WEEK OF NOVEMBER 26, 2007 EDITION

WRITER'S CORNER


THIS WEEK MARKS THE ELEVENTH EDITION OF THE WEEKLY SL INSIDER FEATURE, "THE WRITER'S CORNER." EACH WEEK I, TIM LOWERY (BETTER KNOWN AS PHOENIXRISING05), AND MY FELLOW SALEM LIVES HEAD WRITER, PATRICK L. EWING (BETTER KNOWN AS ROMAN), WILL TAKE TIME OUT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM READERS AND ANYONE ELSE THAT DECIDES TO CHECK OUR FAN FICTION BLOG OUT. WE WILL TAKE TURNS ANSWERING QUESTIONS EACH WEEK. THESE QUESTIONS CAN BE QUESTIONS ABOUT CASTING, WRITING, PAST STORIES, CURRENT STORIES, OR WHATEVER COMES TO MIND REALLY PERTAINING TO SALEM LIVES. PLEASE REMEMBER TO PM US QUESTIONS DURING THE WEEK FOR US TO ANSWER AND ALSO REMEMBER YOU CAN POST QUESTIONS VIA COMMENTING HERE IN THE BLOG. IF WE RECEIVE NO QUESTIONS, ROMAN AND I WILL JUST ANSWER QUESTIONS BASED ON REACTIONS TO EPISODES AND DISCUSSIONS WE HAVE HAD WITH OTHERS. SO, WITHOUT FURTHER ADIEU, HERE WE GO:

THIS WEEK'S WRITER IN THE HOT SHEET: TIM LOWERY (PHOENIXRISING05)

1.) The Joelle story was pushed back to the backburner in November. When will it pick up steam again?

A: This week. Joelle will up the ante this week big time and we will build to an explosive turn of events at the end of December.

2.) What is the deal with this mysterious stranger that has been watching Joelle, Lucas, and Will?

A: Keep an eye on that person as they will play a pivotal role in what's ahead.

3.) Is the Frankie/Greta romance about to take off?

A: They have alot to work through individually but they will be getting closer. December will be a nice month for them. Their bond is getting stronger.

4.) I was so happy to see Lexie, Celeste, Belle and Philip back in the mix. Will they be more involved now?

A: Yes. We are building some stuff with Belle and Philip and Lexie does something this week that will change her life a bit. Things will slowly be picking up for all 4 of them.

5.) Alyson and Alex have been sharing scenes lately. Is a romance in the future?

A: We will see where it goes. They both have some interesting things coming up and this may be the start of something. We'll see how fans respond and see if it takes off.

BIG CASTING NEWS!!! IT'S HORTON MANIA!! PLUS, SHAUGHNESSY BACK WITH PEASE AND CLARK TO FOLLOW!!



Last Friday, fans were stunned to see the shocking return of the newly promoted Shane Donovon (Charles Shaughnessy) and it looks like that may be only the start in what is a long line of returns. Shaughnessy, who left Salem Lives in August with on screen love interest Patsy Pease (Kimberly), will be sticking around for quite awhile.

"We wanted it to be a surprise and the fans seemed to like it," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "It came off well and we always planned on bringing him back and it seemed like the time."

As for Pease, she will be returning too this December for the holidays and beyond. "She will be back around mid-December and will stick around into January if not later," says Lowery. "We will get into what Shane and her have been up to and they will have some Brady family issues to deal with."

Speaking of Brady family issues, Christie Clark (Carrie) is also making a return visit to Salem. Clark left the show in August when Carrie left Salem with her baby son, Evan. "She will be back to be with the family during Sami's crisis," says Lowery. "However, the way she is brought back is something the fans will be stunned by. It lays the groundwork for major story, that's for sure." Look for Clark to return in mid-December.

And, last but not least, look for the return of several Horton's in December for the holidays and for a huge Horton event. The list of returning Horton's is as follows:

Jaime Lyn Bauer (Laura Horton)
Roark Critchlow (Mike Horton)
David Tom (Jeremy Horton)
Lisa Trusel (Melissa Anderson)
Pamela Roylance (Sandy Horton)
Alli Brown (Sarah Horton)
Jean Bruce Scott (Jessica Blake Fallon)
Scott Palmer (Joshua Fallon)
Stephen Schnetzer (Steven Olsen)
Justin Hartley (Spencer Olsen)
Michael Leon (Pete Jannings)
Jed Allen (Don Craig)
Kale Browne (Bill Horton)
Larry Bryggman (Tommy Horton)

"We are so glad to have them all returning again for this special event," says Lowery. "The fans will love this and it will be a nice holiday treat and a nice way to go into the new year. We always like to bring back legacy characters like these and to utilize them in a way that serves a purpose is always great. it should be fun." Look for the Horton returns to take place during Christmas week.

As to whether this is the end of the returns, Lowery is keeping mum. "There is some other things in the works but the fans will have to keep an eye out for that," hints Lowery. "December and beyond is exciting. November was just the beginning. We've never been better and we will show the fans that. Salem Lives is really in a good place and we are excited for what is to come."

PREVIEWS AND PEEKS INTO WK OF 11/26/07

The Explosive Aftermath!
A Family Holds A Vigil!
Powerful Men Cross The Line!
Two Lovers Are Torn Apart!
A Intense Showdown Takes Place!
A Blackmail Scheme Begins...

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK: MONDAY NOVEMBER 26

DON'T MISS THE HOSTAGE SITUATION'S EXPLOSIVE AFTERMATH!!!

NEXT WEEK: An Arrest Is Made. Two People Must Make a Big Decision. A Deadly Foe Targets A Beloved Character.

CATCHING UP WITH: VALERIE WILDMAN (EX-FAY, DAYS,SL)

Valerie Wildman (who played Fay Walker on Days from 1999-2003) recently made her first appearance on SL as the mother of Nicole Walker-Brady and her two out of Salem siblings, Brandon and Taylor Walker. We recently sat down briefly with Valerie to discuss whether she would continue to make appearances on SL, among other things.

SLI: Thanks for talking with us, Valerie.

VW: No problem. Nice to be here.

SLI: Why don't you tell us about your experience on Days and what you have been doing since then?

VW: Days was fantastic. I didn't get alot of airtime but, when I did, my material was usually great. I loved the Paul/Fay relationship story and wish I had more scenes where we dealt with their relationship. It was a wonderful experience and I loved working with Ari (anne Zuker, Nicole) and Matt (Cedano, ex-Brandon). I loved the character. Since I left, which I kind of just faded away (laughs), I've been doing some minor work in films and primetime. Nothing much. I've been busy with family and such.

SLI: What did you think of Salem Lives during your recent appearance?

VW: I thought it was wonderful before and I thought it was wonderful being there. The atmosphere is great and everyone seems to be on a creative high. It's exciting and I enjoyed it. Even before my appearance, I noticed a change for the better. The feel of the show is great and it seems so alive and vibrant.

SLI: Would you return to SL in any capacity?

VW: Definitely. They told me there is a good chance they will be using me again soon and I'm up for that. I loved it so, when they call, I will be down there in a heartbeat.

SLI: Thanks so much, Valerie. Hope to speak with you again.

VW: Sure. Definitely. Thanks for having me.