I can’t wait to hear what happens next (and I already know!). What a terrific, personal account of overcoming a hard “no.” I hope your students read this, along with anyone struggling to overcome an Indiana Jones-sized boulder in their path.
I really hope next week’s post is the continuation of this; I can’t wait to read what happened next, especially when in the previous post you ended with the following: “And then, one morning in September 2022, I got an email: “John is wondering if you might be available for a brief off-the-record meeting this Thursday at his studio.”” What a tremendous process and I really admire your commitment and humility, as well as giving tremendous respect to the Maestro himself. I can’t wait to find out what happened next and learn more about how John Williams finally got personally involved with the book.
I liked your comparing to that scene from The Paper Chase. Made me want to revisit the film and score. I also liked that snippet of your interview with Richard Dreyfuss.
I know this blog, and in essence everything in it are a lead up to your book. So please forgive me one moment of weakness. In your interview with Richard Dreyfuss, did anything come up about that amazing framed map behind his desk? My degree in in Geography, and that map is STUNNING!!
The map aside; All this is doing is making it want to be September NOW so I can get my hands on this book, and read (well..listen to it)!
Thank you so much for pulling back the curtain. This site is amazing, and I am wait every Tuesday to read this when I get home from work!
You know, the rub here is a very interesting phenomenon: what the French call "moral rights." John Williams is a public person and of course he has no control over whether anyone writes a book about him or his work. Furthermore, other than his concert music, he probably doesn't own a note of his music. In other words, all these frustrations and red lights don't have any legal standing which would threaten your project to write a book.
However, it's all these other things, the moral side, his friends and collaborators (by the way, probably every one of them would have read your book even if it were unauthorized) were people who respected him more than what the law might say; it was a subject of respect for the subject.
I love the voice-leading of this post. Riveting and high stakes!...even though everyone knows the ending!
Legally, yes, I was always on solid ground. It was the personal agony, and (as you say) the respect his friends and colleagues had for his desire for privacy, that really jeopardized the project again and again. Tune in next week for the thrilling conclusion(ish)!
This is not only a fascinating, riveting read enhanced with new information and interviews, it's also just very well written. You're a great writer, Tim, it's a joy to read!
I can’t wait to hear what happens next (and I already know!). What a terrific, personal account of overcoming a hard “no.” I hope your students read this, along with anyone struggling to overcome an Indiana Jones-sized boulder in their path.
I would *love* it if this was inspirational/helpful and not merely confessional! Thank you Steven (for everything).
Can't wait to know what comes next!
This is worse (and BETTER) than founder rejections!
Also glad to discover Steven Smith's writing. Thank you!
I really hope next week’s post is the continuation of this; I can’t wait to read what happened next, especially when in the previous post you ended with the following: “And then, one morning in September 2022, I got an email: “John is wondering if you might be available for a brief off-the-record meeting this Thursday at his studio.”” What a tremendous process and I really admire your commitment and humility, as well as giving tremendous respect to the Maestro himself. I can’t wait to find out what happened next and learn more about how John Williams finally got personally involved with the book.
I liked your comparing to that scene from The Paper Chase. Made me want to revisit the film and score. I also liked that snippet of your interview with Richard Dreyfuss.
The Paper Chase is really good, and it is BEGGING for a high-def transfer.
Sooo interesting ! Thanks very much to share this story. Can't wait to read all posts in the future. And wait for a french version of your book ;)
It almost reads like a novel!
Tim,
I know this blog, and in essence everything in it are a lead up to your book. So please forgive me one moment of weakness. In your interview with Richard Dreyfuss, did anything come up about that amazing framed map behind his desk? My degree in in Geography, and that map is STUNNING!!
The map aside; All this is doing is making it want to be September NOW so I can get my hands on this book, and read (well..listen to it)!
Thank you so much for pulling back the curtain. This site is amazing, and I am wait every Tuesday to read this when I get home from work!
I don't believe it ever came up. Sorry! But thanks so much for your encouraging words.
You know, the rub here is a very interesting phenomenon: what the French call "moral rights." John Williams is a public person and of course he has no control over whether anyone writes a book about him or his work. Furthermore, other than his concert music, he probably doesn't own a note of his music. In other words, all these frustrations and red lights don't have any legal standing which would threaten your project to write a book.
However, it's all these other things, the moral side, his friends and collaborators (by the way, probably every one of them would have read your book even if it were unauthorized) were people who respected him more than what the law might say; it was a subject of respect for the subject.
I love the voice-leading of this post. Riveting and high stakes!...even though everyone knows the ending!
Legally, yes, I was always on solid ground. It was the personal agony, and (as you say) the respect his friends and colleagues had for his desire for privacy, that really jeopardized the project again and again. Tune in next week for the thrilling conclusion(ish)!
This is not only a fascinating, riveting read enhanced with new information and interviews, it's also just very well written. You're a great writer, Tim, it's a joy to read!
Thank you!