Interview: John Franklin

First off, please tell us about how the novels came to fruition?

Tim Sulka, my writing partner and I first wrote a screenplay version of Prime Cuts. Tim moved from L.A. to NYC and partnered with producers who loved the idea. They thought turning it into a serialized graphic novel would be a great way to introduce the story, build a fan base and then hopefully get it made as a movie or television series.

Who has inspired you professionally?

I have always admired the creativity and wackiness of the Coen brothers.

If you could collaborate with anyone on a story? Who would it be and why?

Besides my brilliant writing partner, Tim Sulka – I would love to work with Joel and Ethan Coen or David E. Kelley. And I think it would be crazy cool to work with John Waters.

You have starred in some of the most classic films of all-time, what would you like to say to the fans who still love the films?

Thank you for sticking with the films and me! Come on out to the horror conventions. I love talking with my fans and never get tired of hearing a good “Corn” story.

Are you still planning on turning the books into films and if so will you consider a crowdfunding site?

I leave that decision to our producers, but would love to see the books developed as a film or TV series.

Do you feel the novels are going as you planned and what would you like to say to the readers?

I think it has been a learning curve for us all, but we are all very pleased with the outcome. The second volume seemed to come along much more smoothly. We’re looking forward to seeing where this strange and wacky story takes us.  We hope the readers follow along.

Do you have any rituals that you do before you start writing?

I kill a small animal as a sacrifice and then light it on fire. Just kidding! Actually, I just make sure some source of caffeine is available. Coffee in the morning, ice tea in the afternoon.

Will you ever write a book about your life?

I sort of just did. I wrote a young adult novel about a short kid in Catholic grammar school in the 1970s. Most of the plot is autobiographical. I’d tell you more, but then I would have to kill you. The novel is being sent to a few select literary agents. That process seems to take forever!

Is it difficult separating yourself from being an actor versus writing?

No. I think being an actor has given me a better ear for dialogue. I can tell when something works or is a clunker.

What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of writing a book?

Finding the time and the will power to just sit down and write!

What advice would you offer to authors that are just starting or may be scared to start a book?

Just do it. Sit down and write. I like to write out ideas and a sort of structure on a yellow legal pad so that when I sit down in front of the computer I don’t just stare at a blank screen. I just had a writer thank me for the advice that I gave him about writer’s block. I told him that there is no such thing – that was just an excuse to be lazy. He is sending me his completed book, so that I can write a foreword. I’m very honored.

Do you have a favorite book so far that you have written?

Books? I just wrote my first one. Graphic Novels? We only have “Prime Cuts.” Screenplays? We only have “Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return.” There are many other unproduced screenplays that I love, but they are top secret!

Thank you so much!!!!