Writer Scott Ryan joins me today to chat about his television / performing arts book, The Last Decade of Cinema.
Bio:
Scott Ryan, a multifaceted author, publisher, and television historian, is a pop culture and entertainment industry expert. With a portfolio that spans oral histories, behind-the-scenes stories and critical exploration of film and television, his latest book, The Last Decade of Cinema, explores movies from the nineties, offering an analysis of their impact on pop culture both at the time of their release and their lasting significance today.
Ryan’s previous works include Moonlighting: An Oral History, where he unveils the untold story behind the groundbreaking TV series, and “thirtysomething at thirty: an oral history”, alongside “The Last Days of Letterman”, which chronicles the end of an era in late-night television. In “Scott Luck Stories”, he ventures into the realm of comic short stories, showcasing his unique blend of wry humor and journalistic acumen. As the managing editor of “The Blue Rose Magazine” and co-founder of Fayetteville Mafia Press, Ryan has solidified his position as a raw and honest pop culture storyteller. He is the co-host of “Tiger Talk” on YouTube which follows the Massillon Tigers high school football team. He also co-wrote a book about the Tigers’ state championship win in 2023 called “Massillon Against the World.” With all this, it still burns him that he never won Employee of the Month at Video Time where he learned to love film by stealing VHS tapes and movie posters. Discover more about Scott Ryan’s books and his perspective on storytelling and pop culture here.
What do you enjoy most about writing short stories/children’s books/novellas?
I have written several fiction short stories, but I have yet to publish any in a book. I was writing them for a website. The thing that I enjoy most about writing them is I never plan them out. I always have a beginning idea, and then I just jump in and see where it goes. Sometimes it surprises me and turns out great, and sometimes they just die the death.
Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
I wrote one about mowing my neighbor’s lawn when I was a kid. His name was actually Mr. Ake (pronounced Ache) and he had two bad hips and a bad knee so walking caused him pain. His lawn was the size of Idaho and I was miserable every time I had to mow his lawn. That is probably one of my favorites, that did get published in my book Scott Luck Stories which are all true stories from my life.
What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
I mostly write non-fiction. My books are all interviewed based, and I love getting to talk with artists about the work they created. I have done books on the tv series, Twin Peaks, thirtysomething, Moonlighting, David Letterman, and my latest book is about films from the 90s called The Last Decade of Cinema.
What exciting story are you working on next?
I am working on a book about the music from Twin Peaks. As far as short stories, I am thinking about writing about the neighborhood I grew up in. I recently went back and took a walk for the first time in 27 years, and I keep thinking about writing about that experience.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Probably when you just asked this question. Am I a writer? I thought I was a social media influencer. I feel like I do that more than anything. I wrote my first book when I was ten. So I have always written things.
How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
That is the key, isn’t it? I do absolutely no market research to find out if anyone is interested in what I want to read about. I really don’t have to because I am 100% certain no one is interested in what I like. I have always been on the outside of what is popular. I knew that my recent book about films from the 90s was going to be tricky because millions of people love their superhero movies. But this also becomes my advice. A writer can only be true to themselves. So I write what I feel and believe. That is all I have control over.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I think the fact that I can be in the middle of a sentence, I can stop, answer an email, or help one of my authors, or take a call, and then jump right back into that sentence when I have the time to write. I have never been very precious about the act of writing.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a talk show host. I wanted to be Johnny Carson or David Letterman. I sort of got to be that on my podcast and a Youtube series I host called Tiger Talk.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Be kind to strangers and everyone you come in contact with. I believe that the change we want to see in society is up to us, not our politicians. I try to make strangers smile every day and I never yell at strangers. Just be nice. You won’t get it back, but that isn’t the point of kindness. The point is to be kind in the worst situations and move forward with the knowledge that you did the right thing. Thanks for having me on your blog.
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