The Writers Showcase, at Vancouver Public Library, has introduced me not only to new books but also to people who write as they work at an astonishing variety of jobs, gigs, pursuits and careers. I have met doctors, teachers, artists, welders, white water rafters/guides, historians, musicians, travellers, and crime writers, yes, they are in a category of their own. I had never worried about being a character in someone's book, until I met Winona Kent and read her latest: "Ten Stories That Worried My Mother". You will learn more about how families might become characters, when you meet her Aug 22 at the next Writers Showcase. Winona told me that I had to meet, David Rabinovitch and as I read about him, (there is lots) I learned that he, too, pursues so much in addition to writing. 'JukeBox Empire, The Mob and the Dark Side of the American Dream'. And, he, too, includes family, in fact, his uncle, inventor of the jukebox, goes from music to mob, in an action packed, intricately plotted novel, making its debut at Vancouver Public Library. Imagine!
You know a lot about a Writer's style, by reading. You know a lot more when you meet them. Thanks to Vancouver Public Library for making this possible. Special thanks to David, for taking time to answer a few questions in advance of Aug 22. As I write this, I am thinking about Jukeboxes, our quarters (probably dollars now) to play them, our chips and coke orders, the patient servers, and our longing to 'be there, not square'. Be prepared to be where the action is, at Writers Showcase.
Q: Music seems to play a part in many stories. What's on the jukebox in yours?
A: In the 1940’s, when my uncle builds the jukebox that revolutionizes the industry, we’re playing a lot of big band, Benny Goodman, the Dorsey Brothers, and the crooners starting with Frank Sinatra. In the late 1950’s-early 1960’s, jukeboxes are programmed with pop songs like Devil or Angel, Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Polka Dot Bikini, and Bobby Darin’s version of Mack the Knife. I wanted to know exactly what music was playing - on radio, television, in movies, on the jukes – so that the music was appropriate for the narrative. For instance, when Wolfe and his gangster partner Sam Mannarino are driving to a coin men’s conclave in 1947, Nat King Cole is singing “Route 66” is on the radio.
Q: Have you been to Vancouver before?
A: I’ve spent considerable time in Vancouver over the years. My daughter went to UBC, and she’s recently moved back to Vancouver. I’ve filmed in Vancouver, and when I was Vice President of your favorite PBS station, Channel 9, I produced many co-productions with partners here.
Q: How about VPL?
A: I love libraries and have since I was a child. I’m looking forward to learning my way around this terrific community institution.
Q: What are you looking forward to on Aug. 22?
A: I’m excited to meet the group of writers with whom I have the honour to appear. Writing is (mostly) a solitary act, so engaging with a community of strong and varied voices should be stimulating.
Q: What makes a novel go to screen?
A: Money. A star who wants to play the lead. Better yet, a star who has a production deal with a studio.
More info here:
https://jukeboxempire.com
fleetwoodfilmsltd.com
https://www.imdb.om/name/nm04929
ebook and hard cover due out October 15
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538172599/jukebox-empire-themob-and-thedark-sideof-theamericandream
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