Original subtitles

(pleasant music)

I'm here with best-selling author Shelly Mantis,

whose latest book, A Vampire's Tale,

is riding high on the New York Time's Bestsellers List.

Hey Shelly, it's great to have you here tonight.

Well thanks, Chuck, it's great to be here.

Shelly, why don't you tell us about your new book.

Mmm, it's a twisted tale of deceit and debauchery,

with violence, vampires, and vengeance.

Oh.

What is the first thing you think about

when you're setting about to write a new book?

Well, you know every good book

starts out with a good idea.

And where does Shelly Mantis,

bestselling author of over 60 horror novels,

where do you get your ideas?

Life.

Our headlines are filled with tragedy, terror,

murder, rape, violence, bigotry, hatred.

These are things that people deal with

every day of their lives.

So I get my ideas from life.

Maybe that's why your books have outsold all others

in the horror zone in the past 10 years.

They touch on a nerve

at the subconscious level of most people.

Oh, maybe so.

But I'm really trying to do what every good writer does.

I wanna craft a story that's going to intrigue the reader.

I will take your deepest and your darkest fears,

and I will lead you on an exciting, frightening,

and maybe even disgusting journey.

You know your fans have dubbed you the queen of scream.

I mean, it's a worthy title, in my opinion.

But as a writer, have you always

wanted to write horror novels?

Once upon a time, I had other intentions.

But well as you can see, horror won out.

In the past 30 years,

you've written 67 horror novels,

that have sold over 600 million copies worldwide.

Do you have any advice for up and coming authors?

I do.

If you wanna make it in this industry

as a successful author, give up.

Give up?

Give up, mm-hmm.

There are countless websites

that will teach you for a fee

how to become a bestselling author.

They'll tell you to write about your life experiences,

what you know best.

Well, if you wanna make it,

and if you wanna pay your bills,

then you are going to have to give up

and write what sells.

If violence sells, write that.

If murder sells, write that.

If sex sells?

Let me guess, write that?

Exactly.

Who really wants to read about your life experiences, hmm?

People read to escape.

- Mhmm. - And so,

give them what they need, give them what they want.

There's no nobility

in living the life of a starving artist.

One room loft.

Lamenting over the hours spent

toiling for your craft, because you know what?

The truth of the matter is,

the creditors, they don't care about your craft,

they wanna get paid.

So if you wanna make it in this industry,

write what sells.

And there you have it, folks.

Straight from the mouth of the queen of scream.

Write what sells.

Yeah.

I got that advice long ago, and look where I am now.

Shelly Mantis.

I was just watching an interview with you.

Oh yes, the Chuck Samuels Show.

I'm here a little early, but is my room ready?

Your room, Ms. Mantis?

I don't have you on my register.

Sarah Henry.

- Sarah Henry. - Professional name.

Oh yes, yes, Sarah Henry.

My name's Jesse, by the way.

I manage the Dream Hotel.

If you need anything, please let me know.

Will do, thank you.

Your room, it turns out, is ready.

It's room 147.

Do you have any bags?

Still in the car.

Okay, I will show you to your room,

and then I'll get your bags for you.

Very nice, just like last time.

I guess some things really do stay the same.

Sorry?

Oh, nothing.

Which way is the room?

Yeah.

(soft piano music)

(pleasant orchestral music)

(gentle piano music)

Good evening, Ms. Henry.

Oh my goodness, you startled me.

I apologize.

But I would think someone in your line of work

would be used to being scared.

Ah, well no, you never get tired of being scared.

Otherwise, I wouldn't sell so many books.

(chuckles) - I suppose so.

Can I get you something to drink?

Actually, I was kinda hoping for a cup of hot tea.

Really?

What kind of hot tea would you fancy?

I would fancy a cup of peppermint tea, barkeep.

I thought you would say so.

One peppermint tea.

How'd you know that?

I'm sorry.

The peppermint tea.

How did you know I was gonna ask for peppermint tea?

I read your website,

and it turns out, peppermint tea is your favorite.

I like to read up on my guests.

And out of all the details I've come up with,

I wanted to know, when did you change your name?

I didn't really change my name,

it's the nom de plume.

It's just a pen name that I use for writing.

My first publicist thought that Sarah Henry

sounded more like a romance novelist,

not the queen of scream.

And so, Shelly Mantis was born.

Hmm.

Mmm, that's delicious.

How did you know that I was gonna be down here

at nine o'clock though, hmm?

Oh, I saw you coming in.

Oh, okay.

But Miss Sarah, I, I do know all about you.

You have googled my name,

you snooped around my website?

Well, I know that you prefer dogs over cats.

I know your favorite season is spring.

And I know that your favorite movie director

is Frank Capra, and your favorite movie of his

is It's A Wonderful Life.

Then you are definitely following me on Facebook.

(sighs)

I also know and appreciate

the fact that you value honesty,

and that you do love romance novels.

And at one time, Miss Sarah, you had a very strong faith.

I also know that you were here once before.

It was February 1988.

It was right here in this very bar.

You were offered your first writing deal.

And if I remember correctly, it was very lucrative.

- 1988? - Mhmm.

Well, you could have been what, 20 years old?

How would you know that?

I do know that you accepted the deal,

even though it meant putting everything you believe in

completely aside.

I know that 30 years ago, you had your first hit,

The Curse of the Changeling.

I also know that you've come back here

to rekindle your passion for writing.

And Sarah, one more thing that I do know,

you're very unhappy with your life.

That's what I call stalking.

I've dealt with people like you before, Jesse.

Sarah, I'm just someone who cares for you.

Cares for me?

This is nuts.

Look, 30 years ago, you made a heavy decision

that impacted your life,

and not only your life,

but the lives, the hearts and minds

of every single person who ever read your books.

(somber music)

How did, how did you--

It doesn't matter, Sarah.

Okay, what do you think you're doing, hmm?

Who are you?

Wait a minute, I've known guys like you before.

You think if you learn everything about me,

then you too can be a successful writer.

But this is not the life you have imagined.

And you're gonna sell out all your dreams

just to make this happen?

Sold out?

What are you, nuts?

I worked hard to make this happen.

And now, I've got it all.

I have got book tours, speaking engagements,

I've got a movie deal coming up.

I'm living the dream.

I've got everything.

I have got everything

I never wanted.

(sniffs)

So my life's work is trash,

and the funniest thing is?

I hate horror.

My daddy always said that

horror is the lowest form of literature.

(sighing)

Turns out, father knows best.

[Jesse] Yeah.

But I can't stop.

Now I can't write anything else.

Why not?

Because I would lose everything I worked so hard for.

I'm not willing to risk that.

Sarah.

Writers write, that just what they do.

But it saddens me that someone with your talent,

your gift, is not reaching hearts and teaching minds.

Reach, teach.

Change the world, make a difference.

That used to be my mantra.

(sighs)

What if you were given an opportunity

to change your story?

You know, maybe get a do-over?

Would you take that chance?

I don't know.

Maybe?

Who am I kidding?

In a heartbeat.

(soft country music)

♪ The autumn leaves are leaving me ♪

♪ From the a time and a place ♪

[Jesse] Recognize her?

That's me, that's me.

(Jesse chuckles)

But how?

Come on, Sarah.

Every good writer knows the how's

not near as important as the why.

♪ You cause so much pain ♪

It's February 1988.

You're about to make the fateful decision

of trading in your dreams of being a literary artist

into being a bestseller.

♪ Virginia ♪ - Why?

Well, you said you wanted a chance at a do-over,

here it is.

Can you talk your former self

out of making the wrong decision?

Listen, she can't hear us, not 'til you say the word.

And there's only one rule.

You can't tell her who you are,

otherwise the conversation's over.

But I'm good at what I do.

People like me.

And what about your heart's desire

to make a real difference?

She's about to make a life's changing decision.

So what's it gonna be?

Fame and fortune, or answered dreams and true joy?

What if she won't listen to me?

Ah, then nothing changes.

You go back to living your life.

But if you do change her mind,

she can start,

you can start sharing your heart

with the rest of the world.

Your gift can start changing lives.

Can I, I mean, can I change lives?

Let's see.

I wanna change, I can, I can change.

Change what?

Now remember, don't tell her who you are.

Oh, what?

You said you wanted to change?

Well why, you look fine.

This isn't exactly the Ritz.

I'm Sar, Shelly.

Nice to meet you, Sar, Shelly?

It's Shelly.

It's Shelly, very pleased to meet you, I'm Sarah.

(chair scraping)

(soft country music)

He offered me a contract to ghost write horror

for a bestselling author.

Things are tight, beggars can't be choosers.

Yeah, but is it really that tight,

that you are willing to just give up your dreams

to pay the rent?

Well, when you put it like that,

words have fascinated me since I was a little girl.

They paint pictures, transport you

into the middle of an epic tale.

I believe, I believe words

can actually have the power to change you.

I think that that might be enough wine for you.

I've only had one.

Well then maybe one is enough.

But seriously.

The Bible says, in the beginning,

God created the heavens and the earth.

How?

God spoke the world into existence.

That's it, he simply spoke.

Think about it.

Words are powerful.

They can tear down, build up, hurt or heal.

Kill or bring to life.

I have missed you, this.

I have missed this.

Missed what?

I used to wanna be a writer, just like you.

No way!

Yes way.

I had just the same passions.

But then, things happened.

But look at you.

You are so young, you can do anything you wanna do.

You can be anyone you wanna be.

Then starting tomorrow,

I guess I'm gonna be the ghost writer

for Thomas Roberts, yay.

Well, long day.

It was nice talking to you and all.

♪ To be your light ♪

(flames crackling)

Sarah.

Is that what you really want, to be a ghostwriter?

What's your dream?

Look, no one's pounding down my door

asking if they can read, or even publish my writing.

My writing's good, but it's time for me to grow up.

Dreams don't pay the bills.

Peter Kirkpatrick give you that little nugget?

The publisher, how did you know?

I've known Peter for a long time.

I thought you said you didn't write.

No, I said I didn't follow my dreams.

So you are a writer.

Anything I might have read?

Definitely not, not unless you like crappy pulp fiction.

Funny, I can't stand horror.

Then why?

It's a job.

No one would fuss if I worked as a cashier.

Why does everyone have something to say about this?

Who's everyone?

My daddy.

He loves me and encourages me, but doesn't approve.

Ghostwriter writing horror, too funny.

Yeah mine didn't approve either,

and I haven't spoken to him in 30 years.

Wow, that's harsh.

Mine blew his top when I told him

I was dropping out of college to write.

Said I was throwing my gift away.

But look, I've already got my first gig.

I'll write from home, set my own hours,

and most importantly it pays.

Yeah it pays, but what do you really wanna do?

What do you want to write about?

The great American novel?

Promise you won't laugh.

Romantic historical fiction.

So tell me about that.

Love, adventure, faith, hope,

epic stories with larger than life heroes.

I mean you get totally bummed out just watching the news.

My stories, they would tell people

they don't have to settle.

They can make something of themselves.

There's hope.

You've given that a lot of thought.

Yep, and guess how many rejection letters I've gotten?

- All of them. - All of them.

Peter says I have talent,

but pointless writing if no one reads it.

I need to write what sells.

Well let me tell you something,

Peter isn't always right.

I didn't follow my dream,

and what I would give

to go back and make a different decision today.

You're never too old to change.

From the mouths of babes!

Listen, now I have an audience, I have a reputation.

My readers know what to expect from me.

My dream has been to teach minds, reach hearts,

and change lives.

Then why give up on it?

I need to earn a living.

You mentioned college, what about that?

The plan was to get a degree in writing,

but two years in and I don't want to study writing,

I want to write.

I get it.

I did the same thing, college for a couple years

and I started writing things that I wouldn't even read.

But you are writing.

I made a living, not a life.

Tell me about yourself.

No, there's not really much to say.

Everyone has a story.

Good family, happy childhood.

Loved books, I was a voracious reader.

I was one of those kids that would be

under the cover with a flashlight, reading all night long.

And then I started to write,

crafting stories from words.

And that took over.

I won some awards, and Reader's Digest

published my first story.

Too weird, Reader's Digest published my first story.

I was 15.

I'm sorry, go on.

Graduated high school and a couple years of college.

That's what I keep telling my parents.

They want me to be independent,

and that costs money.

Okay what about your family, your mom and your dad?

And my brother, he's a real pain

but I couldn't ask for a better brother.

I couldn't ask for a better family.

You miss 'em?

I do.

A lot.

My dad's a pastor, he's great.

He's the only pastor I've ever listened to

who doesn't bore me to sleep.

My mom, she runs a bakery

and the bread she makes is heavenly.

My brother's leaving for college this year.

Gonna be a pastor like his daddy.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

I guess I'm just missing my family.

Tell me about 'em.

I haven't spoken to my father in 30 years.

And my mom's been gone for a few years.

My brother, well,

my brother took over Daddy's business

and he's married and has two kids.

And they're happy.

How come you and your dad don't talk?

Stupid.

Oh, so stupid.

He thought I was wasting my gift.

He said that I should use it to bring hope to the hopeless.

He was disappointed that,

he was hurt.

He was so hurt

that I took the easy path.

He always said, "Little good comes

"when the path is too easy."

But me, I was so smart.

I was independent, and I knew I could do it my way.

I could show him.

And that just sounds so silly right now.

Your dad sounds a lot like mine.

Why don't you call him?

I'm sure he would love to hear from you.

Maybe.

But hey, this isn't about me, this is about you.

What are you gonna do?

I don't know.

You kind of messed my game plan up.

I think I'll take a few days and think things through.

I'm not quite ready to take that leap anymore.

I mean I came here for a few days to clear my head,

and begin work on my first novel.

If I take Peter up on his offer,

I don't intend on ghostwriting for forever.

[Sarah] The Curse of the Changeling?

It's corny, but Peter only publishes horror.

Oh I know, he always will.

Listen, just let me give you a little bit of advice.

Take your time.

Take your time, don't be hasty.

Think this through.

This is important, and remember that

you are the captain of the ship.

You set the course, and you direct the ship, okay?

So steer away from those icebergs.

(chuckles)

(gentle piano music)

Hm!

You were a lot of fun back then.

Hey look, it's getting late

and I'm gonna have to shut down the motel.

Who are you?

I'm Jesse, the manager here at the Dream Motel.

No, I mean who are you?

I am who I need to be, and you needed a friend.

Sarah, you're incredibly special

and you have a great talent for writing.

I was able to give you a second chance,

let you have a life that you were destined to live.

I tried.

I mean I really tried, Jesse.

But I don't know.

I need to know what's,

what I decided.

Well, see for yourself.

(gentle piano music)

Stories of Faith, Hope, Love.

The official Sarah Henry website.

(gentle piano music)

You did make the right decision.

Took you a little longer to get published,

but right after that you moved back home,

and you set the course of your life.

Do you remember?

(ethereal music)

I remember everything.

I've got 17 bestsellers.

I am married to William, and we have two children,

Thea and Michael and we have a dog named Samson

and we're living in my old neighborhood.

We go to my brother's church,

and I am writing what I love to write.

And I'm so happy.

A blessed life indeed.

Wait a minute, I remember everything else too.

How do I know which one is real?

After a while, that life will just fade from your memory

and basically seem like a dream.

Oh, there you are!

I've been looking all over for you.

William, my husband.

Of course I'm your husband.

Been at the bar this early, have we?

I can assure you sir, the only thing

that she's had tonight has been peppermint tea.

Oh yes, peppermint tea before bedtime.

Hey listen, we've better hit the sack.

We've got a busy day tomorrow traveling.

Because we're coming back from New York.

We just finished signing the contracts.

They're making a TV series off of my latest book.

Yes, I know.

You all have a good night.

Hey, thank you.

Come on.

I'm married, Jesse.

I am married to this incredible man.

Are you sure you haven't been drinking?

I am as sober as the day I was born, sweetheart.

I am just, I love what I do and I'm so happy.

Thank you, Jesse.

Thank you.

You're welcome, Sarah.

You're very welcome.

[Sarah] I love my life!

(sighs)

You never cease to amaze me.

(gentle piano music)

(gentle guitar music)

Repair and Synchronization by Easy Subtitles Synchronizer 1.0.0.0