SOS Message Board: SOS Message Board -> EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PATRICK R. EWING (ROMAN)!!

AN INTERVIEW WITH EP/HW PATRICK R. EWING (ROMAN)

As the return of Salem Lives nears, the Salem Lives Insider (SDI) presents the first of two exclusive interviews with the executive producers/writers behind the popular series. First up...Patrick R. Ewing (Roman):

SDI: Welcome back! It's been so long. What brought about the return of Salem Lives and how does it feel to be writing again?

PATRICK R. EWING (PRE): The blog ended abruptly, and that was very unfair to our readers. We had some silly BTS drama, and to be honest, I didn't handle things in the most mature light. But, something happened in my personal life that really made me realize how silly BS is, and how precious life is, so it took some reaching out, and good conversation, but I think we got things back on track. As far as writing again, to be honest, I was so burnt out at that time that it became a job instead of a fun adventure to write. Now, not only have the creative juices returned, but I have 1,000% respect with anyone writing the 6 daytime dramas currently airing. It's real easy to talk shit about what ends up on-screen when you're not the one having to come up with ideas that last year-long.

SDI: Will Salem Lives be any different this time around?

PRE: You know, that action will be there when necessary, but to be honest, we blew up half of Salem. It's time to truly get into character development, and introduce the next generation of SL characters. Things will occur that will truly have readers saying "Damn. It's about time."


SDI: What do you feel Salem Lives can improve on this time around?

PRE: Making each episode must read. In that effort, keeping them to a point where people will not get turned off by the length of each episode. And also, making sure that we give our readers what they want, and listen to them. The big mistake writers make is not listening to their readers. Just look at WWE Wrestling for a prime example of that.

SDI: Two years have passed since Salem Lives abruptly ended. How will the passage of time be dealt with and do you think it may actually help?

PRE: We've decided to bring everything forward. We did that so new readers would not have to have read SL before it went on a LONG hiatus. LOL. And, IMO, that's the best way to go. We'll kick things off with a huge gala, and take it from there.

SDI: Are there any changes you think are necessary for the canvas or certain characters? What about the tone and feel of Salem Lives and it's stories? Do you feel a change is in order there?

PRE: It's time to just lighten things up around Salem. It's time for romance to blossom in Salem. At times, reading SL was like reading The Godfather, Goodfellas and The Towering Inferno all rolled up into one blog. Nobody, in these times, wants to read such doom and gloom all the time. But trust me, what made the blog popular will still be there. It's just time to lighten things up.

SDI: The return of Salem Lives is being dubbed "Salem Lives 2.0." This seems to suggest a shift in focus to perhaps the next generation in Salem. Do you have any reservations or concerns about that and how you plan to turnover the canvas?

PRE: No, not at all. Things change. Nothing stays the same. It's time to turn the page, and I feel that if it's written well, the readers will enjoy it. Shock writing went out with James Reilly, and I think the vast majority of daytime fans want good deep storytelling that does NOT insult their intelligence.

SDI: Can you preview any upcoming stories and what will happen when Salem Lives returns?

PRE: Preview stories........LOL, well, let's just say that...... nothing will be as it seems. LOL!

SDI: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans or in regards to anything else?

PRE: Yes, and to my partner as well. I am truly sorry that my lack of maturity stopped SL long before it had reached any type of 'final chapter'. That was, is and will be once again a great blog to read. I just want to promise the readers that they will always be able to ask any questions about anything on the blog, and to give constructive critiques on what's happening. This is for them. Always has been, always will be. Thanks for this opportunity to speak once again.