Behind The Words // Ryne Douglas Pearson

Ryne Douglas Pearson is a screenwriter, author, and whackjob. The good kind of whackjob, though, one who doesn't do it for the bodycount. He's in it for the entertainment value, pure and simple.

I met Ryne through BestsellerBound.com late last year and our online friendship (no, Mom, not *that* kind of 'online friendship') has definitely evolved. First we were flagrant enemies (no, we never were). Then we were embittered and silent (nope, we didn't go there either). Finally, we were making plans to go to Disneyland. (Not yet, but a guy can dream) So, what do you say, Ryne? Are you up for that?

Ryne is an accomplished writer, having written a book that became the movie 'Mercury Rising' ('Simple Simon' is Ryne's book; he'll like that I know this) and also the screenplay for 'Knowing' with Nicholas Cage -- a movie that I can say I enjoyed so much I've watched it repeatedly despite the storyline's lack of bacon. He also has a back list of novels longer than my left leg (my left is longer than my right, by about three inches, most of you should already know this) and his current books keep popping up on Kindles everywhere.

I think of Ryne as a working man's writer. And by that, I don't mean he just puts sentences on paper, day in and day out. In his own words, he pounds the keys until something happens. But he does it diligently, nearly every day I would imagine, and in the end, he has a story woven, with characters, action, depth and mystique. In many cases, a story that delights and inspires viewers and readers all over the world.

For this guest post, I asked Ryne some big things, some little things, some personal things -- and in a style all his own, he ignored them completely and went his own direction. I liked that very much. 

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Let’s see. You want to know about me. First off, you should know I lie constantly. My real name may not even be Ryne Douglas Pearson. But let’s go with that to make things easier. Second, anything I say may be an absolute falsehood, offered only to make you wonder even more about my veracity—or complete lack thereof. Thirdly, and lastly, even my assertions that I lie, and have been lying to you, may themselves be lies. I may be the most honest person you have ever come across, yet my feigning of dishonesty will make you doubt that. Fourthly, and thus breaking my promise that the previous point was the last, if you look me in the eye I will, without hesitation, summon my driver to place a shaded partition between us.

Now, shall we begin? You wanted to know a bit about my writing. Have you heard of The Catcher In The Rye? Not mine. The Exorcist? Again, not me. My writings can actually be separated into two types—novels and screenplays. I have written and published eight novels so far—Cloudburst, October’s Ghost, Capitol Punishment, Simple Simon, Top Ten, The Donzerly Light, All For One, and Confessions. I have also published a short story collection, Dark and Darker. On the screenplay side of things, the movie Knowing was based on my original script, and I have done uncredited work on films such as the remakes of The Day The Earth Stood Still and The Eye. I am in the process of releasing three new novels this year, in addition to several short stories.

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My fave part about Ryne's desk? A toss-up.
The Wizard of Oz set pic. Or the number 2 pencil. 

Where does this magic all happen? In my cave. That’s what I call my office. It is a mysterious space hidden on the side of my house, filled with dark bookcases and the faint scent of old soda. Occasionally a dog will wander in and stare at me. Occasionally I will stare back. This can go on for hours. When the human/canine staring contest ends and I actually get to writing, I often listen to music. Gregorian chants. Whale songs. Kenny Rogers. Normal sort of stuff.

You want advice? Tips? Do not spit into the wind. That’s the best I got. If you want something writer related, there are two piece of advice I always try to follow. One is, Don’t get it right—get it written. And the other is, Write like you’re gonna burn it.

What is my writing technique? Simple—put butt in chair and bang the keys. It’s not magic. It’s work. Anyone who tries to tell you there’s a ‘technique’ to finishing a book, or story, or screenplay is selling you something you don’t need. SIT DOWN AND WRITE.

What is my favorite snack food while writing? Apples, bananas, and bacon.

Who is my favorite boy band? Backstreet Boys.

What is the weirdest thing I’ve ever eaten? Cricket brownies.

Now you know everything about me. Or do you?

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To be frank, I know a little bit less than before. But the stuff that I do know, I know well. Seriously, thanks so much, Ryne. It's a fantastic privilege to have you stop out here in The Reaches! Your humour makes this series richer and your candour adds so much value for all readers and writers who come in out of the rain on our porch. Find Ryne at his website, www.rynedouglaspearson.com or on Twitter. He'll lead you astray from there.