Happy 2024!
Hello friends,
I spent quality time with family this Chanukah and Christmas, which is a big part of why we moved back to New York, to be closer to family. We also had the pleasure of my mother-in-law being in town. She is like a second mother and we all love when she is here. All in all it has been a wonderful holiday season and I hope that bears well for the upcoming year, which will hopefully be one of good health, good fun, and good fortune.
So, away we go, waving babye to '23 and hello to '24.
I hope your year started with a bang, or at least a really good book or movie. 😊 For me, I am reading The Source by James Michener and on the last day of 2023 I finally found three hours to watch Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” which I thought was fantastic. Should win every award and will instead probably lose to a movie that no one ever heard of or saw. #Oscars.
The Power of Stories
Every year starts with a blank page, waiting to be filled with compelling narratives. In that analogy I am reminded that the power of a good story is unmistakable. As someone deeply entrenched in the world storytelling, I’m constantly amazed by how stories shape our perceptions and our lives. It's about creating a world that readers and viewers can escape into, challenge their perceptions, and connect deeply. Whether it's a novel, a film, or a tale told around a campfire, stories have the unique power to transport us, challenge us, and connect us. Something I suspect we will need a lot of in 2024. This year, I'm committed to bringing more such stories to life.
My 2024 Goals
This year, I'm thrilled to continue the Eddie Ankin series with three new novels. The next books will take Eddie from being wrongfully accused of murder to becoming a problem-solver involved in an Empire State Building heist and searching for a missing wife of a politically aspiring movie star. Picture Ray Donovan as a stuntman.
Additionally, I'm embarking on the Ray Bradbury short story challenge – one story every week. The best of these will be compiled into a collection, sharing the journey and the stories with you, my dear readers.
The strike made taking out pitches essentially pointless, but the plan in 2024 is to pitch it to buyers (studios, networks, streamers) My focus as a producer and for Elice Island Entertainment going forward is to turn bestselling indie novels into movies and television shows, including, hopefully, my own works
I'm excited about my new horror script, "Hide Behinds," and bringing two of my novels, "The Strange Crimes of Beatrice Cover" and "The Double" to the silver screen.
As a producer, I've set up a best-selling series from a fellow indie author with a renowned writer-producer and a legend in the comic book world. I am being purposely vague since the deal is still getting done.
Speaking of stories...
Hollywood Highlights
Despite a blockbuster-less holiday frame, the last weekend of the year pushed the industry past $9 billion in box office for the year in U.S. and Canadian theaters for the first time since before the pandemic. Ticket sales on the year were up 21% from 2022, according to data firm Comscore.
https://deadline.com/2024/01/box-office-2023-marketshare-new-years-weekend-1235683633/
Mickey Mouse is officially public domain property, so start shaping up your stories featuring the mascot of Disney, unofficially known as “The Mouse House” in the vernacular of Hollywood.
https://deadline.com/2024/01/mickey-mouse-public-domain-2024-steamboat-willie-1235681133/
Publishing Pulse
The indie publishing scene is buzzing with activity. Significant developments include:
Acquisitions and Market Trends: 2023 saw notable acquisitions led by KKR, indicating a potential rise in smaller acquisitions in 2024 due to various economic factors. The publishing landscape is evolving rapidly, with industry giants like PRH and S&S expected to be active buyers.
Sales Insights: There's been a slight increase in publishing sales, particularly in segments like children's/YA and religious presses. However, juvenile fiction sales have seen a slight dip.
New Marketing Initiatives: Michael Pietsch of Hachette Book Group highlighted new marketing strategies in his farewell letter as CEO, marking a significant shift in publisher-author dynamic.
Global Expansion: Lightning Source is expanding its reach by adding more languages to its catalog and focusing on environmentally friendly printing solutions, signaling a broader, more diverse publishing future.
Copyright and AI: The American Association of Publishers (AAP) is voicing concerns over the use of copyrighted material in AI, emphasizing the importance of transparency and lawful access to copyrighted work.
Stay Tuned!
Despite my busy schedule, I'm committed to keeping up with this weekly newsletter and sticking to a consistent posting schedule. Expect a mix of original stories, behind-the-scenes insights, pop culture pieces, industry news, and of course, stories. I'm excited to take you along for what promises to be an exhilarating ride in 2024. Thank you for joining me on this storytelling adventure. Here's to a year filled with impactful narratives and shared successes!
Best,
Jeremy