As I've mentioned before, I'm very lucky to receive a large number of emails inviting me to do all sorts of things. This one is a beauty. The actual head of Amazon MGM Studios approached me directly. Amazing, I hear you sneer. Yes, it is amazing. Here's the proof ;) So now I'm off to Hollywood. 

Dear Alan Crawford, I hope you’re having a great week. I’m reaching out regarding your book, A Story or Two to Tell. 
The collection’s blend of dark humour, interconnected stories, eccentric characters, bureaucratic absurdity, and increasingly chaotic encounters creates an unusual and potentially entertaining foundation for a screen adaptation. 

The retired Environmental Health Officer at the centre of the collection provides an engaging narrative perspective, while the stories move through outlaw motorcycle clubs, questionable religious figures, criminal activity, murder, and the everyday absurdities of dealing with institutions and other people. The combination of satire, cynicism, and unpredictable situations also offers considerable scope for distinctive characters and episodic storytelling. 

We are interested in exploring a potential 18-month exclusive option on the screen adaptation rights to bring this work to the screen. Before we move further on our end, could you please let us know:

• Are the film, television, and digital adaptation rights to A Story or Two to Tell currently available?

• Are you represented by a literary, entertainment, or media agency for screen rights, or are you handling inquiries directly?

• If you are represented, please feel free to include your representative in this correspondence. If the relevant rights are available, we would be pleased to connect to discuss the project and potential next steps, including referring the matter to the appropriate Business & Legal Affairs representatives. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to hearing your thoughts. 

Best regards, Mike Hopkins

Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios

My standard reply with this addition: Thank you for your interest in the Stories to Tell Collection. I’m impressed by your attempt at being Mike Hopkins. 

His reply to mine.

Dear Alan, Thank you for your response, and I completely understand your concern. Just to clarify, I’m not reaching out to offer you a promotion, marketing package, or any paid service. My inquiry is specifically regarding the potential film and television adaptation rights for A Story or Two to Tell.

I also understand your scepticism regarding the identity behind the email. Given the number of scams targeting authors, I respect your caution and encourage you to independently verify the inquiry through an appropriate official Amazon MGM Studios channel before sharing any information or proceeding further.

If, after verification, you are open to discussing the screen rights, I would be happy to continue the conversation. If not, I completely respect your decision.

Thank you again for your time, Alan.