This topic is about pulling out some passage from Ray Bradbury's writings, or a sentence here or there, and trying to make sense of it all. Everyone is welcome to contribute, of course. But perhaps Patrick would be so kind sometime to present a few of these questions to Mr. Bradbury and perhaps even get an answer from the master storyteller himself that could be posted here!

So starting things off:
What did Mr. Bradbury mean when he wrote,

"You have to know how to accept rejection and reject acceptance." Ray Bradbury

OK, I got one:

When I asked Mr B (by email) about optioning "Dandelion Wine", and he said that he would be asking a "large fee" to option it, what exactly is a "large fee" to Mr B? $10,000? $50,000?

TO PHIL'S QUESTION:

ANSWER FROM RAY BRADBURY:

NEVER ACCEPT REJECTION.
FORGET IT AND CONTINUE WORKING.

DON'T ACCEPT ACCEPTANCE BLINDLY. MAKE SURE IT SOUNDS TRUE.

AND FOR DOUG:

FROM RAY BRADBURY:

TELL ME YOUR PLANS. ONLY THEN CAN I DECIDE ON A FEE.

RAY BRADBURY.


TAKE CARE
PATRICK

Holy smoke!

I didn't really expect Patrick to take this to heart so quickly and I certainly didn't expect an answer so soon. Thanks!

Mr B (Patrick, what have you got yourself into?), my partners and I will be working on penning up a skeletal script outline, a rough synopsis. Perhaps an example screenplay of the first chapter. Be advised, we're poor filmmakers, and cannot put up "Universal-like funds!" We're here for the love (I know that probably won't get us very far)!

At the very least, perhaps we can at least get the screenplay job once "Deep Pockets" does get the option (whoever that may be). An example of our work will tell.

Best to you, and sorry for bothering Mr B!

May Ray Bradbury and Doug Spaulding...

What a guy! Such response to his readers!
Biplane asked him for me and got a prompt answer
when I wondered about the phrase "they let the cat die" sometime ago.

Thanks so much, Patrick and Ray!

Hmmm, I wonder if I should be so bold as to ask Mr. B. if he remembers giving a talk one October in the '70s at San Jose City College; and if he recalls autographing a book or two for an obviously intelligent and strikingly handsome young man...

(you see, I was in line right behind that guy!)

[Squeak] The sound of window cleaner and paper towel on a monitor screen.

Chapter 31, you are sooooo funny. And Braling II I wouldn't push it! When Ray couldn't remember why he said a particular something about what he wrote, how would he remember that? But I know that you are speaking "tongue in cheek" or simply being facetious.

I really was there, but yes, just having a giggle. Or to quote the great Jerome Lester Horwitz, "Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk!"

Hey, maybe Ray will actually take the time out now and then to answer something if the peanut gallery will quiet down a bit...

OK, Buffalo Bob.

What time is it?

Dilly Dally resents that remark! Hey, what’s that clown up to now? Watch out there, he’s got the bottle out…!

“Remember, kids, there’s red, yellow and blue balloons painted right on the wrapper.”

"Builds strong bodies twelve ways!"