Ronald Fair: Part 2
The movie Cornbread Earl and Me is based on Fair's novel Hog Butcher
In this part Ronald Fair, the prize-winning Christian author, talks about his experiences with making movies.
Sharyn Skeeter: How is writing and publishing a novel different from writing and producing a play?
Fair: For me the writing process is the same. I am a compulsive writer who works with a passion, sometimes to the point of only being able to sleep three or four hours before I MUST get back to the writing. I believe this is a blessing given to me by Jesus and The Father as I prayed when I was a young, aspiring writer that I might be a prophet for my people. I am still waiting for God to show me how to be a better publisher and a better producer.
Skeeter: Your novel Hog Butcher was adapted for the movie Cornbread, Earl and Me. Tell us about your experience as an author on that project.
Fair: I sold the book to a producer who asked me to write the script. After I had completed two drafts, the producer sustained two heart attacks and sold the rights to someone else. The new producer chose to write and produce his own script.
Skeeter: You’ve also been involved with movies in India. What was that experience?
Fair: India was wonderful! I went there several times seeking to make animated movies. There was very little happening in the field of animation at that time. I met an old documentary film maker, Dr. P.K. Rajhuns, who had made over 70 documentaries. With the help of others, Raj and I were able to co-produce a low, low budget live action modern adaptation of The Good Samaritan and a second documentary called The Truth. It was a good learning process for me.
Skeeter: Are you planning to use other media for your work?
Fair: I have made a recording of myself reading my children's story “Animal Christmas.” I am hoping to see this and other voice book CDs distributed in America. I am also hoping to see DVDs of some of my Christian comedies produced in English, making, I suppose, a total of 30 books and 30 films--some short, some not so short. God willing, these and other things will all happen before I am called Home to Jesus.
