Martin, Jack and Me...

I feel as though I would be better suited to adapt an already written story into a reasonably faithful script version of a book, particularly if it was a story that I really liked and cared about. This was the case with Martin Eden.  Jack London has always been a favorite author of mine and Martin Eden is among one of his best works, in my opinion. I think most people who read a great deal will eventually find that writer who seem to share a soul with them. With London's writings, I feel an uncanny connection with the writer that is difficult to describe. I often feel like I can anticipate just the way in which the author would convey an idea. Sometimes London's descriptions of a specific setting or impressions seem to mirror very closely how I would describe them myself. Did you ever feel that you were that synched with the mind of another writer?

I feel a connection with the character of Martin Eden, as well. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Eden is a reflection of London himself, and the story is in fact based on his own life and times coming to age during the turn of the century in the California bay area of Oakland and San Francisco. Since I feel such a strong soul connection with Jack London, I think through extension I can relate very closely to the character of Martin Eden. Like London and Eden, I also have a hunger for adventure, world travel and we share similar political views. This is not to say that I am a socialist as London was, but I might be somewhere closer to an Individualist, as Eden purported to be. I also have an insatiable compulsion to write, I have somehow managed to overcome the fate of a working-class destiny as a laborer or any number of low-salaried service positions that most people with my limited education generally find themselves relegated to.

With barely a formal high school education, I've managed to function quite capably as a copywriter for a prominent Chicago market research company, proof reader, logistics manager and now an award winning screenwriter. Not that any of these positions hold great prestige, but this is more than most can accomplish with a 10th grade education and  a GED certificate. In fact, I occasionally find myself pinned down by somebody I've just become acquainted who inquires of my educational background, as it is generally assumed that I possess a college degree. I've even encountered some difficulty at times getting people to believe that I, who's pretty well-read, can speak and write with some degree of eloquence, often more than so many of my degree-laden counterparts, have not had the benefit of a college education.

 I remember a time when I was so embarrassed when asked what university I attended. At some point I thought, oh who really cares what these people really think. And now I relish the moment when I can say that I have never had the benefit of a college experience. I wonder if Mr. London had similar satisfaction from rising as he did so far beyond his working-class roots, self-educating himself to eventually become the highest-paid author of his day. Of course I would never be so arrogant to claim to be the great writer that London was, but I'm certain that one day I will sell the rights to his wonderful story and semi-autobiographical masterpiece, Martin Eden. I know this will happen, and when it does, I pray that I can handle the fortune and notoriety somewhat better than London or Eden...