The Paula Gordon Show |
Conversation 1 Steven J. Cannell tells Paula Gordon and Bill Russell how he weaves headlines into best-sellers, overlapping entertainment and investigative journalism. |
Conversation 2 Historical accuracy is important to him when creating plot lines, Mr. Cannell says, articulating his own standards. He compares writing novels and screenplays and describes his approach to research. He gives the factual basis for The Viking Funeral, starting with a conversation with a real customs agent about what he says is the actual "parallel market": Fortune 500 companies in the USA using their products to launder Colombian drug cash. |
Conversation 3 Because he believes in the American economy and corporate system of profits, Mr. Cannell recalls his initial skepticism about this "parallel market," remembering his dismay in finding that it seems to be secret only to the American public. He expands on Congressional hearings, actions of law enforcement agencies and public record settlements by major American corporations. Suggesting reasons these stories haven't been in the headlines, Mr. Cannell details how both these money laundering schemes and his novel work. He explains why he is a big believer in the L.A. Police Department, citing challenges for all law enforcement. |
Conversation 4 Mr. Cannell gives his learning disability -- dyslexia -- credit for his enormously successful career. He describes dyslexia and what is being learned about its strengths and associated challenges. He gives personal examples of how powerfully this brain anomaly has worked for him, including his "Eureka" moments. He wonders aloud about tobacco company practices. Similarities between good fiction and good journalism are noted, citing Congressional hearings on money laundering. |
Conversation 5 The importance of fact-based fiction is considered. Mr. Cannell describes the lucrative industry fostered by America's "war on drugs." Describing himself as a conservative Republican, he nevertheless supports an end to today's "Prohibition," so that profit can be removed and treatment encouraged. Connections are drawn between business, illegal drugs and politics, both national and international. Mr. Cannell remembers how differently several U.S. Administrations have approached illegal drugs. He applauds the integrity of law enforcement people who maintain their integrity in the face of strong inducements which reinforce the traffic in illegal drugs. |
Conversation 6 Mr. Cannell celebrates law enforcement dramas, from "Hamlet" to the present. He notes the power of dramas that build from life-or-death issues. He affirms his taste for morality plays, highlighting issues of justice. He again applauds good law enforcement people. |
Acknowledgements Mr. Cannell’s willingness to take on tough subjects is admirable. We thank him for his courage and applaud him both for putting his own dyslexia to work and for helping others maximize this considerable challenge. |
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