Looking Back at Old Posts

Blog No. 259

With the book launch successfully postponed (It’s Tuesday November 21st at River’s Edge) I’ve gotten back to some basics. It constantly amazes me how much work it is to get back into writing regularly after it’s been disrupted by other work. Even a week of editing or layout can throw everything off. I’ve been working on it though. I still have 9ninty percent of a novella written that was planned to be released in June but put off due to the crime anthology. I’ve also been working on some really early pre-production for season two of Flags and High Fives. If you add Christmas looming on the horizon, it’s still a hectic time (though a lot less so). I’ve still found time to goof off when I should really be working.

BookFest (Part One, Maybe)

Blog No. 254

Even though BookFest proper is happening at the end of the month, events started this week. Yesterday morning was the launch announcement event (which I had to miss due to the day job) and a reading/music/launch thing happened at Phog last night. It was a pretty familiar thing for me (having done the launch if No Light, several readings, and the ChiSeries Readings there). Kind of being a helper on the sidelines was new though, but in a good way. It was nice to be able to take part (in a small way) and then sit back and enjoy the rest of the evening. I say the rest, but I had to take off right near the end due to more day job stuff (that is in fact a night job sometimes too). All in all, it was a good kickoff to the month’s events.

It’s the Yearly Lull Spectacular!

Blog No. 252

Every year, sometime in the second half, I find myself struggling to find topics for this blog. It’s around this time that I start to think about (or threaten to) stop the weekly posts and change formats. I don’t think I’m quite at that point yet, but I’ve been scrambling for the last few weeks and this week I find myself up against the wall. I’ve done it before, but I do lots of things over again so why should this be different? this post is going to be about not having anything to talk about this week. Let’s pretend this is Rick and Morty or something and this is my seasonal clip show. That way it’ll be fun and something to look forward to and not a tedious drag that no one wants.

All the Other Ones

Blog No. 201

Last week I was invited to a book launch/reading/jazz show. The author (Vanessa Shields) is a friend of mine, and I was looking forward to going to the show. Not only do I try to go to as many local events as possible (and try is about the best word I can use since I tend to fall short with all the events I am lucky to be invited to) I make it a point to support those local artists (or businesses, etc) who go our of their way to support others. Plus, she is a nice person and does good work. Some days, getting out back out in the evening after a slog at work is insurmountable. There have been dozens of events I’ve missed (this year alone) where everything from interest to desire was urging me to go, but fatigue won out (with a healthy dose of being behind on my own work) and I didn’t make it out. There are some I regret missing, there are others that (from what I’ve heard) I didn’t miss much, but beyond the support and the enjoyment, there is another good reason for me to go to as many shows and events as possible (and I’m not talking about exposure).

After the Event

Blog no. 164

That went well. No sarcasm needed. The book launch last Saturday was a smashing success. Before I delve into it, very special thanks to Phog Lounge, Brendan Friel, and Justin Cantelo for being part of the event. Also, to all the people who came out to celebrate No Light with us. We moved a bunch of books and packed the house. As far as book launches/readings/concerts go, that was the best one I’ve been to (and I was part of it).

The whole thing went by at super speed, like when you fast forward a VHS tape. In my mind there were even the blur lines. I suppose I’m not the first person to pour so much time and effort (and worry) into something to have it flash by. I hardly even got to hear Brendan play (which is tragic because he’s great). Between kind of shared MC guy, fretting over my reading, making sure the merch table was set, shaking hands, and signing books, being in the moment was tough. There are a few stand out memories I will cherish (for as long as my memory holds out), but so much more that I’ve relived through the accounts of others.

2016

Blog No. 163

I did it! I didn’t think I would, but I did! For all of 2015, another whole year, I put up a blog post every week. That’s three years running now with only one flub (back in 2013 I missed a Thursday and the post went up on the Saturday). I’ve gotta say, I’m pretty impressed with myself. It’s not a feat that everyone achieves. Not everyone wants to achieve such a dream, but some do, and I did.

Big Announcements!

Blog No. 162

I hope you’ve already seen these things, but I’m going for total coverage, so get ready to see it all over again. I suspect that I’ll get back to my regularly scheduled drivel in no time, but this is all so important to me, I’ve got to go against all my instincts and spread the word. I have at least three things to share (I may drift into more because it’s my style, but I’m going to try to stick to it).

To preface it all, I hope whatever time off and celebrations you may have had were/are spectacular. I had a nice family Christmas as usual and other than the few times I had to go in for rentals, I don’t go back to work until the 5^th. So that pretty great. I just wish I were using the time more productively (as usual) but I’ve actually gotten a bunch done (not as usual). Over last weekend, the poster for the No Light Tomorrow book launch were finished and printed. At the same time, we (meaning Christian and myself) finished the December Zine (number six if we’re counting and there are numbers on them so we are). Though, more could always be done. And I’ve already mentioned two of the things, but let’s break them down.

I Miss Writing

Blog No. 160

The collection, No Light Tomorrow, is finally at the printers. After months of hard work, it is out of my hands and (though there were expected hiccups) the sample copy is on the way (or here by the time you read this) and everything is on track for a release event. By the way, unless something drastic happens, the release party will be January 9^th though the place is too be determined. We’ll make some serious announcements when a few more things are settled. Also, keep an eye out for poster plastered around the city, a facebook event, sky writing, carrier pigeons, and, if he got our lists, invitations delivered by Santa.