Great post. With our omnipresent three-and-a-half-year old romping around I know what you mean about the need to spend time with your lady.
Off topic, How are you? I just received the go ahead from Adam Robinson from Publishing Genius Press to edit an anthology of essays on the craft of writing. For years, I've been frustrated with much of the literature out there on the craft of writing. I've read way too many books that regurgitate the same already received ideas, I can't even tell you. But all with the hope, and the occasional fulfillment, that I'll find some little kernel, some bright ember I can take to my hearth, you know? Recently I reviewed a book (http://www.newpages.com/bookreviews/2009_05/may2009_book_reviews.htm#Words_Overflown) that only added to my frustration at the paucity of literature out there that focused on the subject in unconventional ways. So that helped to confirm my idea of a book that addresses that gap. But instead of writing it myself, I thought of putting together and editing a collection of essays solicited from great writers who were sure to tackle the subject in unique and provocative ways. So that's where you come in.
Would you consider writing an essay for the book? Something I thought would be great for you to address is how the online multi-player role-playing games, Twitter, blogging, etc. has transformed the idea of narrative, and how these new forms may be used as vehicles for creative writing.
Another thing that I'm looking for in these essays is a subversive, anarchic element, perhaps the use of some conceit or device like a "Mad Libs," "Choose Your Own Adventure," questionnaire, board game instructions, etc. as a kind of framing device for the essay.
Some other details: Word count: 2000-2500 max. Deadline for first draft: September 7, 2009 (that's my birthday!) Sooner is always good. Tentative release: early 2010 (details to follow) $$$: Publishing Genius is a micro-press, so any monies will probably be micro-money. You will get some kind of royalties if/ when they come in (details to follow). So basically this is for the love and some glory and my everlasting thanks.
So what do you think?
I'm sorry to reach out to you in this way but I couldn't find an address for you here.
Thanks,
John -- www.johnmadera.com www.thechapbookreview.com
Or we could just grab a quick beer after work.
John- home page, bottom, Send Me Your Idle Thoughts.
You're livin' in a dream world C. Livin' in a dream world.
Hey John! I'm sorry to reach out to you in this way but I couldn't find an address for you here. At any rate, If you're looking for material that's more...caustic, so to speak, I'm working on something called: "The Smug Asshole Diaries". I'm hoping to have it on the shelves of most major truck-stops by the end of November.
Hey Chris,
My email is johnmadera@gmail.com
My website is www.johnmadera.com
I sent you an email earlier as well trying to follow up. I'm glad I checked in again here.
As for the tone of the pieces, I'm really open to the subject being treated irreverently, satirically, ironically, whatever.
Looking forward to your email.
C, Here are 3 more great rules for your kids when they become teenagers: 1.If blood begins coming out of my ears, change the radio station to something besides Linkin Park (or insert name of other horrible band since LP will have been forgotten by then.) 2. If blood begins coming out of my ears, change the subject to something other than anime, manga, or Linkin Park. 3. If blood begins coming out of my ears, and you are unable to stop yourself from continuing with the activities of 1 and/or 2, please shoot me first.
Try listening to Disturbed. The blood comes out of my ears before the music ever begins to play.
