Director's Spotlight on Gary Hardwick

Director’s Spotlight
By Carol West

The ladies of “The Dish Now” recently dropped in on the National Book Club Conference here in Atlanta only to find the extraordinary talent, Gary Hardwick, hard at work. He has directed box offices smashes like “The Brothers” and “Deliver Us From Eva”, but this weekend we found him basking in another one of his many accomplishments as novelist. Gary’s followers loved his earlier mysteries such as “Color of Justice” and “The Executioner’s Game”. However, after listening to an excerpt from his soon to be released “Dark Town Redemption”, faithful fans and newcomers alike will be in for a treat.

His latest novel as he describes it is ‘a nifty little thriller’ that brings together a grand murder mystery set around the uproar of the Vietnam era in Detroit, Michigan. A white rookie, racist cop is set on a collision course with a black soldier (based in part on Hardwick’s own brother) who returns from the Vietnam War only to encounter the brutal murder of his brother. The volatile nature of what was occurring historically in America at that time placed alongside this juicy murder mystery is a recipe for something well worth the read. “Dark Town Redemption” is currently slated for release February 2011.

Additionally, I had an opportunity to sit down with Hardwick and find out just how he came to be this powerful screenwriter, director, and author. He also reveals what he is up to next and how he stays motivated to do all that he does.

Gary Hardwick has been writing since he was a tween growing up in Detroit, Michigan. He was interested in writing at an early age and thought he might consider it as a career some day, but the timeline sped up when at the tender age of eleven, he came across a frightening statistic that said African American males living in his city had a life expectancy of 25 years. To that he calmly retorted “I guess I had better get started then.”

Eight novels, countless screenplays, and television shows later, he is ready to begin shooting another feature film! That’s right people, Hardwick is currently scheduled to begin shooting a romantic comedy, “The Showdown” right here in Atlanta this fall.

For those of you wondering how to achieve even a fraction of the success Hardwick has attained in the world of screenwriting, he offers the following, “Screenwriting is more a discipline than an art. I’m pretty good at understanding what Hollywood wants.” He clearly delivers on that understanding and Hollywood has given a resounding nod of approval.

At the end of all this, I really wanted to know what made this guy get up every day and keep writing and cranking out these successful works of fiction. In an understated, yet intellectual fashion all his own, he smiles and divulges, “I get to create happy endings. It all turns out right because I say so.”

Say so Gary. Say so.

The Dish Now-The Savvy Shopaholic Blog

INTRODUCING THE SAVVY SHOPAHOLIC BLOG

Judging from the title of this blog one might assume that I enjoy retail therapy: red tag sales, markdowns, close-outs or standing in line outside of some big-box retailer at the crack-of-dawn in the freezing cold in anticipation of getting first crack at the selection of bargain basement deals. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. I actually abhor shopping! There are a few things I find more enjoyable than shopping: reading the back of cereal boxes; doing the laundry; or getting in a session of P90X!

When I was a struggling college student, I dreamed of the day that I would be able to take my highly-degreed-big-money-earning-self on lavish spending sprees through the halls of Neiman, Saks, Nordstrom and/or Marshall Fields. Or better yet, I would be able to turn to any page in the Spiegel catalog and order with abandon. Let’s not mention the visions of point and click on J. Crew’s site or Zappos.com - Lord have mercy - the endless array of shoes on that site!

However, all of that was before I decided to become an actress and continue my financial disenfranchisement. Once I choose the lifestyle of “artist” the trajectory of my life went in a wholly different path. Upwards of 85% of Screen Actors Guild members make less than $10,000 per year and depending on the year that would include me.

As Hollywood is all about the aesthetic - money or no money - I had to step up to step out. In casually, laid-back LA where a night out is all about the cute top, low-rise, boot cut jeans and sexy heels looking the part can get pricey. Then you certainly can’t be seen in photographs in the same outfit. Quelle horreur!

Once I had that bang-up year of bookings, I was able to put my money where my dreams were. Trust me; I had my $125 Frankie B barely-above-pube moments, but I could not afford to keep that up (or sit down – my whole ass would be out!) Not to mention, once I had an opportunity to shop the way I had always dreamed, I discovered I did not really like the process. It was only when I did not have the money that I saw all the things I wished I could have. I am sure some of you have experienced that delusion!

So, this blog is dedicated to the girl whose life necessitates looking good while scrimping or the woman whose personal obligations demand financial discretion and time limitations. Here, I will treat you to new ways to dress to impress without spending in excess. Help you discover ways to shop that you never considered before. Treat yourself to a fabulous design without getting behind on the mortgage, car note or anything else. Creative spending in the name of looking good is how we do it over here!

I plan to help you uncover your inner, frugal fashionista because the economic times dictate it. Teach you to be a savvy shoppanista because we could all afford some thriftyness in these lean years. I guarantee you no one loves a good bargain the way I do! I am on a mission to help you look like a million (minus four or five zeroes.) I am the savvy shopaholic and this is a public service announcement.

For more dish on trending topics and news you can use see updated posts by my girls Tracy Nicole and Carol West who are Dishing NOW at www.thesdishnowblog.blogspot.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter at The Dish Now.