When an author writes a book, they put their heart into every part of it. Every word, setting, and detail exists for a reason. Books are an author’s babies, so bringing them to life through an adaptation is never simple.
The Lancaster Prep series is one we always hoped would make it to the screen, even when we weren’t sure it ever would. The story has given us a lot to think about when it comes to relationships, toxicity, growth, and the complicated ways people can hurt each other while still trying to find their way.
There is good. There is bad. There is a whole lot of chaos.
And when a story makes the jump from page to screen, we’re always curious about how the author feels about the changes. What is it like to watch characters you created take on a new life? What stays the same, what has to change, and how do you let go of the version that first lived in your head?
There are always changes. Favorite scenes get cut, memorable lines disappear, new storylines are introduced, and inevitably, someone walks away disappointed. But after covering enough productions and talking to enough authors, I’ve realized that change isn’t automatically a bad thing. But what does an author think about changes?
ReelShort released their adaptation of Things I Wanted To Say this week and we talked with writer Monica Murphy about her series coming to life.
What was your first reaction when you learned Things I Wanted To Say would be adapted into a ReelShort series?
Excitement, of course! It’s been my dream to see my characters come to life, and to have it happen with ReelShort has been such a thrill!
Now that you’ve seen it come to life, what has that experience been like?
I was lucky enough to be able to be on set and watch them film. To meet the cast and everyone behind the scenes was wonderful. The actors are so sweet and were excited to play my characters and the director was also wonderful to talk to and watch in action. ReelShort has been great to work with from the start, and they put so much care into the filming of Things I Wanted to Say. Watching them film and meeting everyone was truly a highlight of the entire experience.
With such a devoted fandom to the Lancaster Prep series what do you think fans will be most excited about with the adaptation?
I can tell the readers want to see particular scenes from the book and luckily enough, there are plenty of them in the microdrama! The script isn’t quite like the book because there are definitely some differences but I believe readers will be pleased that the essence of the story remains the same.
Was there a particular scene or character you were most excited to see on screen?
I was truly excited to see every character come to life. But seeing them in their Lancaster Prep uniforms gave me a thrill.
What was it like to be on set? How much involvement did you have in the script and ensuring fan favorite scenes in the adaptation?
Being on set was truly such a fabulous experience. Watching them film and interact with each other was amazing. But it’s also a little tedious! Lots of takes, lots of extras sitting around. Not that I was ever bored, though. It meant so much to me being there.
What was it like meeting the leads, Kirby and Pablo for the first time?
They were both so sweet. I adore them so much and feel they both embodied my characters perfectly. I also really love Raina Silver, who plays Sylvie Lancaster. She’s such a sweetheart! They all are.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans before they watch the series?
I absolutely love how Things I Wanted to Say turned out and I hope Lancaster Prep fans will give it a chance and watch it on ReelShort. It is such a fun watch (I got to view it early) and I think fans of Whit Lancaster will love Pablo’s portrayal of him. And Kirby is the perfect mix of strong yet vulnerable with her portrayal of Summer Savage. I hope to find new readers of the book/series as well!
Have you watched the series on ReelShort? Tell us all the things.
