Two previous posts refer to the bestselling author’s work The Harlem Hellfighters, but Max Brooks recent 15-minute segment on Tavis Smiley is worth noting for several reasons:

1. Fascinating glimpse of how Brooks’ personality dictates his approach to his craft.

2. The account of the World I heroes and Brooks’ attempts to market his script, including why the graphic novel versus standard prose was chosen to feature The Harlem Hellfighters.

3. And snippet of father, Mel Brooks,’ two-part appearance on Tavis Smiley earlier this year could be described ss the most politically incorrect and hilarious conversation I can ever remember viewing on PBS. Mel Brooks, an absolute comedic genius, spoke about almost every sensitive topic in arguably inappropriate ways. And no doubt left many viewers with sides aching from laughter. If I were going to write comedy, I would have to study the films of Mel Brooks…thoroughly… for inspiration.

An outrageous comedic master who has apparently passed his gift along to the youngest member of his family.

References
Max Brooks PBS.org/Tavis Smiley
http://tinyurl.com/nemn9vg

Mel Brooks/Part I
PBS.org/Tavis Smiley
http://tinyurl.com/kapg3r5

Brooks/Part2
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/interviews/mel-brooks-part-2/

The Zombie Survival Guide & The Harlem Hellfighters
MaxBrooks.com
http://maxbrooks.com/

IMBD.com Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt007123/

Takeaway Lesson
Fascinating account of an overlooked historical war story, but for aspiring entrepreneurs or would-be writers,  how author Max Brooks, finally achieved success with his 16-year effort to get the project illustrates an important lesson about revamping an idea.

Apart from the riveting military details, it is worth noting Brooks’ challenges despite Hollywood connections and affluence.

References

Booktv.org
Note: Video still temporarily unavailable
http://tinyurl.com/mwhn3q7

USA Today.com
Max Brooks Talks
WWI Graphic Novel ‘Harlem Hellfighters’
http://tinyurl.com/m78bhcl

NPR.org
The Harlem Hellfighters: Fighting Racism In The Trenches Of WWI
http://tinyurl.com/mrwna97

Max Brooks.com
http://maxbrooks.com/news.php