Page 43 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 48

“MEGASTAR! by R.J. Eastwood is a captivating, emotionally rich journey of fame, love, and redemption. An absolute must-read!”
charged events of recent years in the United States. Motivated by
a desire to dispel misinformation and present the truth, he meticu- lously researched and outlined his chapters to provide a clear and factual account. Emery belie-
the fascinating world of Robert Emery, exploring his journey, ins- pirations, and the stories that have shaped his remarkable career.
Can you share some insights into your journey from being in the U.S. Air Force to beco- ming an award-winning writer, producer, and director? How did your early experiences shape your career in the enter- tainment industry?
ves in the power of literature to address societal issues and foster meaningful dialogue, encouraging everyday people to speak out and seek the truth.
recorded on a thumb drive in my car. Driving around one day and listening Bocelli, it hit me. Write about a young man with an ext- raordinary voice who become at age 19 an overnight international singer sensation. But he’s not pre- pared for what fame brings. It is a life story, an inside look at fame, success, love and love lost.
With a diverse portfolio ranging from feature films to cable documentaries, what draws you to different medi- ums of storytelling? Do you find certain stories are better suited to specific formats, or do you approach each project with a unique perspective?
I enjoy both writing and making movies as well as docu- mentaries. I approach both the same way: What interests me, what message do I want to send whether fiction or nonfiction. Whatever the story, I have to be 100% passionate about telling a story, again, whether fiction or non fiction. MEGASTAR is my 9th film, but only my third novel.
America: Standing Strong del- ves into the tumultuous events of recent years in the United States. What motivated you to tackle such a complex and politically charged subject, and what do you see as the role of literature in addressing societal issues and fostering dialogue?
I was pretty upset with what happening in this country with all the dumb conspiracy theories and misinformation, so I set out to get
some straight answers. I outlined my chapters, then did 196 pages of notes and research before I ever began to write and to try to set myths and information aside and present the truth and facts.
Emery’s approach to writing, whether fiction or nonfiction, is driven by his passion for the story he wants to tell. He navigates the creative process with an obsessi- ve dedication, ensuring that each narrative, regardless of genre, is crafted with care and authenticity.
Robert Emery’s storytelling prowess and dedication to his craft make him a true luminary in the world of literature and film.
This commitment to storytelling is evident in his diverse body of work, which continues to captiva- te and inspire audiences.
Beyond his professional achievements, Emery is also an avid cook, a passion he inherited from his Sicilian mother. His love for cooking, particularly with an Italian flair, is a cherished aspect of his personal life, bringing joy to his family and friends. This culinary creativity mirrors his ap- proach to storytelling, where each dish, like each story, is crafted with love and attention to detail.
To stay updated on Robert Emery’s latest projects and insi- ghts, you can follow him on soci- al media. Join us as we delve into
While in the Air Force, I continued to write short story and began fooling around with scre- enplay, of which I knew nothing about. I just knew that I wanted to be a filmmaker, and I would pursue that avenue at every turn.
I wish more everyday people would speak out.
It began with directing local TV commercials. That was my training ground. I was self-taught. Then I wrote
Your latest novel, Megastar, explores themes of fame, love, and loss in the context of the music industry. What inspired you to delve into this particular storyline, and what messages or emotions do you hope readers will take away from it?
MEGASTAR came about when I had this idea to write a story of one man’s life from his birth to his death. Initially, I had no idea who my character was, what he did for a living. I am a big Andrea Bocelli fan and I have his albums
As both a fiction and nonfic- tion author, how do you na- vigate the creative process dif- ferently when writing in each genre? Are there particular challenges or rewards unique to each type of storytelling?
I have not given that much though to that except if I have a story in mind, whether fiction or nonfiction, that I am obsessive and passionate about telling, that’s how I make my decisions.
Beyond your professional accomplishments, you’ve men- tioned your love for cooking. How does this passion interse- ct with your creative work, if at all? Do you find similarities between crafting a story and crafting a meal?
My love of cooking comes from my Sicilian mother who took the time when I was in my early teens to teach me. My wife, children, grandchildren, and friends love my cooking. Every
I cook is always with an Italian flair.
a screenplay, and a local gentleman liked it and said he would fund it - it was very low budget, but we pulled it off and got distri- bution. From there things kind of fell in place, and I was off writing, producing
a second film, and my career was off and running in the direction I had hoped.
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