EDITOR’S STATEMENT UPDATE
As a WGA screenwriter, I have a 10-year interest in the book, "12 Years a Slave," which lead me to contact its scholarly editor, Dr. Sue Eakin. She was a goldmine, a foremost authority on slavery and plantation cultures; her 50-year archeological dig into Solomon Northup’s past, both as a freeman and slave, has produced a sizable archive, to which I was offered free access. With her help, I attempted to interest the networks producing in an updated version of "12 Years." I dug deeply into the book and its footnotes. Alas, my version of the story was not green-lighted.
But I felt comfortable adding to the information currently on the Wikipedia "12 Years" book page, to trim down and enhance the previously posted synopsis using my skills and my first-hand knowledge of Sue Eakin. And to add recognition for the book's revival after a hundred years of dust, attributable solely to Dr. Eakin.
As to conflict of interest, I have absolutely no financial connection with the book or the Brad Pitt movie to be released in 2013, nor was I an advisor to either. My relationship with Dr. Eakin ultimately lead to my meeting three of her children, who asked my advice on the audiobook. They have kindly given me a directing credit for sharing my analysis of the book for use by the audiobook actor. I have no promotional connection with the audiobook, but of course I would be happy to see anything involving Sue to succeed. My BA is in English and Journalism. I have network movie of the week credits on IMDB and have written a published novel, five produced stage plays (one published in Chilton's Best Short Plays series). I'm a fellow of AFI's Directing Workshop for Women, won some festival awards, la-la. I'm brand new to the Wiki editing community, and am delighted to find this forum and an opportunity to help beyond this entry. Thanks!