The Odyssey File — Arthur C. Clarke

Arthur C Clarke sits at his Kapro II computer in far-off Sri Lanka transmitting files to Peter Hyams who responds in kind from his office in Los Angeles. Thus a fascinating computer correspondence develops. Now in The Odyssey File we get a unique opportunity to tap into the creative process as two of today's gifted writers work on a film of the future using the technology of tomorrow. In the actual electronic correspondence between Clarke and Hymans they chat about such things as details of set design, problems of casting, modifications necessary for the successful translation of a best-selling novel into a stunning screenplay, expensive and time-consuming searches for a house with a built-in dolphin pool and a believable high-tech substitute for the radio telescope at Arecibo. Plus off the cuff chit chat dealing with matters more personal. In the enlightening and entertaining opening section Clarke discusses the love affair with computers and explains in some detail how this unique correspondence originated and the joys and frustrations in communicating to someone half a world away.