Thursday, May 29, 2014

The Joys of Obscurity

We all have this dream.  It goes like this: write a book, get it published, and live the life of the rich and famous authors like J.K. Rowling.

Most published authors don't live like J. K. Rowling.  Instead, they live like me... and this guy: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/25/books/review/please-turn-to-the-chapter-on-obscurity.html

My favorite part of this column is the bit that goes like this:

In Boston, a woman approached me after the Q and A., her face tense with anguish and disappointment. "I thought you were going to be Alice McDermott," she said. "So did I," I said.

It reminds me all to well of the time I was booked at a B. Daltons or Borders (when those still existed) and they gave me a card table in the hallway near the food court.  I was reduced to hawking my wears to passers' by, most of whom looked baffled to be harangued by an author (this was Minnesota, after all.)  A woman gives me a sneer and said snootily, "I'm sorry, I don't read."  "At least you're sorry!" I replied.

Like Mr. Rosenblatt, I've play to audiences of three... sometimes even none--beyond the awkward, apologetic bookstore liaison/event organizer.   I've also had the experience of sharing a signing with a FAMOUS author, and watching his/her line stretch around the corner and out the store.  Both are frustrating, but I've always been lucky to have friends who will push through the crowd and shout, "OMG!  TATE HALLAWAY!!  WILL YOU SIGN MY BOOBS!?!" (because those are my friends...) This is, btw, a true story, and I remain proud because it made Neil Gaiman turn his head to see who I was to rate boob signing....

So you have to make the best of it as Mr. Rosenblatt says.  Learn to take joy in the obscurity.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Hair Curls of Doom!

Hair Curls of Doom!  Costume squee!

Mason and I present our 11th podcast:  https://mangakast.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/eleven-heaven/


Tuesday, May 27, 2014

MOAR

In keeping with tradition, here is another Tuesday installment of UNJUST CAUSE.  This time, Alex and Jack investigate the second 'drop' victim who was found by members of the werewolf biker gang on the side of the county highway.

http://www.wattpad.com/51990582-unjust-cause-part-10-maggots-and-magpies

Hope you enjoy!