I'm consulting, but it's informal and largely based on the fact that Robert is a decent and friendly guy. He's sent me scripts, a copy of the series bible, and I've given him feedback and seen changes made based upon it, which was (I thought) undeniably gentlemanly (and intelligent, of course) of him.
I like what I've seen.
That said, Robert isn't working in a vaccuum, and if I don't get absolutely everything I want in the show, neither does he. The differences, however, are generally minor and cosmetic. Some of them are just smart, and if I'd known more about writing when I was putting the books together, I probably would have used them. That's the advantage he has approaching this as a savvy screenwriter and producer, whereas I was an unpublished wannabe.
I like where the show is (currently) going, and I've been called by the studio to see if I'd be willing to work with the writers a little more. I am (provided I don't get too much more work pressure, ugh). We'll see if I actually go out and talk with them, read scripts, what have you. I'd love to help. I'll also understand if they don't want the novelist-creator cramping professional scriptwriters' styles and making their jobs harder.
It's out of my control, although arguably I'm not utterly unable to influence matters, and I can handle that. I'd love to help it be the best show it can, and I'll be happy to shoot my mouth off if someone wants my opinion. But then, who isn't.
Hell, if they wanted me to, I'd be happy to write (or help write) a script. That would probably be a case of some poor intern carrying my weight, but what's life for if not to try new things!
Jim
I remember the show vaguely, but can't put a finger on what made it particularly different from any of the dozens of other similar shows we've seen. I remember liking it well enough to continue watching it, but I could say the same for The Rockford Files, Hart to Hart, Murder She Wrote, etc etc.
