Johanna Stoberock's "Pigs"

Johanna Stoberock is the author of the novels Pigs and City of Ghosts. Her short stories and essays have appeared in numerous publications, including Better: Culture & Lit, The Wilson Quarterly, Copper Nickel, Front Porch, and the 2014 Best of the Net Anthology.

Here Stoberock shares her vision for a trailer of an adaptation of Pigs:

Envisioning Pigs as a movie is hard, particularly because, central to the novel, are a herd of giant, magical pigs. How do you put giant pigs on screen without diminishing their fierceness or their magic? I haven’t come up with an answer yet, other than that maybe you just don’t—maybe in a movie the pigs would be a presence that is felt and heard throughout but that is never seen.

Just as I don’t have a clear vision for the pigs, I also don’t have a clear vision for the film as a whole. But I do have an idea for a trailer.

To understand the trailer, you have to know a little bit about the novel’s plot: Pigs follows a group of parentless children who live on an island that serves as the repository for all the world’s trash. They gather it up and feed it to the enormous, insatiable pigs mentioned above. The children have to worry about not getting too close to these creatures for fear that the pigs, in their hungry frenzy, might snap off something like a finger (or worse). So they are pretty scary. But the thing about the island is that it’s not the pigs that the children have to worry about the most. It’s the island’s other human inhabitants—a group of glamorous, bloodthirsty, cruel adults.

When I was writing the novel, I pictured those adults as perverted versions of the characters in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. They dress like Italian film stars from the early 1960’s (stiletto heels, body-skimming dresses, sharp suits), and, if they were in a film themselves, it wouldn’t seem strange for them to have the soundtrack from La Dolce Vita filling out the background of every single scene they’re in. Part of what’s so scary about these people is the way that the suffering they cause and the suffering they witness doesn’t distract them, even a little bit, from their reckless desire for the good life.

So here’s what I picture for the trailer:

The opening of the book read aloud:

The pigs ate everything. Kitchen scraps. Bitter lettuce from the garden. The stale and sticky contents of lunch boxes kids brought home from school. Toe nail clippings. Hair balls pulled up from the drain. After the pigs were done, there weren’t any teeth left over, not even any metal from cavities filled long ago.

On screen, we see black and white footage from the early 1960’s of film stars dancing, drinking, laughing, glamming it up.

The voiceover ends with:

“Luisa was missing a finger.”

Onscreen, the film-star footage fades and the camera settles on a small child alone on a beach.

It’s just a trailer—a full movie would require a more skilled visual imagination than my own. But that’s the mood I’d want: the ironic juxtaposition of excess and need; the black and white images of desire fulfilled fading into the full color image of a child with nothing.

Visit Johanna Stoberock's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Deborah Crombie's "A Bitter Feast"

Deborah Crombie is a New York Times bestselling author and a native Texan who has lived in both England and Scotland. She now lives in McKinney, Texas, sharing a house that is more than one hundred years old with her husband, two cats, and two German shepherds.

Here Crombie dreamcasts an adaptation of A Bitter Feast, her 18th Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James novel:

What a fun concept this is, but it’s so hard! Because A Bitter Feast is the latest in a long-running series, I have quite definite ideas about how my main characters look, and that makes it challenging to fit an actor into the part—and of course they all must be British. Also, my recurring cast has expanded to four main characters, but the more the merrier.

Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid—Duncan is now in his mid-forties, tall, brown-haired, grey-eyed. He comes from Cheshire, so should have a slightly northern accent. I’d choose Richard Armitage, for the fabulous voice as well as the looks. Or John Simm, because, well, he’s John Simm, and he has the contained quality that I always see in Duncan. I have a soft spot for James McAvoy as well.

Detective Inspector Gemma James—Duncan’s wife, and former partner. I adore Honeysuckle Weeks. She’s a bit older than Gemma is now in the books, but she is so perfect in personality and coloring, and with her wonderful warmth and smile, she would convey Gemma’s essential qualities beautifully. I had dibs on Jodie Whittaker, too, but then she became The Doctor, so I expect she’s tied up for the foreseeable future.

Detective Sergeant Doug Cullen—Duncan’s partner. Ben Whishaw. But blond, with round glasses. He’s wonderfully nerdy and intense, and can play socially awkward.

Detective Sergeant Melody Talbot—Gemma’s partner. Jenna Coleman. She is so perfect for Melody. She’s petite but tough, and could show Melody’s conflicted core.

Visit Deborah Crombie's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Rachel Eve Moulton's "Tinfoil Butterfly"

Rachel Eve Moulton earned her BA at Antioch College and her MFA in fiction from Emerson College. Her work has appeared in The Beacon Street Review, Bellowing Ark, Chicago Quarterly Review, The Bryant Literary Review, among others.

Here Moulton shares some thoughts on an adaptation of Tinfoil Butterfly, her first novel:

Tinfoil Butterfly began in a playwriting class. We were asked by the professor to pick three characters—images torn from magazines—and write a scene in which they meet. I picked Earl, a little boy in a butterfly mask made from tinfoil; Emma, a woman smoking a cigar with dark makeup around her eyes and long dark hair; and finally, George, a man sitting in a lawn chair that was facing away from the camera. In this early version of the novel, Earl is introducing Emma to a comatose George and asking if perhaps she will help him bury the man. The characters leapt into a sort of evil action that gained its own momentum.

The nature of the assignment meant that the piece was driven by dialogue and enhanced by the glossy images I’d been handed. From that moment on it has been easy to imagine the piece making it to the screen. While I am a huge horror movie fan and would love to see Emma make it to the big screen, I am enthralled by the television out there in 2019. I’d love to see Emma and Earl find a new audience through television, hooking viewers over a longer period.

I won’t name favorite actors for the role, but I’d love to see Emma played by an actress who gets the power and vulnerability of a woman. Think Toni Collette in Hereditary.

Follow Rachel Eve Moulton on Twitter.

Learn about her ten "favorite literary thrillers, the ones that will wake up your brain and your heart."

--Marshal Zeringue

Sasha Dawn's "Panic"

Sasha Dawn teaches writing at community colleges and offers pro bono writing workshops to local schools. She lives in her native northern Illinois, where she collects tap shoes, fabric swatches, and tales of survival, and she harbors a crush on Thomas Jefferson. Her debut novel, Oblivion, was an Illinois Reads selection and one of the New York Public Library's best books for teens.

Here Dawn dreamcasts an adaptation of her new novel, Panic:

I wrote this book as a tribute to my daughter’s struggles and aspirations. Although the story is wholly fictional, all of the teen characters were inspired by her real-life friends, most of whom are actors themselves. I’ve asked for their input here:

I based the main character off my daughter, Madelaine, and up-and-coming musical theater artist currently studying at one of the most prestigious performing arts high schools in the country. I think this should be Madelaine’s breakout role.

As Lainey’s mom, Ella, I’d love to see Blake Lively. We’d have to age her up, but she proved, in Age of Adeline and A Simple Favor that she has emotional range. Wholly underrated. She can make Ella come alive.

Emma Roberts’ no-nonsense presence would enhance Hayley. Emma’s gorgeous, but doesn’t seem to notice, and that’s another bonus.

I’d love to have a sexy Nana on screen for once, so I choose Renee Russo, who is absolutely beautiful and edgy, just like Nana would be.

I’ve always seen Ted as Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance, and my Madelaine agrees. Bohemian. A little hipster. A little off. But very cutting edge. Is Gerard Way interested in acting? Can someone make this happen?

As Jesse (Dad), I’d cast Ryan Reynolds—I’d love to see him and Blake go head-to-head on screen.

Miles Heizer would make a good Brendon—boy-next-door with layers. Great talent in this kid!

Sophia Lillis’ innate beauty and understated power is perfect for McKenna!

Director: Nora Ephron or Lisa Cholodenko.

Visit Sasha Dawn's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Marina Budhos's "The Long Ride"

Marina Budhos is an author of award-winning fiction and nonfiction. Her novels include Watched, a follow-up to Ask Me No Questions, and takes on surveillance in a post 9/11 era. Set in Queens, NYC, Watched tells the story of Naeem—a teenage boy who thinks he can charm his way through life. One day his mistakes catch up with him and the cops offer him a dark deal. Watched received an Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature YA Honor (APALA) and is an Honor Book for The Walter Award (We Need Diverse Books).

Here Budhos dreamcast one of the lead roles for an adaptation of her newest novel, The Long Ride, which is about three mixed race girls during a 1970s integration struggle:

I could see this as a movie—one of those looking back at the 1970s movies or TV series of kids that are caught in between racially. In a way it’s like the new ABC TV show Mixed-ish (which I’ve seen a clip from, and it’s nice and canny). I’d like mine to have a bit of an edge, because it is a time of tougher racial tension, graffiti on subway cars, triple locks on doors, white flight and more outright muttering and the menace of violence.

As to actors or actresses, the thing is, I’d want the kids to be unknowns anyway; discovered, so they are natural.

As to one of the adult actors, that’s easy: I would love Mahershala Ali to play Jamila’s father. He is one of my absolute favorite actors working today. And he has precisely the stillness and wisdom to play Mr. Clarke—a geologist, an engineer from Barbados; a man who loves his wife, the rest of the world be damned; who moves with elegance and understanding.

Visit Marina Budhos's website.

My Book, The Movie: Watched.

Writers Read: Marina Budhos.

--Marshal Zeringue

Brandi Reeds's "Third Party"

Brandi Reeds is a critically acclaimed author whose novel of psychological suspense, Trespassing, was an Amazon Charts bestseller. She also writes young adult novels under the pseudonym Sasha Dawn, whose Blink garnered an Edgar nomination. Her debut psychological thriller, Oblivion, was chosen as one of the New York Public Library’s Best Books for Teens, recommended by the School Library Journal, endorsed by the American Library Association, and selected by the 2016 Illinois Reading Council as a featured book. Reeds earned her BA in history and English from Northern Illinois University, followed by an MA in writing from Seton Hill University. When not working on her next book, she works as a kitchen design consultant and cabinetry specialist. She’s also an avid traveler, reader, and dance enthusiast. A Chicago native, Reeds currently lives in the northern suburbs with her husband, daughters, and puppies.

In Reeds's new novel, Third Party:

The apparent suicide of a beautiful aspiring law student unites two strangers, connected only by their tangled suspicions: that nothing about Margaux Stritch’s tragic end is what it looks like.

Firefighter Jessica Blythe is courageously making her mark in the male-dominated Chicago Fire Department while navigating a complicated relationship with a detective. A first responder to the crime scene, Jessica has a professional duty to Margaux. Then there’s Kirsten Holloway, a wife and mother pulling herself together after an emotional breakdown. But her husband’s infidelity has left her in a place full of mistrust and fear. Her dreaded curiosity about Margaux’s death has become very personal.

Here the author dreamcasts an adaptation of Third Party:

What an interesting concept! I don’t picture actors in my head when I write, and frankly, this was more difficult than I thought it would be. However…

Kate Beckinsale—a master in innocence and affirmation—would be a perfect for Kirsten. For Kirsten’s husband, Ian, I’d cast Ben Affleck—I would love to see Ben’s The Town meets upper class America. His curt delivery and a hint of over-confidence (think Good Will Hunting: “Retaaaaainer!”) would be an ideal fit for Ian.

As Margaux, I’d love to cast Dakota Fanning—crazy-talented kid with the skill for emotional layers. Enough said.

As Jessica, my female powerhouse, I’d like to see Brie Larson or Scarlett Johansson—we need a little seduction meets superhero here. (Note, I’m told each of these women recently played superheroes. I did not realize that when I cast them…I live under a rock. If it isn’t Deadpool, and it’s a superhero movie, I haven’t seen it.)

I can see Decker as Tom Hardy or Michael B. Jordan. Vastly different guys, but both would bring a don’t-f**k-with-me edge.

Nat Wolff’s clueless meets in charge—of everything—would be a perfect fit for Kirsten’s son, Patrick. Her daughter, Quinn, would be Abigail Breslin, who’s been a star since Nim’s Island. Now, let’s watch her be the voice of reason for an entire generation of her predecessors!

Directed by: Kelly Reichardt.

Visit Brandi Reeds's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sibel Hodge's "Their Last Breath"

Sibel Hodge is the bestselling author of Look Behind You, Untouchable, Duplicity, and Into the Darkness. Her books have sold over a million copies in the UK, USA, Australia, France, Canada and Germany.

Here Hodge dreamcasts an adaptation of her new novel, Their Last Breath:

Whenever I’m writing I always see the scenes play out in my head like a movie, and I think that helps to keep the narration quite visual. Sometimes I see the characters as actors I’m familiar with, sometimes they’re just faceless, but their traits and quirks are what shine through to me.

Their Last Breath has three main points of view. Detective Warren Carter is an experienced cop brought out of retirement to potentially investigate one of his own colleagues. He’s tenacious, driven, and has a strong sense of justice, but at the same time he’s prepared to break the rules to protect the most vulnerable. He’s also got a great British dry sense of humour. Even though Carter’s face was elusive to me when writing, I’d probably have a few choices: Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman, or Liam Neeson, who are all incredibly talented.

Detective Becky Harris is the second POV. Mentored by Detective Carter and now working on a different team, she’s similar to him in a lot of ways. She’s feisty, with a good sense of humour, and prepared to take risks. Writing her, I always picture Olivia Colman from the fantastic series Broadchurch. She’d definitely make an amazing Becky but that's probably stereotyping her!

The third POV is a Syrian refugee called Hayat with a heartbreaking story to tell, but I wouldn’t know who to pick! There are amazing Middle Eastern actresses out there but I’m out of the loop with any around the early 20s age.

Visit Sibel Hodge's website.

My Book, The Movie: Untouchable.

My Book, The Movie: Into the Darkness.

--Marshal Zeringue

Sara Faring's "The Tenth Girl"

Born in Los Angeles, Sara Faring is a multi-lingual Argentine-American fascinated by literary puzzles.

After working in investment banking at J.P. Morgan, she worked at Penguin Random House. She holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania in International Studies and from the Wharton School in Business. She currently resides in New York City.

About Farang's new novel: The Tenth Girl...

....is a gothic psychological thriller with a haunting twist.

At the very southern tip of South America looms an isolated finishing school. Legend has it that the land will curse those who settle there. But for Mavi—a bold Buenos Aires native fleeing the military regime that took her mother—it offers an escape to a new life as a young teacher to Argentina’s elite girls.

Mavi tries to embrace the strangeness of the imposing house—despite warnings not to roam at night, threats from an enigmatic young man, and rumors of mysterious Others. But one of Mavi’s ten students is missing, and when students and teachers alike begin to behave as if possessed, the forces haunting this unholy cliff will no longer be ignored... and one of these spirits holds a secret that could unravel Mavi’s existence.

Here Farang dreamcasts the lead in an adaptation of the novel:

We’re talking a feast on the screen. Imagine the melancholy, vintage, wood-paneled & long-haired feel of Luca Guadagnino's twisted Suspiria (the Call Me by Your Name director's remake of the art horror film set at a coven's dance academy) crossed with the indigo, blood-stained, midnight magic of Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth (the brutal fairytale set in Francoist Spain). My grandmother is convinced that brilliant half Argentine actress Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch/Thoroughbreds) could handle Mavi, with her moon eyes.

Visit Sara Faring's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Wendy Trimboli & Alicia Zaloga's "The Resurrectionist of Caligo"

Wendy Trimboli has never met a dense 19th century novel she didn't love, is blithely attracted to broken characters with downtrodden histories, and enjoys voluntarily running up mountains.

Alicia Zaloga believes reverse harems are absolutely charming, is completely suckered by impossibly competent protagonists, and fondly feeds an addiction to Korean dramas.

And yet, somehow they write books together ... most recently, The Resurrectionist of Caligo.

Here the authors dreamcast an adaptation of the novel:

This exercise provoked quite the discussion wherein we realized that neither of us had actors in our head when writing, nor did we find it easy to conjure them. Alicia only wished to cast the antagonists; Wendy discussed specific energy and clusters of emotions rather than any particular “look.” Nonetheless, we narrowed in on our cast, primarily focusing on the main players of the first two chapters, and though the actors don’t at all match the actual ages of the characters they’re playing, we’ll rely on the miracles of time-spanning magic.

For Roger, we’d have to go with James McAvoy. He has the intensity and emotional range, and we think he could lend this flawed character the right amount of empathy, too.

For Sibylla, Romola Garai. She’s got that lovely ability to show a warm depth behind her eyes while coming across as sometimes sweet, sometimes neurotic, and can also turn on the theatrics when necessary, which for our princess who wants to do the right thing, is always forcing a smile, and generally hides away her inner world would be a perfect match.

For Harrod, Richard Armitage. Have you seen him in North and South? That is all.

For Ada, aka “GhostofMary”, we’d want a young actor with a lot of weird, dark vibe. The first candidate who comes to mind is the talented dancer Maddie Zeigler known from Sia’s music videos. She channels a certain charming grotesque energy that would certainly “set the boys screaming” (as she says) if they saw her dancing on the tomb of Sir Bentley Morris in Greyanchor Necropolis.

Visit Wendy Trimboli and Alicia Zaloga's website.

--Marshal Zeringue

Dave Hutchinson's "The Return of the Incredible Exploding Man"

Dave Hutchinson is a science fiction writer who was born in Sheffield in England and read American Studies at the University of Nottingham. He subsequently moved into journalism, writing for The Weekly News and the Dundee Courier for almost 25 years. He is best known for his Fractured Europe series, which has received multiple award nominations, with the third novel, Europe in Winter, winning the BSFA Award for Best Novel.

Here Hutchinson dreamcasts the lead for an adaptation of his new novel, The Return of the Incredible Exploding Man:

This is an interesting one. I've noticed, quite recently, that I tend not to have a very strong image what most of my characters look like, just a general idea of height, hair colour, stuff like that. I guess this makes casting a movie a lot easier.

Having said that, there's an absolutely brilliant Scottish actor named Martin Compston who would be perfect to play Alex, the central character in Exploding Man.

I kind of imagined Ralph, his neighbour, as a sort of grumpy Latino Ernest Borgnine, but beyond that I have no idea.

I know some writers have a very strong picture of their characters in their head as they write, and that's fine - everyone works differently - but to me, unless a description is making some kind of point, it's more important what a character says than how they look. I'll leave that to a (hypothetical) casting director.

Learn more about The Return of the Incredible Exploding Man.

Visit Dave Hutchinson's website.

--Marshal Zeringue