I have produced things that I would say were sincerely cheerful. But then I am reminded by other people that no one else would see them that way.
Daniel HandlerIt is much, much worse to receive bad news through the written word than by somebody simply telling you, and Iโm sure you understand why. When somebody simply tells you bad news, you hear it once, and thatโs the end of it. But when bad news is written down, whether in a letter or a newspaper or on your arm in felt tip pen, each time you read it, you feel as if you are receiving the bad news again and again.
Daniel HandlerI had written eight drafts of the Lemony Snicket' screenplay when this changing-of-the-guard thing happened, and I said to the new producers, "I don't think I could write any more drafts." I guess I was sort of hoping they would say, "Well that's okay, this last one is perfect." But instead, they said, "It's funny you should say that. We don't think you can write any more drafts either."
Daniel HandlerEvery problem has a solution. Sometimes it just takes a long time to find the solution - even if it's right in front of your nose.
Daniel HandlerThere was something I was always very good at, however, and that was teaching myself not to be frightened while frightening things are going on. It is difficult to do this, but I had learned. It is simply a matter of putting oneโs fear aside, like the vegetable on the plate you donโt want to touch until all of your rice and chicken are gone, and getting frightened later, when one is out of danger. Sometimes I imagine I will be frightened for the rest of my life because of all of the fear I put aside during my time in Stainโd-by-the-Sea.
Daniel Handler