Rod's latest novel is a starkly dramatic story about a determined boy who refuses to give up, despite overwhelming odds. Set in the fictional village of Spinney Cove, 'The Young Man & The Sea' - in homage to the title of a famous sea story by Hemingway - was published by Scholastic in 2004, and by his British publishers Usborne in May 2005. In celebration, publisher Peter Usborne and editor Megan Larkin invited Rod and his wife Lynn Harnett to tour the British Isles promoting the book - the Brits are calling it 'Lobster Boy'. Tours stops included London, Dublin, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Grangemouth, Newcastle, and Tynemouth. Usborne will publish a British edition of 'The Fire Pony' in October 2005.
Current projects include Rod's next work for young readers. 'The True Adventures of Homer Figg' takes place during the time of the American Civil War. He has no idea how long it will take him to complete the novel, but hopefully not as long as the Civil War itself!
In the fall of 2005, The Boston Globe asked Rod to write a serialized children's story, to be published in eight installments. Needless to say he agreed. Look for 'The Tinycawlers' in the 'Living' section of the Globe, starting in February 2006. It will also be distributed to classrooms throughout New England.
Margaret Marbury, of Mira Books, has asked Rod to write three adult thrillers, the first of which, 'Taken', will be a lead hardcover title in July 2006. Expect to see it on the beaches, but don't look for Rod's name on the cover - he'll be using a new pen name, Chris Jordan.
Rod's wife and sometime writing partner Lynn Harnett is working on an idea she calls 'Munching Through History', an engaging, informative look at how cooking and kitchens helped make us civilized - or as civilized as we're likely to get, being human.
One and two-act play versions of 'Freak The Mighty' have been requested and are in production at half a dozen middle schools and high schools, and Rod continues to supply copies to schools upon request. There is no charge for the play or for the performance. Send Rod your email and he'll send you a printable PDF file, simple as that.
Movie possibilities are looking up. Rod recently adapted 'The Young Man And The Sea' for London-based Viva Films, working with director John Goldschmidt. John is now seeking to put together a consortium of investors, and hopes to begin shooting in Nova Scotia in 2006. Keep your fingers crossed and pray to the gods of independent cinema.
As to other screenplays, Rod still has the usual suspects in circulation, including 'Stop Time', a very clever story about a young photographer who comes into possession of a device that stops time, 'Nine Levels Down', based on his adult thriller of the same title, and 'Star Pattern', in which the NBA meets DNA. Rod's stories and screenplays are represented in Los Angeles by Paul Kohner, Inc., but he's beginning to think that some of his young readers will have to grow up and become the next generation of filmmakers before any more of his books are made into movies!
Recent publications:
'The Young Man And The Sea', by Rodman Philbrick, Blue Sky Press
A starkly dramatic tale about a determined boy who refuses to give up, despite overwhelming odds. Available February 2004
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'Coffins', by Rodman Philbrick, TOR Books.
A tale of gothic horror set in a small Maine seaport on the eve of the Civil War.
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'The Journal Of Douglas Allen Deed' by Rodman Philbrick
a 'Dear America' Book published by Scholastic, Inc.
The doomed Donner Party expedition, as seen through the eyes of a fifteen-year-old.
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'REM World', by Rodman Philbrick,
an exciting fantasy adventure for young readers
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'The Fire Pony', by Rodman Philbrick,
the action-packed tale of two brothers, and extraordinary pony, and the secret they're all running from.
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'Taken', by Rodman Philbrick writing as Chris Jordan,
an adult thriller about a caterer's son who vanishes after his Little League game.
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