Thrasher - Captain Fin

I began writing and directing films twelve years ago through my production company, Olive Ranch Road Productions. One of my first and absolute favorite stories was Captain Fin. I would eventually write and direct that story as a short film. The film was a big success in festivals, so I then wrote the feature-length script. But it wasnt until I was introduced to Amanda M. Thrasher years later that I would see the depths that this story could really go. Amanda has molded the lead character, Hannah, into a beautifully enriched soul with incredible layers. Amandas novel goes so much deeper into the life that Hannah leads after so much misfortune fell upon her as a little girl. Her story takes us on a gripping journey as she weaves us through Hannahs unrelenting pursuit of her past. This is my second feature film script that has been written into a novel, and it is without a doubt my absolute favorite! Amandas kind and caring soul is so deeply embedded in this amazing novel it will touch people on so many levels.

Kevin James ONeill

Writer/Director/Producer

www.oliveranchroadproductions.com

5 STAR REVIEW READERS FAVORITE

Captain Fin is a work of young adult fiction penned by author Amanda M. Thrasher and adapted from a screenplay by Kevin James ONeill. In this tale, we find our hero Hannah Gunner in a state of turmoil regarding the secrets unveiled about her life. Hannah doesnt really know the full particulars of who she is, and so she forms a trio of inquirers with her boyfriend Cash and best friend Lindsay to discover the truth about herself. She must distinguish between memories and dreams to uncover reality, coming face to face with the ghosts of her past and the elusive Captain that haunts her still.

This is a fascinating tale that certainly has much to offer its young adult readers, with likeable lead characters, hidden treasure and secrets, as well as important social issues about growing up, learning who you really are, and having that sense of self put to the test by the information and people you face in the wider world. Hannah is an endearing lead character whom author Amanda M. Thrasher makes very likable and relatable, and I enjoyed the unreliability of the memories and secrets she has to deal with. This enhances the overall plot with plenty of twists and suspense, making it all the more exciting when moments of real truth do emerge for us to put the pieces of Hannahs life together. Overall, Captain Fin is a strong work of teen identity, adventure, mystery and plenty of hijinks to keep its readers entertained.

Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers Favorite

Amanda M. Thrasher

Based On The Screenplay By

Kevin James ONeill

I want to thank Kevin James ONeill for trusting me with his script and being patient throughout when it seemed as if time was never on my side, thank you! I immediately fell in love with the life that young and teen Hannah could have led, and Im thrilled to have brought her to life.

Special thanks to Jody Amato, my editor; we have yet another book under our belt! I enjoy working with you, and I look forward to our next one.

To my family whom I adore: Mike, Zack, Krista, Lauren, my dad, Martin Mulroy, Jo-ann, and my beautiful grandchildren, thank you for allowing me the time to do what I love as an author and business owner. I know how it affects you all.

Remembering my mom, one of the most incredible women I have ever met, Irene Yvonne Mulroy; you are not forgotten. I miss and love you still.

To my business partner and friend, Jannifer Powelson, we made it another year and I look forward to many more! Id also like to acknowledge and thank our Production Manager, William Speir; our Marketing Director, Galeo Johnson; and of course, our Webmaster and the person who keeps PRPP running behind the scenes, Matthew Gene; thank you all for everything that you do!

To Sue Nodler Hamideh, for your constant support! You have read my work since Mischief in the MushroomPatch, and I am grateful. Thank you to Cindy Nave and Caroline Dixon; you took the time to read the manuscript during the earliest days. I appreciate it.

Amanda M. Thrasher

March 2019

Shattered Layers

Broken Dreams

Tattered Hearts

A Past Revealed

Twisted Paths

Shadow Dark

Out of Grasp

A Fathers Heart

~ Hannah Gunner ~

Thats it, then! Hannah whispered in a raspy voice. Shes really gone?

Lindsey stared down at her lap, avoiding eye contact, not knowing what to say to her best friend, who was still in shock and so much pain. Tears had welled up in Hannahs eyes, and though shed been fighting to hold them back, they threatened to flow uncontrollably down her cheeks. Hannah couldnt allow that, not yet, knowing that once the tears fell shed lose it completely. The air had chilled, and she stood shivering, but Hannah didnt seem to notice. The oversized black sweatshirt shed picked that day drowned out her petite frame. She looked like a little kid instead of a teen. Every now and then her arm reached up and swiped away escaped tears from her face, as if denying they were ever there.

Lindsey had been Hannahs best friend since theyd been paired together junior year for a chemistry project. It was a good match. They had more in common than the pair realized. Gossip, boys, music, both lacked fashion skills, which didnt seem to bother either of them at all, neither wore much makeup, and they both loved to write, especially poetry, and constantly carried a journal or had one close by. They practically lived in Vans, jeans, sweatshirts, Nike shorts and, of course, T-shirts. This day, this terrible day, was the hardest day theyd ever experienced together as friends. Lindsey opened the door of her gently used gold Toyota Corolla, affectionately named Silver. A joke, agreed upon by the two girls, which made them laugh every time they referred to herexcept for today.

Silver awaits. Climb in; its freezing. Im taking you home.

Ridden with guilt, Hannah felt conflicted. On the one hand, she didnt want to be with anyone, including her best friend or her boyfriend, and on the other hand, she didnt want to be alone. Reluctantly, she climbed into the car. As soon as the door shut, face buried in her hands, she sobbed without taking a breath. Within minutes a full-fledged panic attack set in, and she couldnt breathe. Lindsey pulled the car over to the edge of the road and opened the windows. The fresh cold air blew across the back of Hannahs neck, but it didnt seem to help. Gently rubbing her friends back, Lindsey whispered words to help calm her down.

Breathe. Calm down and breathe, in and out, slowly, but just breathe.

I cant, cant breathe.

Just calm down and take a deep breath.

Hannahs heart was racing and it felt like her chest was about to cave in. Lindsey continued to talk her down. Finally, Hannahs breathing returned to normal. Struggling to hold back tears of her own, Lindsey dabbed her friends tear-stained face with her sleeve. Sitting in silence for a few moments, the two huddled together inside the car. No words of comfort were offered, none neededtheyd already been said, and Hannah knew that Lindsey was grieving as well.

Are you ready?

Yes. And Im sorry.

No need to apologize.

Lost in thought as she drove, a slight smile crossed Lindseys face.