Just how did my current Young Adult mystery/adventure series wind up in the Navajo Nation?
I’ll tell you. One day, when I was about knee high to a katydid, my mom moved us to Arizona.
I went from picking blackberries with my cousins to jumping flat-footed into a tall cow-feed bin as I witnessed my first cattle-branding event.
I was traumatized…
… even though the ranchers told me the calves were laughing. Yeah, they told me those things they threw in the fire and ate later on were oysters, too. They were. Mountain oysters.
Our Arizona high-country ranch was located between the Navajo Rez and the White Mountain Apache Tribe Rez. My schoolmates were Native American, Hispanic and just a few Anglos, like five or six of them. In case you don’t know, Anglos are Caucasians.
It was, at the very least, an incredible experience; and it marked me for life. I forever gallop the winds of my imagination in the high country – in my mind, and in my novels.
Now you know why I started my novel-writing career smack dab in the Navajo Nation, don’t you?
My protagonist for the Silki, the Girl of Many Scarves series, is a young Navajo with a steroid imagination, a penchant for adventure and an addiction to scarves. Her professor mother, immersed in academia, isn’t around a lot. Her dad is.
Meet Frank Begay – “Silki’s dad.”
Silversmith. Musician. Husband. Father. Son. Uncle. Son-in-law. Wise counselor. Diné.
Think about that; this man has a lot on his shoulders.
Now peek up there at Wes Studi.
See the twinkling eyes? The shy, strong smile. The map of wisdom engraving his face?
No doubt about it…when Hollywood knocks on my door, Wes plays Frank!
I already know your arguments.
Wes Studi is Cherokee, not Navajo. It’s a movie part…not real life! M-O-V-I-E. Entertainment. Playacting. Sheesh. I hope that settles that one. *dusts off hands*
Wes Studi is a little older than Frank Begay. You’re worried about that? Just look at that timeless face. I say Wes Studi can play characters in their mid-thirties to their sixties and beyond. It’s not the age; it’s the actor – and brother, can he act! Think Dances with Wolves, Last of the Mohicans, Avatar.
Anyhoo, next time any of you happens to run into Wes, like in Hollywood or Colorado or some other cool place, tell him “toodle-oo” for me, and that he has first crack at the part of Frank in the Silki movies – just as soon as Hollywood goes gaga over my Silki novels – of course.
Minor detail.
Readers, do certain actors seem perfect for the characters in the books you read?
Writers, who do you think should play the major parts in your novel(s) when Hollywood beats on your door?
Tell us about it.
We’re dying to know!
Of course, a visit isn’t a visit without a two-way conversation. I really want to hear from you.
I truly hope you’ll pick up a copy of my novel Silki, the Girl of Many Scarves: SUMMER OF THE ANCIENT. The print version is on sale at Amazon for only $9.85!!! For your convenience, it’s also available for Kindle, the Nook and for most other eBook readers. If you love the Southwest and kooky little characters that make you laugh aloud as authentic danger and mystery swirl at every turn, you’ll love this novel! The second book in the series, CANYON OF DOOM, debuts in early 2013.
While you’re here, please have a look around my website. To sign up to receive notices of my new blogs, recipes, appearances and media news, just leave your email address above. I’ll take care of the rest. Y’all come back soon … I miss you already!
Great blogsite, Jodi. I’m reading Silki now and can’t wait to see what happens next. It’s very very well written, with great characters and an excellent storyline, so far. I can see the movie now!
Dale
Oh, you just made my day, Dale.
Wes Studi has my vote. I love him.
I love it! Wes certainly has the ageless look, and I agree as to his props as an actor.
Have you ever been over to StoryCasting.com? It for “the movie in your mind,” where you can assemble your dream cast for your books and others.
No, I haven’t, Marsha…but you can bet I’m on my way. How cool!
He does have sparkly eyes! Next time I run into him, I’ll mention that you have him in mind. When I was young, my brother used to discuss the story of our family and who would play each part. At the time, I was being played by Lori Loughlin. My brother ended up being a sit-com writer in Hollywood. Loved this post.
Yes, I see it…you and Lori! Gee, writing seems to run in your genes, Sara!
Wes gets my vote!
And I like to have a face to associate with a character. Sometimes it’s an actor, but sometimes I just stumble across a picture on the internet that I copy and paste into my character sketch. And http://www.pinterest.com has made that even easier.
Thanks for sharing another great way to use Pinterest, Liv.
I vote for Wes, too! He sounds perfect for your book-turned-movie. Like Sara, I’ve been using Pinterest to help me further visualize my characters, though storycasting.com sounds like a great one to use, too.
I adore picking out the right actors to play the roles in my books. I mean, I really think Irene Bedard is perfect for Auntie Zim (see first photo caption)! Auntie Zim is the youngest of the six Begay girls in “Silki’s world.” They (powers that be) say we should get to know our characters when we create a fictional world. What better way to do that than put actual faces on them as we get acquainted? Thanks for the comments, Tami!
I also love the acting of Wes Studi. His face is unique and full of character. When he plays a bad-ass part, he scares the bejeebers out of me.
love it! I love ‘casting’ books I read too. Fun!
Always read your blog. My hubby & I actually met Irene by accident. We were in Keokuk, IA, hubby’s birth place. Irene and her hubby were there for Eagle Days & we got to talk with her. Should have known then about Silki. I would have suggested the role to her.
I think she is so cute! Oh, I do wish you had known about the Silki series when you met her…she really is perfect for Auntie Zim! Thank you for sharing, Jan.
He was my muse for the Kiowa warrior, Two Hatchet, in my book Unbridled. No, I didn’t care he was Cherokee nor that he was an Okie like me. His presence on the screen allows him to many things. He is ageless. Real talent is like that.