On the other hand, it’s hard to see how the story of Hiro Protagonist and his many exploits are going to be successfully made into a movie.
At least it will bring Stephenson more readers if it’s made.
On the other hand, it’s hard to see how the story of Hiro Protagonist and his many exploits are going to be successfully made into a movie.
At least it will bring Stephenson more readers if it’s made.
I’ve got two readings happening in February, on Feb 5 at KGB Bar and on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at Pen Parentis. Both are in New York. Save the date.
Name a standup comedian that hasn’t been on a sitcom, The Daily Show, or Saturday Night Live. Name one who has appeared on, say, Letterman, Late Night, etc., whom you hadn’t heard of before but made you laugh. Tough, isn’t it?
There are lots of men and women out there who will make you hurt yourself laughing, but not unless you go out and see them — how many great shows are you missing?
What I’m talking about here is standup comedy. In a review of a Hannibal Burress show (ever heard of him?) published in the New York Times on Nov.3, the critic, Jason Zinoman, says, “Despite the rumbling buzz surrounding this comic who has refined his skills for nine years, first in Chicago and in New York, obscure dance companies have been reviewed more often in the mainstream press.” Continue reading
In the Pen American Fall Literary tasting. Here’s the info from the Pen American Center site:
What should you be reading this season? Hear from Sarah McNally of McNally Jackson Books about the runaway hits, the beloved secrets, and the must-reads of the 2011 fall season. Then wander the halls of Westbeth to attend live readings in the homes of Westbeth residents by some of the most exciting authors writing today. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore the oldest and largest artist community located in the heart of bohemian West Village, repurposed by renowned architect Richard Meier into 383 living and working lofts. The evening ends with a reception and cocktails.
When: Thursday, November 17, 2011
Where: Westbeth, 155 Bank St., New York City
What time: 7 p.m.Tickets: $10. Purchase at ovationtix.com or at the door.
Really looking forward to this unique event. I love this idea. Like a wine tasting for books.
Doesn’t this sound cool? This is from my contact at Pen American: “the program will begin in the New School’s Auditorium, which is located on Bank Street. We will have signage and volunteers to direct them where to go. Sarah McNally, of NYC’s beloved McNally Jackson Bookstore, will address the audience for 20 minutes, before they are escorted by volunteers to the apartments for the intimate readings.”
Intimate readings. I almost wish I were just going to the readings.
And it features an excerpt of THE FINAL APPEARANCE OF AMERICA’S FAVORITE GIRL NEXT DOOR. REad it, love it, share it with everyone you know and at least three or four people you don’t.
The Final Appearance of America’s Favorite Girl Next Door
Let’s say you’re out of your mind, which I just might be, and you want to republish an older novel of your own to which you own the rights. You might take a bandsaw and one of the original hardcovers of your novel, which was published and finished before the advent of digital publishing, cut off the spine, and then run the pages through your scanner, the feeder of which might just break while you’re doing it. Let’s just say that’s what you’re doing. Here are my recommendation:
The Final Appearance of America’s Favorite Girl Next Door is out on Amazon. Warm up those credit cards and get one for everyone you know.
It’s only available as an ebook. And if you’re not packing Kindle heat, but do have an ereader, it will be available elsewhere soon. Keep checking back here.
Or treat yourself and get a Kindle today. Or tomorrow. Whichever is more convenient.
Robert Hass, one of my favorite poets:
“I had the idea that the world’s so full of pain
it must sometimes make a kind of singing.
And that the sequence helps, as much as order helps—
First an ego, and then pain, and then the singing.”
It’s a beautiful idea. You can read it and hear him read it on The Poetry Foundation’s web site.
It’s a strange thing to read your own novel when it’s about to get kicked out the door. And so it was this last week or so, finishing yesterday, with my ‘final’ reading of THE FINAL APPEARANCE OF AMERICA’S FAVORITE GIRL NEXT DOOR. Found a lot of little nits, so you with the ARCs, lots of little things are changed, so you have yourselves a nice little collector’s item. If you want one, an ARC, contact margaret@shelfmediagroup.com and she may be kind enough to send one to you.
But back to ‘strange’: Spend 10+ years writing a novel and there are bound to be things you would change. But there’s a certain authenticity to the moment that seems necessary. Currently, the official publication date is December 1. But you may be able to get it earlier. I will update.
Okay, if you can forget the wash of strings, which I think adds to it, I think this Scott Walker song, On Your Own Again is truly extraordinary. One minute forty-five seconds of masterful writing. “I was so happy then, I didn’t feel like me.”