Performed by actor Hugh Ritchie
Get to know the writer:
What is your novel about?
Deadly Serious is a dark comedy thriller set in Los Angeles about a stand-up comic whose search for the truth leads to his downfall. When Jonny Goodis exceeds the limits of free speech, he draws fire from his audience, his enemies and his peers. Hunted and tormented, he must deliver the performance of his life if he ever hopes to survive.
Why should this novel be read by people?
It is a look inside the mind of a tormented aspiring comic who has trouble differentiating between going over-the-top and discovering that the terror inside of him, although comedic, can be very very real. I wanted to play with the complex interplay between action and psychological thriller, much as happens in a Thomas Pynchon novel.
How would you describe this story in two words?
Comedy thriller
What movie have you seen the most in your life?
Casablanca
How long have you been working on this story?
It was about 1.5 years for the first draft.
Do you have an all-time favorite novel?
I liked Robert Ludlum a lot and the Bourne Identity.
What motivated you to write this story?
I lived in Los Angeles at the time and attended many different and famous comedy clubs. I saw many comedians who had a very dark side to them and a few would explore it through politics and personal attack and this prompted me to think about what would happen if they were misunderstood and went over-the-top. The death of John Belushi and others prompted me to think about why comedians are so self-destructive.
What artist would you love to have dinner with?
Henri Rousseau.
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Family, kids, politics and future exponential technologies.
What influenced you to enter your short story to get performed?
I am excited to have the opportunity top get the word out and I’ve never entered a festival before.
Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Writing is like thinking. If you believe in your thoughts, keep on writing.
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Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson
Novel Writing Festival 