Ask the Author: Bill Dedman
Answered Questions (5)
Bill Dedman
Hi, Karen. I'm inspired to report, to find things out. For me, the goal of the writing is clarity, to convey the information fairly, to convey the complexity of the information, and in an interesting way if possible. But for me it's mostly about the reporting, not the writing.
Bill Dedman
Hi, Sally, and thanks for your question. No, the Clark home in Santa Barbara is not open -- not yet. It is still owned by the estate, but will someday transfer to the Bellosguardo Foundation, the new foundation that has been set up. That group has a board and is waiting for the house. The hang-up is that the IRS is being slow to determine what taxes the estate owes. The only view one can get of the house is to stand in the cemetery next door and look over the wall -- a distant view. You can get a good view of the inside from the many photographs on our website, at http://emptymansionsbook.com. Also see a page there with info for book clubs, and more. Thanks to you and your book club for reading. Bill
Bill Dedman
Hi. Speaking for myself, no, I didn't expect anything. I'd never met Huguette. Nor did Paul, her cousin. They had talked many times, and corresponded, but hadn't met. Unlike many of her relatives, who challenged her will and sought to grab her fortune after she died, my fellow author Paul, her cousin, was never in line for any inheritance and filed no challenge. He didn't have any reason to expect a bequest.
Thanks for your question, Amy.
Thanks for your question, Amy.
Bill Dedman
Hi, the latest info is this: Ryan Murphy has optioned the film for a feature film. He created Glee and American Horror Story, and did the AIDS history The Normal Heart for HBO. We're waiting to hear about cast and script. Updates will be posted on our site at http://www.emptymansionsbook.com/film/. The story announcing Murphy's option of Empty Mansions is at http://deadline.com/2014/03/empty-man.... Thanks for your question, Jean.
Bill Dedman
Hi, Marguerite. I'm guessing that two actresses would be needed: one for young Huguette, one for old. I'm not sure many actors could play a character aging from 18 to 104. I would like to see an actress who has a French accent or can play a French accent, to get Huguette's voice. But all of this will be out of our hands: The last thing a director needs is an author making casting suggestions.
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