Five With Angela Gant

"Five With..." asks five simple questions of someone involved with Pilcrow Lit Fest. For our next guest, please welcome playwright, producer, writer, comedian, Angela Gant.

1. What are you working on now?

Working on a few things. Currently, I am rewriting a current project, The Body of Eva Peron, based loosely on Juan Peron's rerise to power. The play begins with the arrival of Eva Peron's body at his doorstep in Madrid 15 years after she her body went missing. (I didn't make that part up. It's historical). I am producing a movie, Back Page, that shoots in March in Texas (you know, the friendly state). The director/ story idea man in Richard Massey. I am really excited by his reels and look forward to working with him on this one. Also, I'm developing a new play, Jesus, the Drinking Years (if he wasn't crucified), and finishing up a screen play Sins of the Father, a psychological horror movie, with William L. Bryan.

In other words, I am keeping busy by trying to keep paddling, and keeping the noggin afloat.

2. What is your favorite part of literary festivals and why?

Many writers tend to be solo artists. It's always fun to poke your head out of the shell and see there are others just like you. I think the companionship and camaraderie does everyone a world of good. It's also nice to take an artificial break, and be in another location for a few days, and put things in perspective. It's easy to get caught up in the day to day grind and lose focus. I think lit festivals are a great Jamba Juice IV to infuse a little wiggle back into your tired old keypad.

3. Who are your favorite small presses mover/shaker types at the minute?

I don't want to name names...so I'll allude. If you are small time and looking for a break, we've all been there and we are rooting for you. I like 'em young and hungry or old and ornery.

4. Which author do you wish was coming to Pilcrow Lit Fest this year that is not?

I have to go with Gary Garrison. The guy is a great motivational speaker, and a fun writer. My favorite quote of Gary's, "No one asked you to be a writer". Kind of puts a spin of the pity party we like to throw for ourselves sometimes.

5. If you were in charge of picking a theme song for Pilcrow Lit Fest this year, what would it be?

The theme song to The Greatest American Hero. If you haven't heard it in a while, give it a listen.