In our first episode, Robert Rivenbark discusses his novel The Cloud, themes of AI and surveillance, and a Hollywood film adaptation.
Meet Jorah Kai
Jorah Kai is a Canadian author, journalist, and teacher living in the cyberpunk cityscape of Chongqing, China, with a passion for storytelling across multiple mediums. He has taught English and art history, worked as a newspaper columnist, and written books spanning fantasy, sci-fi, journalism, and cosmic horror. Now, as host of From Page to Screen, Kai engages in insightful conversations with fellow writers—delving into their creative processes, inspirations, and journeys through publishing, adaptation, and beyond.
Meet Robert Rivenbark
Robert Rivenbark is an award-winning novelist and screenwriter. He earned a master’s degree in Creative Writing from Antioch University after winning a full academic scholarship to study in Oxford and London, England. He has worked in journalism and advertising, serving as a senior copywriter and video producer for prestigious agencies and Fortune 500 companies. His sci-fi thriller, The Cloud, won First Place in the science fiction category of the San Antonio Writers Guild 27th Annual Writing Contest in February 2019. The novel has garnered positive reviews for its engaging narrative and thought-provoking themes. Rivenbark secured exclusive representation from Hollywood literary manager Ken Atchity of The Story Merchant, and they are in negotiations to adapt The Cloud into a featured film.
The Story Behind The Cloud
Robert Rivenbark’s novel, The Cloud, draws inspiration from his observations of our technology-driven world. His experiences living abroad and working in advertising shaped the novel’s themes of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and pervasive surveillance. By contemplating how our greatest technological achievements could become our greatest threats, Rivenbark demonstrates that compelling stories often emerge from personal experiences and bold “what if” questions about the future.
Creative Writing Process
Robert Rivenbark approaches writing with a disciplined mindset, treating it as a professional endeavor. He emphasizes the importance of consistent writing habits, encouraging aspiring writers to “write consistently, stay curious, and don’t fear rewriting until your story shines.” Rivenbark also highlights the necessity of a relentless work ethic, stating that one must adopt a “failure is not an option” attitude and be willing to accept failures, mistakes, and setbacks as part of the journey toward mastery. His advice underscores the significance of perseverance, continuous learning, and dedication to refining one’s craft.
Hollywood Adaptation & Transmedia Storytelling
Robert Rivenbark provided an exclusive glimpse into the adaptation journey of his novel, The Cloud, which is currently being developed into a featured film. We delved into the concept of transmedia storytelling—a narrative technique where a single story unfolds across multiple platforms, such as television, film, and interactive media, each contributing uniquely to the overall narrative. By expanding The Cloud‘s universe across various mediums, Robert is crafting an immersive experience for fans, demonstrating how compelling stories can seamlessly traverse multiple platforms.
Working with Literary Agent Ken Atchity
Robert Rivenbark discussed how securing representation from Hollywood literary manager and producer Ken Atchity significantly advanced the development of his novel, The Cloud. After The Cloud won First Place in the science fiction category of the San Antonio Writers Guild 27th Annual Writing Contest in February 2019, Atchity, known for adapting literary works into films and television series, recognized the novel’s potential and took it under his wing. This collaboration has been pivotal in transitioning The Cloud from page to screen, underscoring the importance of having an agent or mentor who believes in your story to open doors in Hollywood and help shape your book for adaptation.
The Modern Writing Landscape
It’s an exciting (if challenging) time to be a writer, with more paths to reach readers than ever. New tech and social media are changing how stories are told and found, and transmedia lets writers dream beyond the page. The modern writing landscape is both exhilarating and demanding, offering writers unprecedented avenues to connect with readers. Advancements in technology and the rise of social media have revolutionized storytelling, enabling narratives to unfold across various platforms—a concept known as transmedia storytelling. This approach allows authors to expand their stories beyond traditional formats, engaging audiences through diverse mediums such as films, games, and interactive media. To thrive in this evolving environment, writers must remain adaptable and open-minded, embracing new technologies and storytelling methods to effectively reach and resonate with their audiences.
Watch the Interview & What’s Next
If you’re a writer, book lover, or film enthusiast, don’t miss the full interview on YouTube. If The Cloud piqued your interest, grab a copy of the novel to experience it yourself. Also on the horizon is Jorah Kai’s next cosmic tale, The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu, coming April 1, 2025, in ebook, paperback, and hardcover—pre-order now (or buy it if you’re reading from the future)!
Don’t just read about it—watch the interview, get the book, and join us on this journey from page to screen.
