E-mail a friendJanuary 27, 2009
TV writer-author Stephen J. Cannell explains the backstory of his famous corporate ID and describes the residual benefit of his overcoming dyslexia. Presidential diarist Janis Kearney offers some advice to the person President Obama may hire as his diarist.
Stephen J. Cannell
Stephen J. Cannell
TV writer-author talks about the creative method he developed because of his dyslexia. (1:10)
Full interview. (11:23)
In a career spanning almost four decades, best-selling author and Emmy-winning writer-producer Stephen J. Cannell has created or co-created nearly 40 television series. His hits include The Rockford Files, The Commish and 21 Jump Street—the highest-rated show of the Fox network's first season. He is also a successful crime writer, whose novels include the critically acclaimed Shane Scully series, and produces independent films. Cannell overcame severe dyslexia and is an avid spokesperson on the disorder.
Janis Kearney
Janis Kearney
President Clinton's diarist parallels between President Obama and the 42nd U.S. president. (3:11)
Full interview. (12:13)
Janis Kearney served nearly six years as President Clinton's White House diarist, the first time in history such an appointment was made. Her résumé includes newspaper publisher, columnist and author. She was also Minority Media Outreach director for the Clinton-Gore campaign headquarters and Public Affairs and Communications director for the SBA. The Arkansas native's books include her memoirs, Cotton Field of Dreams and Something to Write Home About, and Conversations, a look at the 42nd president's years in office.