Book Riot - The Podcast: "Which Writers Could Most Benefit from a Signal Adaptation?"
Release Date: February 19, 2025
In this engaging episode of Book Riot - The Podcast, hosts Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky delve into the intriguing concept of "signal adaptations"—adaptations that significantly boost an author's visibility and career trajectory. Amid a relatively slow period in the publishing industry, the duo explores which authors stand to gain the most from such transformative adaptations.
1. Understanding Signal Adaptations
Jeff O'Neill kickstarts the conversation by defining a signal adaptation as an adaptation that not only translates a book into another medium but also elevates the author's prominence in the literary world. He emphasizes that while not all adaptations lead to increased recognition, some can act as a "spin of the roulette wheel," offering authors a chance to reach a broader audience.
"Sometimes it’s a spin of the roulette wheel and sometimes you come up aces."
— Jeff O'Neill [09:40]
2. Spotlight on Zadie Smith and Barbara Kingsolver
The hosts first discuss Zadie Smith, renowned for her literary prowess and critically acclaimed novels like White Teeth. Rebecca Schinsky points out that while Smith's work is highly respected, it hasn't achieved mainstream household recognition. An adaptation could demystify her "highbrow" reputation, making her stories more accessible.
"White Teeth or On Beauty being adapted, I think would make Zadie Smith not just a more recognizable name for more people."
— Rebecca Schinsky [08:16]
Next, they explore Barbara Kingsolver, whose novels blend commercial appeal with depth. Titles like Prodigal Summer and The Poisonwood Bible are highlighted as perfect candidates for limited-run TV shows or films, potentially attracting a wider audience without compromising the essence of her storytelling.
"Barbara Kingsolver has several books that are incredibly commercially appealing and could work beautifully as limited series."
— Rebecca Schinsky [09:30]
3. Brit Bennett and the Potential of Her Novels
Both hosts express admiration for Brit Bennett, particularly her novels The Mothers and The Vanishing Half. Jeff O'Neill identifies The Vanishing Half as his top pick for a signal adaptation, noting its strong narrative and existing option status, which hints at potential future developments.
"The Vanishing Half ticks all of the spots. It’s been optioned, and it already won the Goodreads Choice Award."
— Jeff O'Neill [20:00]
Rebecca Schinsky echoes this sentiment, suggesting that an adaptation could not only satisfy existing fans but also draw in new readers, enhancing Bennett's mainstream presence.
4. SA Cosby and the Appeal of Blacktop Wastelands
SA Cosby is another focal point, with Rebecca Schinsky advocating for an adaptation of Blacktop Wastelands. The novel's high-energy plot centered around a getaway driver and his crew offers ample action, making it an ideal candidate for a feature film rather than a streaming series.
"Blacktop Wastelands has the highest win potential so far because it’s action-packed and commercially viable."
— Rebecca Schinsky [21:10]
Jeff O'Neill adds that Cosby's work, supported by notable producers like Obama's production company, stands a good chance of successfully transitioning to the screen.
5. Exploring Science Fiction and Fantasy Adaptations
The discussion shifts to science fiction, with Jeff O'Neill highlighting Martha Wells and her Murderbot series as promising candidates. The blend of humor and mystery in the series could translate well into a captivating TV show or film.
"The Murderbot series, if done right, could be incredibly cool and invigorating."
— Jeff O'Neill [24:28]
Rebecca Schinsky suggests other sci-fi authors like Mary Doria Russell and Jennifer Egan, noting the challenges and opportunities in adapting complex narratives into visual formats.
6. Literary Fiction: Ann Patchett and Lauren Groff
Ann Patchett and Lauren Groff emerge as underappreciated gems ripe for adaptation. Rebecca Schinsky emphasizes that Patchett's novels, such as The Dutch House and Bel Canto, possess rich narratives that could thrive as both films and limited series without exorbitant budgets.
"Ann Patchett’s books like The Dutch House would make fantastic adaptations without requiring massive production budgets."
— Rebecca Schinsky [36:40]
Jeff O'Neill concurs, suggesting that these adaptations could elevate both authors' profiles within mainstream media.
7. The Challenges of Adaptation in Today's Market
Throughout the episode, Jeff and Rebecca acknowledge the hurdles in the current adaptation landscape, primarily revolving around budget constraints and the shifting priorities of streaming platforms. They discuss how high-budget fantasy adaptations often come with significant risks, whereas literary and mystery genres might offer more achievable projects with substantial impact.
"Adaptations like The Lord of the Rings of Power have set a precedent, but not all fantasy projects can match that scale."
— Jeff O'Neill [14:51]
They also touch upon recent cancellations and the unpredictability of adaptation projects, highlighting the uncertainty authors face in seeing their work translated effectively.
8. Final Thoughts and Call to Action
As the episode wraps up, Jeff and Rebecca reiterate the importance of signal adaptations in bringing deserving authors into the limelight. They express hope that studios will take a chance on these promising candidates, ultimately enriching the literary and entertainment landscapes.
"Our plea to Hollywood is, please do something with 'The Night Circus'. Please."
— Rebecca Schinsky [54:52]
9. Audiobook Excerpt: "Nesting" by Roisin O'Donnell
The episode concludes with an audiobook excerpt from "Nesting" by Roisin O'Donnell, read by Louisa Harland. This poignant scene captures Kira's family dynamics during a turbulent day at the beach, setting a vivid emotional tone that underscores the episode's themes of transformation and resilience.
This episode of Book Riot - The Podcast offers a thoughtful exploration of how strategic adaptations can propel talented authors into greater recognition. By spotlighting both established and emerging voices, Jeff and Rebecca provide listeners with insightful recommendations and a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between literature and its adaptations.