographies or movie history. Gerry Mandel is a very creative writer and a lover of all things Chaplin and has woven a wonderfully entertaining time-travel story, full on interesting hollywood people both past a present.

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    1. You nailed it, CW. That's exactly why I wrote it as fiction - so many non-fiction books have been written about him. Even one by a psychiatrist, a couple years ago, who attempted to psychoanalyze Charlie these many decades later. I guess anything is possible. Maybe a book about Charlie's fingerprints and what they reveal about his talent and personality. And whatever happened to phrenology?

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  9. I could just say "Ditto" to the above comments--I agree with all of them, after all--but allow me to add my two cents: I've always admired and even been envious of Gerry's work. He's one of those writers who, when you read their work, you think, "Now THAT'S someone who knows how to tell a story." And, by the way, no disrespect intended to Mary Lee, but I disagree about the time travel aspect. I think it's an integral part of the story; it was fascinating to see characters from different time periods interacting with each other.

    Like Linda, I'd love to read the "eulogy" book, too.

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    1. You're right, you're right. A round of applause, Mary, for your comment on time travel. Years (decades?) from now, people will come back to 2013 and say, "You guys were right." Appreciate the generous comments, too. I'm torn between 3 book ideas now: the "Eulogy" thing, the Chaplin/Hitler/Hollywood situation (creative non-fiction maybe), and an extremely clever, entertaining memoir. If I was a lot younger, I'd try all three.

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  10. Who would have ever thought to use Charlie Chaplin in a novel? With so much written about Chaplin in biography's or movie history, it took a lot of imagination and skill to use Chaplin as a character in a novel. Gerry Mandel has woven a delightful time-travel story with interesting Hollywood characters, both past and present.

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  11. Very interesting interview T.W. I picked up the novel a year ago, but haven't read it. I meant to, but life got in the way, as it often does. Now comes this interview, and I'm moving Mandel's book to the top of the "To Read" pile. Time travel appeals to me. Filmmaking and filmmakers appeal to me. The blending of the two is what initially caught my attention. I've read other work by this writer and, assuming Shadow and Substance measures up to the author's other work, I would, if I could, kick myself in the butt for not reading this sooner. Looking forward to a good time. So glad there are people who are insanely interested in something and have the creative ability to present it in a new light. Isn't that what Charlie did too?

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    1. At least I've made it to the top of your pile, Dennis. When you finish reading it - and I am thoroughly convinced you will - I will buy you lunch. Maybe I'll take you somewhere back in 1930. That's when a roast beef sandwich cost 60 cents. Order anything you like.

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  12. There are two books I seem to reread with gusto. One, for obvious reasons, is Nabokov's endearing Lolita and the other, for less obvious reasons, is Shadow and Substance. Here's why. I lead a band in San Francisco and we play on the terrance of an outdoor restaurant in North Beach. Opposite us, on the widescreen TV, the management has chosen to run silent movie classics while we are playing. The band is treated to the best of Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Charlie Chaplin. These geniuses are the perfect counterpoint to our lame attempts at improvisation. Whenever Charlie comes on the screen, I can't help but think of Gerry's fictional portrayal of him and how much it adds to those familiar scenes... like the starving Tramp eating the sole of his shoe. I love to go back to the book and vibe in on how artfully Gerry perceived the roots of Charlie's creativity.

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  13. Gerry is a talented guy. We're in a lunch group together and he brings wit and creativity to our musings. Recently he created a wonderful short film relating to Mid Night In Paris and our own lovely Forest Park. Excellent!
    Thanks Gerry.
    Ben

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