Angela Stubbs

Mind-numbing amounts of words that go through my mind and actually hit the page = not enough!

2010-05-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest in the world of me. First and foremost---you should go read my column at The Nervous Breakdown. That's one. Two. I am reviewing some fantastic books in the next few months and will be doing an issue in the fall on Jewish authors and stories for the high holy days. Three. I will interview Gina Frangello for an website (info to follow soon) and you will also see Marisa Matarazzo's interview with yours truly up at Astrophil Press. Four. My work will debut at Marco Polo Quarterly sometime in June. Stay Tuned for that. My fiction people. Not a review. Yay me. Five. I cannot begin to list all the fantastic books out there for you to read but i'll try to post a list of more things in the works soon. Right now, what I can say is please go read Shya Scanlon's, "In this alone Impulse" and Kate Zambreno's "O Fallen Angel." Incidentally, I'll be reviewing each of them. Shya's work at DIAGRAM and Kate's work at The Collagist. Six. Next month at TNB, there will be reviews of more LGBT authors. Think: Julie Enszer's "Handmade Love" and Raymond Luczak's, "Mute" and Owen Hill's, "The Incredible Double" from PM Press. Oh yes, and an interview with the one and only Aimee Bender will be forthcoming at The Nervous Breakdown, too. So, stay tuned for that. While you're at it, wander over to DIAGRAM and check out the current issue. Aside from all the amazing fiction, there's a great review of Kim Parko's work, Cure All that Caketrain published. Lots of good things coming. And then there's the long weekend. Poolside. Margaritas. Friends. Sun. A book. Happy birthday to all my crazy Gemini girlies (Kelly, Shauna, kristin, Neila) and manly-men (my witty dad and the fabulous and amazing Robert Zuckerman!) you guys are the real deal. Actually, Neila and Robert, you share the exact same birthdate AND year! Wouldn't it be wild if you were born in the same place, too? Strange little world. And you know, that whole "twin" thing really does hold true. There really are 2 sides to you, Gemini! In the meantime, I'm laying low and as my dad would say, "Staying out of trouble." Next up, a new car. I need a good rate on my loan so I can go get my Audi. Stay tuned, lovlies. Until then . . . go forth and read, smart people.

Pay it Forward

2010-03-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

So, I firmly believe that when someone does good it comes back to them and well, that might be my naivete, but no matter, I'll continue in the footsteps of Haley Joel Osmont's character in that same movie, entitled, "Pay it Forward" and do just that. First things first, before I get into all that, let me tell you that I'm so incredibly excited about all the books I am in the process of reading. This month in my column, "Between the Pen and Paper" (at The Nervous Breakdown) I reviewed Travis Nichols's, Iowa and Matthew Simmons, A Jello Horse, both of which were fantastic and put out by indy presses (Big Letter Machine and Publishing Genius Press). I love these works and am continually amazed at how much raw talent exists out in the little universe of which we writers are a part. I'm reading Sara Veglahn's, Another Random Heart and Gina Frangello's, Slut Lullabies as well as a review coming for Kim Parko's, Cure All published by the wonderous Caketrain! Love them! Diagram will be running the review of Kim's work. Still on the agenda are Goldberg's, Zornoza's and Marisa Matarrazo's interview.

I know, I've said it before but a girl can only do so much. Next I would like to point out, while on the topic of small presses that a brand new literary quarterly that will debut in June 2010 called, "Marco Polo Quarterly". These guys are looking for original, quirky, odd, artful pieces that break boundaries and blur the lines between real and surreal, poetry and prose. And, they're currently accepting submissions which you can peruse here. Yours truly will be contributing a piece of original fiction to the debut issue as well work from Steve Almond, an interview with Nick Flynn, a lyric essay from Kevin Killian and poetry from novelist Joanna Rose. Okay people, there, I've said it, so go forth and put yourselves out there! Between all the writing and reviewing we'll see how I do at my conversion classes for Judaism. I am loving the temple I've decided to attend, Beth Chayim Chadashim (BCC) for those who live here in Los Angeles. I'm thrilled and excited and find it incredibly interesting and a total challenge. I once attempted to commit to being a Jew (although half-assed) many years ago and right now, for me, it really resonates with me in a way that nothing else has or does. Lots to learn!

Okay, smart people--as you were. Go forth and read.

Not Just Words on a Page

2010-03-08T12:26:00.000-08:00

It's March and you know what that means . . . aside from green beer and people pinching you for your blase attitude where Irish holidays are concerned --it's time for a few more suggestions from yours truly. i'll keep this short and sweet. Since life has handed me several lemons lately in more ways than one, I've had to do some reshuffling and here's what you can now look forward to: Marisa Matarazzo's interview (location now TBD), a review of "Other Resort Cities" by Tod Goldberg ( yes, I know I keep saying it's coming, but it is), Andrew Zornoza's, "Where I Stay" at the Collagist and my latest thoughts on work by Lisa Jarnot, Matthew Simmons's "A Jello Horse" and hopefully debut author, Zoe Zolbrod's latest, Currency. There's stuff coming and people, this year there will actually be some of my own work in print. Stay tuned for those locations. By all means, go to The Nervous Breakdown and see what's brewing and in the meantime, yours truly might be taking up trepanning, just to . . . um, you know, ease the pain of it all.

Hurry over to TNB!

2010-02-14T11:23:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems it's only been a mere five months or so since my last post. For anyone who's wondering why that is . . . um, it's really because there's not enough time to post regularly but I'll keep trying for more. Since the last post I've been accepted to grad school at Naropa University and have been writing like a crazy woman for various websites and now I have a monthly column that will be up at The Nervous Breakdown called Between the Pen and Paper. If you're looking for good books to read, head over to TNB. Also several reviews forthcoming and two you should check out. Billy Lombardo's "How to Hold a Woman" is reviewed at PopMatters and Ever by Blake Butler is reviewed at The Collagist. Also, Les Figues Feminaissance review will be up soon at Area Sneaks and Tod Goldberg's latest at the Rumpus, not to mention newcomer, Marisa Matarazzo's interview with yours truly also forthcoming very soon at The Rumpus. I'll keep 'em coming. In the meantime, please do take a quick trip to TNB. You'll be glad you did!

I'm leavin' on a jetplane . . .

2009-09-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

but I'll be back on Tuesday. In the meantime, might I suggest you take a gander at Birkensnake's latest issue? Yes, lots of good stuff there and you'll be impressed. And, I should have some reviews running at Boldtype in the near future so keep your eyes peeled for interesting work by Brian Evenson or maybe a little Blake Butler or even, say, um, Cris Mazza? Just putting that out there. I'll keep you posted! In the meantime, i have cooler weather waiting for me, along with Zuni Cafe and other good places to visit! Happy Labor Day weekend y'all.

The Collagist Takes Off

2009-08-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

Okay party-people . . . it's time to pay close attention because all those gifted and talented writers we love so much are appearing in the premiere online issue of The Collagist. What's The Collagist, you ask? Well, Dzanc Books has done it again. First OV Books, where the fantastic Gina Frangello and Stacy Bierlein reside over great debut authors and other notables, like Tod Goldberg, then Black Lawrence Press, and the print journal, Monkeybicycle and now this fantastic online publication has become part of the world where indy authors and books get a voice. Ander Monson, Kim Chinquee and others grace the online pages of this journal in the first issue out for August 2009. The best part is not only do we get to read great works of fiction and non-fiction, but also there's some great book reviews, too. Wander over to The Collagist, where Matt Bell has taken on the roll as Editor and manager of indy greatness. Do check it out, people because that would make you cool and everyone likes to be cool.

Jack Kerouac and the Beats at Naropa

2009-08-28T11:14:00.000-07:00

I know, I know . . . long time since I visited my own blog, but guess what? Here I am. I've emerged from underneath the mass of papers, books and medical drama to bring these ever-so-tittalating posts back to you, even if it's turned into a quarterly blog. And now twitter . . . so who's blogging anymore? I've made some executive decisions in my time off. First and foremost, I've been writing my own stuff and not so much about everyone else's. Sorry guys, it won't be forever, but a girl's gotta do what she's gotta do. Next, I've decided to go back and get my MFA in Creative Writing. Some of you may be asking, "why bother?" but I am dying without the regular scholarly stimuli in my life that one only gets from being in a college setting (or in my case --my living room at my computer) but, it's clear to me that I'm needing to read more, write more, publish more. And because of this epiphany and because I'm inspired by other great writers (danielle, laird, selah saterstrom, blake butler, derek white, brian evenson) I feel the need to apply to that crazy-amazing university in Colorado they call Naropa. And whatsmore, there's a great book out right now from Coffee House Press called, "Beats at Naropa" that gives some amazing accounts of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics and those who spent time there over the years. It's an amazing look at a place where mainstream thinking and caudled writers don't exist.

And even better, my new found freedom has given me my writing time back and all the neuroses that come with being isolated from the rest of the world while you write (and read). Oh, by the by-- Ms. Frangello, one of my Chi-town girls over at OV Books ,--has a new book entitled: Slut Lullabies coming out next year and I for one, couldn't be more thrilled. No one writes about a effing a trach like she does! Stay on the look out for this great new work! and follow her over at Twitter (ginafrangello). Stay tuned, people.

Recession to bring about creativity amongst . . . well, those creative types.

2008-11-24T15:11:00.001-08:00

So, I heard today that the recession or whatever it is we're calling our nation's economic status is said (by someone on NPR and elsewhere) that perhaps our country will experience a surge in books being written/published because people who create will be more apt to become introverted in a sense, focusing on art and what we are naturally talented at doing, as opposed to what we do when our country isn't failing, financially, which would be to . . . create art but not as ferverently??? I got the general idea of the comment today which was that people may be less likely to spend money, go out and therefore have more time on their hands to do what we do when we don't go shopping, to movies and the like. I think that was the general idea behind the comment. Well, I say it's good to create whether financially sound or not! Check out the latest by Joe Meno or Rachel Resnick, perhaps even a little Jean Phillipe Touissant might be in order just to lighten the mood. And hey, if the state of our economy really does inspire people to stay in and create more "art", I say good. That's what really matters. That and pumpkin pie.

Why it takes me Three Months to Post

2008-03-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

Well, as some people have pointed out, I don't really blog that much. Okay, pretty much never, but I decided that i'd do more than just point out that I procrastinate and avoid putting any real content on here. Mostly, lack of time is the culprit. But let me just say this, you'll see some of my work over at Bookslut and at Tarpaulin Sky soon. I have reviews upon reviews coming out soon. Let me just say, a new work that is wonderfully unique and deserves more press than those who subscribe to this blog, is Leni Zumas's latest work. Open City has had the pleasure of publishing her stories and you all can have the luxury of reading quality fiction for a small, yet appropriate fee. And there will be a review of said work in June's Bookslut. I promise to write more about Easter bunnies, trips to Target, why car repairs happen all at once and things that make me itchy. Stay tunes y'all. I know you can hardly wait. Really. Stay tuned.

2008 is off to a good start!

2008-01-14T10:56:00.001-08:00

Well, not that there's a huge following here yet for my posts, but I'm going to try and at least post here fairly frequently--if not for anything more than my own sanity. So, the latest is that Jason Jones has written a great new book that has been published by Open City Books that I'm hearing great things about and will review for March Bookslut. Just reviewed a wonderful, quirky writer named Veronika Gonzalez, who's debut work is: Twin Time (Or how death Befell me) and next month an interview with Derek White of Calamari Press and Sleepingfish magazine and a review of Michael Boyko's latest and Selah Saterstrom's The Meat and Spirit Plan. So all of these things are going to be up in the next few weeks and I say, check them out! Also, you should really think about reading the latest Tarpaulin Sky, print edition. It's also something great to look forward to. In the meantime, check back in for updates on other things too --

Back up and running--sort of!

2007-09-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Well, not that I have a huge following here on this thing, but I did want to let everyone know that this blog will be back up and running in October. September is devoted to my recovery of the surgery I just had for Crohn's Disease and it's taken it all out of me for sure! I just wanted to post about the great authors, books and so on of 2007 but since it's more than 1/2 over it might take a lot to post about all the goings on I've failed to post about thus far. So, what I can promise is that there will be a somewhat regular post beginning October on here. In the meantime, go forth and read some good books and I'll be checking back in then.

More Hours in the day, please!

2007-01-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

Hello all. Greetings from beyond the paper stacks and post-it notes. I have been away too long on here and have to say I'm terrible about posting. I have lots to post but it's finding th etime to do so that creates the problem. So, new car on the horizon, maybe a wedding ring on the horizon and I'm hoping that some new stories from yours truly will also be a part of that bright future of mine. Yes, it's been a busy few months. New job and being domestic will definetely take it out of yah! Look for some interesting stuff at Bookslut.com for next month. There should be an interview iwth the author, Heidi Julavits. A great review of "In the colorless round" by Joanna Howard and my review of Casual. I have been so behind on things and the writing has suffered. People, I know, writing has to be a priority or else . . . well, you end up sucking. And no one wants to intentionally suck. Also, know that I'll be interviewing Denver's very own Danielle Dutton for one of her latest books entitled, Attempts at a Life. You can pre-order now at TSP (Taurpaulin Sky Press). IN the meantime, wish me luck that I'll be able to put together the bookshelf I bought at Ikea 2 weeks ago. Something tells me that 8 pages of directions with pictures in Swedish aren't going to be helpful. We'll see. Stay tuned . . .

I'm Intrigued with all things French

2006-12-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

and this book is no exception. Please stop by Powell's and read the Laird Hunt's review of Gregoire Boullier's latest novel, The Mystery Guest. It's on the TBR list and hope to get to it by say . . . January! Sorry for the long delay in posts. I've been transitioning into a new day job and working hard as OSGOODS manager for the band. More to come this month . . .

Why it's good to be Brian Evenson

2006-10-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

So, a couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Brian Evenson on the telephone as we chatted about writing, words, the meaning of words, Mormonism and the violence that exists in that culture and elsewhere. What I realized in my hour + chat with him, aside from the fact that my recording device decided to crap out and now we are chatting again about said topics via email, is that he is one of the true great writers out there that gets under the readers skin. Sleepingfish ran a small piece of his not long ago, in the same issue as my dear friend Danielle and I realized then that I wanted more, please. More stories, more words, more beautifully crafted sentences and creepy characters. His latest novel, The Open Curtain (see forthcoming interview for November in Bookslut) chronicles the life of a high-school student/mormon who becomes infatuated with a past murder committed by Brigham Young's grandson. This novel blends the past and present in such a unique way that the reader as well as the main character can no longer tell what's the here and now and what's not. It's actually about a lot more than that, but I don't want to give the whole thing away by divulging the plot and its twists and turns to you now. I advise you to go buy the book. You can even do it right now at Coffee House Press. Brian Evenson is the best kind of writer.

He is passionate about his work beyond most other things, which I respect immensly. Anyone who can stand up to a huge institution like BYU and can express himself with his writing in such a way that moves you (whether you're freaked out by the words on the page or intrigued or impressed) I'd say at the end of the day, if your reader is doing or feeling any of those things, then you've done your job. And here, I definetely say it's good to be Brian Evenson.

If you live in LA and would like the chance to meet him, please stop on by Beyond Baroque, Thursday, November 2nd at 7:30. The cost is $7.00, but it'll be worth it to be in the presence of a literary genius, no? And speaking of literary geniuses, Danielle Dutton's forthcoming release from Tarpaulin Sky has a small blurb and photo up about Attempts at a Life. I highly recommed stopping over there and reading up on it. If you have any class at all, that is . . .

Swamped for now, but had to let you in on the news. And thanks to Laird for the post on his site too about our mutual friend, Ms. Dutton.

Isn't it weird when . . .

2006-09-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

you are in the middle of watching a movie like, In her Shoes and all the sudden you see a friend of yours as Toni Collette's receptionist on the screen. Initially, I thought this is my pain-killer playing jokes on me and it's someone else who looks like and talks like her, but thanks to the DVR--I rewound to pause it and I found myself yelling, YES! I knew it! to no one but our cats. I was having a moment yesterday and found myself with no one around to tell about it. I'm sure Diesel and Annie really could empathize with me since the world of a cat is so complicated.

Things that make you go "Hmmm"

2006-08-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

When I think about how tough the publishing world is out there for all of us writers, I try to stay motivated/focused on the important things like, the writing and the creative process. Big publishing houses want things that sell and so I guess it shouldn't surprise me that American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks has been paid a $750,000 advance to write a memoir about his life as a musician and the struggles he endured prior to becoming the current Idol winner. While I enjoy the American Idol show, not necessarily because I think its quality television (and yes, I do work for FOX) but rather because it's entertaining and I get a lot of laughs out of it. Aside from the Colbert Report and the Daily Show, there are few other television shows that I get that belly laugh from.

Why is Taylor Hicks story as a musician in a small band in Alabama worthy of a memoir? When I think of memoir, I think of a great story that's being told by someone who's truly endured something that is extraordinary or unique to the general population in some way. I have a tough time thinking about how someone who is a singer will be able to write an enticing story when he's not a writer. He's a singer. He's a singer, people. And a singer that was catapulted into this weird category of celebrity that makes advertisers and marketing executives think anything that has his name on it will make them lots of money. Now, I'm sure Taylor Hicks probably passed his English 101 course in college and it's likely he knows how to use subjects, verbs and maybe even adjectives and adverbs correctly, but can he write a memoir? I guess the topic at hand is one that's familiar to him, but my issue is that we all have that story in us. It doesn't mean we all deserve 750K to tell our story.

As a writer, I know plenty of hard-working, talented, experienced writers that deserve an advance like that for a work that truly is remarkable. Winning a contest like American Idol takes talent, just as writing any novel or non-fiction work. It's sad to realize that big publishing houses like Random House (Crown) are only interested in what's going to make them money and not so much about whether or not Taylor Hicks or any other game show winner is talented enough to actually write anything aside from their name on a credit card receipt. I'm troubled, and yet, this scenario seems to play itself out time and time again. (See upcoming interview with Bruce Bauman at Bookslut for September.)

If you really are interested in reading a great book, check out the new Brian Evenson novel, The Open Curtain. You'll be creeped out and intrigued all at the same time. Evenson is the kind of author that deserves a 750K advance, but I doubt the publishing world will change its ways anytime soon.

Why you should submit to Avery Anthology

2006-07-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

What is the Avery Anthology, you ask? Well, it's like a literary magazine but as the founders of the anthology say, " it's not a means to an end" but rather the other way around. This is not one of those publications that you publish in on your way to being published somewhere else. Ander Monson has work for the 1st issue of Avery and you can too! Dan Wickett at Emerging Writer's Network blurbed this anthology and yours truly may just submit something to them. I urge you all to check it out. It's also been added to the blog roll on the side of my page here. Do check it out. This is going to be one of the coolest anthologies you'll ever read and if you're smart, you'll submit something and maybe, just maybe if you're cool like Ander, they'll publish you. It does look like I'll be pressing send from my yahoo account and passing on a story. C'mon, you all know you want to . . . all the cool kids are doing it and if you don't well . . . you'll be missing out!

I have to run, as there's lots of work to be done! And August will be uninterrupted writing time for yours truly. Which means I only have a few days left of really getting down to it! Oh and not melting in my 114 degree apartment or say sitting in the dark due to a power outage. Gotta love summer in the San Fernando Valley (and I firmly believe this is all related to Global Warming because this is ridiculous!!!)

Go check out the blog at Avery too! Happy Writing!

The overwhelming TBR pile

2006-07-14T10:40:00.001-07:00

If you are like me and you have an insatiable desire to buy books, then you will also understand how the To Be Read pile ends up towering over the bedside lamp on my nighttable. I have yet to move the TBR stack or to make it smaller since I have also run out of bookshelf space. There's really no more room for books anywhere in the house, but you can be sure it won't stop me from buying more or reading more. I'm in the midst of Bruce Bauman's "And the Word Was" and it's quite good. Also on the plate, T.C. Boyle's latest, Talk Talk. It looks great but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. Rest assured, it will be finished by the time the August issue of Bookslut comes out. Also, Seth Greenland's"The Bones" looks awesome. I know it's been out for awhile, but I heard him read from the book at his final tour reading at Skylight with Bruce Bauman and the novel sounds like it'll be great read!

Additionally, you should check out some of the books being reviewed at Bookslut this month. Lara Vapnyar is one author who's fiction has always appealed to me. She published in the New Yorker in their debut fiction issue several years ago and then published a collection of short stories, There are Jews in My House. Her new work, (reviewed at Bookslut) Memoirs of a Muse looks great. Also, The Memory Artists by Jeffrey Moore is featured at Bookslut. The interview made me want to read the book even more than the press it's been getting. One to check out . . . And you'll have to wait for Danielle Dutton's second release, Attempts at a Life which will be published Spring 2007 by Tarpaulin Sky Press. If you enjoy authors who play with form you'll love Danielle and likewise, Jenny Boully's new work One Love Affair. She had previously published The Body by Slope Press and both books are intriguing.

So, for now, those are a few things on the TBR pile. Now if Tod Goldberg would only share some of that new Richard Ford with me. If you like Ford, you'll probably want to order an advanced copy of The Lay of the Land, which isn't due out until late October.

If you have other good recommendations, feel free to email me with them. I love finding great treasures like My Sister's Continent. Happy Reading, people!

The Book You Absolutely Must Read This Summer

2006-07-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't found a great novel to read for the summer, you must go now and buy My Sister's Continent by Gina Frangello. Let me now tell you the reasons why you must read this book! #1: Gina Frangello is incredibly smart and witty and she's Italian, what other reason do you need??? #2: She knows her psychology and she won't blow psych theories at you or make it necessary to have taken psych 101 to understand this book, #3: Anxiety-ridden sexual encounters are exceptionally well-written, #4: You won't be able to put the book down, #5: This book will keep you thinking about it long after you've read it. For more proof of this and additional info on the book, you can read my review at Bookslut (and please ignore the 2 places that weren't edited and that I didn't catch.) Gina Frangello is such a gifted writer and there will be more to come in the future from her. And, while you're at it, check out the literary magazine, Other Voices. She's the editor there and it's a great site with well-written stories. And you might even want to subscribe to Other Voices because it's that good! I will be giving my Summer Reading suggestions for any of you who care or who are in need of help in that regard. You can be sure My Sister's Continent will be at the top of the list!

Denver's Best Kept Secret

2006-06-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

I happen to know that the city of Denver, Colorado is serving as home for the moment to one of the city's finest writers. There are many who reside there--some teach, some write, some do both. Danielle Dutton would be someone who does both of these. Associate Editor of the Denver Quarterly, PhD student and my dear childhood friend is publishing her first novel, SPRAWL. Although I'm not sure of its debut, Clear Cut Press will have the honor of publishing her work and I just couldn't be more excited for her. I had to post about this, not because my blog gets tons of traffic, but really because I want to share with those who pass by this blog, to keep an eye out for her. You'll be seeing more of her. She's a great writer and friend, one whom I miss and wish I saw more often. Danielle has always been a good friend to me and all of my craziness back in high school, she supported, whether I was deciding to become Jewish that month or whether I was stealing Barbra Streisand's trash from Bel Air, she humored me. I rest assured her great hubby and writer, Martin Riker as well as their equally intelligent cat (apparently), Dr. Spanglestein will keep her happy, but in the meantime, this bookwacked girl is sending all good thoughts, positive vibes and universal goodness her way! You are an inspiration and whether you end up back in Chicago or stay where you are in Denver, you'll know that I'm always in your corner! We'll always have Visalia in common and and quirky celebrity stories whether they involve Jackson Browne or say, Barbra Streisand--we share a common love--the love of writing. Ms. Dutton has "it" and I highly recommend you check her out. To read some of Danielle's work, you may check her out at: Tarpaulin Sky, Fence, Octopus, Double Room as well as many others. You can always use the google option to find 10 or so other publications. I"m telling you, if you are loving all those great writers (the Ben Marcuses, the Lyn Hejinians, the Ander Monsons, etc.) and other experimental writers of that ilk, you're gonna love Danielle's style. Plus, she's a really nice person--:)Danielle, in the words of Ali G, "biggie up yourself-- Boyakasha!"

Fun with Carpel Tunnel and other Mishaps

2006-06-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I feel like a huge moron for several reasons today. One, I haven't posted on here in a month and it gets tough to write anything on this here blog when I don't have a free second in the day to do much else but drive to work, drive from work and eat, maybe sleep, read, read and read some more, oh yeah, and that thing I"m supposed to do---write. My efforts to work on my own stuff have been thwarted by a myriad of things, running the gamut from researching how to finance a new car when you obliterated your good credit standing back in college and are just now out of the clear, thinking about future wedding costs and trying to figure out a way to add about 6 more hours to the day. In the midst of all the stuff floating around in my head I seemed to have posted or rather mis-posted information about my interview coming up with the fabulous, Gina Frangello. With my brain on auto-pilot, I'd made a mistake. And thanks to Gina for pointing it out. My interview with Gina will still post, just not at Publisher's Weekly, but rather on Susan Henderson's blog over at Publisher's Marketplace. This should happen in August or whenever Ms. Henderson decides she would like to. The crazy thing is, My Sister's Continent is a book I had been dying to read when it came out but had no free time to do so since I had over committed myself to several projects. Then Tod Goldberg came along and played the part of some jewish-matchmaker and helped introduce Gina, Susan and myself to each other. Now, for the interview! (it's coming, I swear!)

While I still have yet to stop "over-committing" myself, I find that I do work best under pressure. For starters, you can check out my interview with the very interesting and funny Salvador Plascencia over at Bookslut for the June issue. Next up will be an interview with the Open City author, Rachel Sherman. Rachel's new collection of short stories, The First Hurt was published by Open City Books and this collection is one that you will love. T.C. Boyle's new TalkTalk will be out in early July and I will have a review of that along with Daphne Kalotay's new collection, Calamity and other stories. So, my eyes will be tired and maybe that's a good thing because I truly believe that I have some early signs of carpel tunnel, which I hear is really painful if you have to get the surgery. I don't even want to think about it!

And hey, my apologies too for my somewhat cheesy post about the Natasha Bedingfield song. I just get all mushy about liking to write and feeling inspired by things like art, music and other writers. I really wish they'd stop playing that song so damned much! But, yeah . . . cheesy, I just couldn't help it. Anyhow . . . I will be posting again and I'm hoping it won't be a month from now! In the meantime, stop over to Bookslut and check out the June issue.

In the name of Persuasion

2006-05-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

. . . I urge you all to go on over to Skylight Books tonight and see George Saunders read from his new collection of short stories, In Persuasion Nation. Mr. Saunder's work is some of the greatest stuff out there and we as readers have the pleasure of hearing him read tonight. If anyone goes, please let me know how it is. I have to get my car out of the shop after work, so that's going to be fun. And while you're at it you should read what's happening over at the LBC. Gina Frangello's essay (author of the book, My Sister's Continent ) about (polite Sex and the City) is being discussed and I'll be speaking with Gina very soon about her book in an interview that will appear over at Sue Henderson's blog this June. Keep your eyes open! In the meantime, enjoy the Mother's Day weekend and be nice to your mom!

A.M. Homes wants to Save Your Life

2006-05-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

A.M. Homes will be at Skylight Books this Friday, May 5th at 7:30pm. If you missed her at the LA Times Festival of Books, you really should try to stop by. Bookslut will have a feature on her as well by the lovely Michael Schaub and yours truly will also have a review of her latest work, This Book Will Save Your Life. This latest novel is definitely a true divergence from Homes's usual tone in her stories. Not that that's ever been a bad thing. In fact, one of the reasons I love Homes's writing is for her style and mood is very much a part of that. Kids, this one's an uplifter in some ways. And dare I say, a positive look at life and what it has to offer. I know I'm already walking on pillows on clouds on air.

George Saunders -- Busy Persuading

2006-05-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Boldtype has a very interesting interview with George Saunders wherein he speaks about his newest work, Persuasion Nation. A collection of short-stories by George, well now, that's practically like having your cake and eating it too. I love it, love it, love it! You really should buy this book and read this interview. And any interview that has the words "dystopian" and "fantasy" in it is my kind of interview.

Will Post Soon!

2006-04-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the month delay in posting! A "real" post will follow later today or early tomorrow morning. Thanks to my few readers who actually check in with me.

Unwritten

2006-03-30T17:36:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about posting this for at least 3 days, but this week has flown by. Let me begin by saying that I don't watch a lot of music videos that often. I do have 900+ channels at home, but I don't find myself sitting down and watching them like I did in the 80's. I did get sucked back into 1985 on Sunday. All I did for several hours was watch music videos. And not on an ipod either. On my television. There's this song that I hear a lot on the radio by Natasha Bedingfield called Unwritten. I tend to like songs for their lyrics before I like them for the melody--I guess both are necessary for a good song. Anyhow, aside from some of the cliches in the lyrics of this song, I really love it. And I happened to catch the video on the VH1 countdown. One of the lyrics reads: "Live your life with arms wide open--Today is where your book begins--The rest is still unwritten." While I like the idea of this it got me thinking actually about really doing my own writing. Not metaphorically speaking. I really do find myself hesitating to tackle things with my writing that I know I can, but being a perfectionist, I've gotten into a rut of being afraid to put things on paper unless they land on the page perfectly. While my brain knows this idea is ridiculous, I think at the same time, in some small way I actually fear the revision. Which, once I have the blue print of my story--the hard part truly is over. I've actually forgotten that for me, revision is fun. Making it better. But I'm trying like mad to figure out why on this subconscious level, I'm avoiding it.

And I've pondered and thought about my writing and only recently did I sit down to actually work on something that's been in my head for almost 1 year. I can hardly believe I let it linger there for so long. Now that it's out there, I'm so relieved. I can do something with it--craft it, mold it into something good. Something, dare I say--publishable???

So folks, all this thought-provoking stuff was brought upon by lyrics to a catchy song. I wonder how many of us are really influenced on a conscious or even subconscious level by other artforms when it comes to doing what we do best (whatever that may be). I'm just curious. More than anything, the title of Bedingfield's song is almost taunting me--giving me proper grief for keeping the good stuff rolling around in my head-unwritten.

Now That's Devotion

2006-03-24T11:05:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to Dutton's Beverly Hills where author Carolyn See introduced Stephen Cooper, the author of John Fante's biography, Full of Life. Although I'm aware of the long journey travelled to finally produce this biography, I'm still amazed at the devotion it took to write it. There are months, years even to do a thorough job, but it seems in this case, Cooper was as impressed with Fante's work 30 some years ago when he read Ask the Dust as he still is today. So much so that his work lingered in Cooper's mind for years. This is one example of the power of the written word and the effect it can have on us if we let it. While Charles Bukowski was one of the first people to declare his love of Fante, Cooper does more than that. This biography gives an honest account of John Fante's life, work and Cooper has no qualms about giving an truthful account of the kind of man he was--at home and as a writer. And lovers of Bukowski (there are many of you) should love Fante just as much, if not more for the influence he's had over so many successful writers. And for all of those writers trying to make a living at writing especially in Los Angeles, I think you'll find Fante's work to be of interest to you. If there are any newbies to the world of Fante, please do yourself a favor and read any one of his books. Better yet, begin with the John Fante Reader so you can get a taste of what he's all about. You can still catch Carolyn See (who's also a wonderful author in her own right) with Stephen Cooper at Skylight Books, April 1st. No April Fools jokes involved. I promise.

Bonaduce Lovers, Unite!

2006-03-20T17:10:00.000-08:00

Last season on VH1, Danny Bonaduce's reality show, "Breaking Bonaduce" premiered. I didn't think I'd be an avid fan, but yes, it's true, I was. I am. And he's back this year for a second season. And if you live here in LA, you can come to a taping of the show. Details, you ask? Well, first let me begin by saying that in addition to a live show with Gretchen Bonaduce's band, The lead singer from Berlin, Terri Nunn will be there as well as Jaclyn Bradley . If you don't have plans this Friday night, come out to the Hard Rock Cafe at the Beverly Center. And if we're lucky, Danny will like OSGOODS music and it may be heard this upcoming season on the show as well. Here are some details you might wanna write down. Are you writing it down?

Hard Rock Cafe at the Beverly Center
8600 Beverly Blvd.
Friday, March 24th @8pm.

Cover $5 (proceeds go to VH1 Save the Music)
Be early--seating is limited.

The Evil that is Bed, Bath & Beyond

2006-03-20T16:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond to get one thing. A spice rack. Yes, in my attempt to be more domestic, I decided to purchase an item. This turned into several items to help me in the kitchen. I left with 4 items for the kitchen and the rest, well . . . they had nothing to do with the kitchen, but caught my eye. And it is this evilness that wreaks havoc on my funds. I try, really I try to use restraint, but I have come to one conclusion and that is--this is Anthony's fault. If we were engaged, we could register for all of the things I keep buying and I wouldn't be sucked in to the evilness that is Bed, Bath & Beyond. So, all in all I can't be held accountable for anything that takes place in businesses like: Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma or Bed, Bath & Beyond because the way I see it--a wedding registry might just cure these tendencies I have to spend time in stores that promise domestic bliss after purchasing their products. (okay, I use the term "bliss" lightly) but you know what I mean.

The Best Kept Secret in Southern California

2006-03-17T13:39:00.000-08:00

It is my opinion that Los Angeles is a literary city as much as New York and even Chicago. (I know I'm going out on a limb making such a bold statement and all, but I can't help it.) One of the best journals to come out of Southern California emerged from Cal Arts. Black Clock debuted with a long list of renowned authors and great fiction. People like Joanna Scott, Aimee Bender, David Foster Wallace and Heidi Julavits all contributed. This journal is produced bi-annually and if you're a writer, they now accept submissions. The work in Black Clock is always thoughtful, edgy and impressive. And anything that Steve Erikson is behind, I'm all for. Please stop over to the website and order a copy now!

Calling all Bender Fans

2006-03-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

Most of us who read good books know who Aimee Bender is. She is the queen of surreal, fairy-tale-esque short-stories and one hell of a writer. She plays with form and her stories are what made me realize that writing challenging and interesting material doesn't need to be predictable. And I think there are other authors that have followed suit due to her contributions in the literary world.

And if you like her as much as I do, you'll want to see her next Sunday, March 26th (at Wordtheatre.) For those of you who are virgins with the Wordtheatre experience, do not fret. This event will be one thing that requires nothing more than your presence. WordTheatre is this great thing that was created by Cedering Fox and provides you, the fan, the reader, the literai with food and entertainment. Here are the details:

Brunch with Aimee Bender and Her Stories

11 AM Readings at Noon
Aphrodisiac (a beautiful, new restaurant in the space formerly inhabited by

Lunaria)

10351 Santa Monica Boulevard (Just East of Beverly Glen, free parking in the building)

Program.

Readers will include:
Jessica Capshaw (The Practice) reads What You Left in The Ditch The Girl in

the Flammable Skirt

David Krumholtz (Numb3rs) reads Loser from The Girl in the Flammable Skirt
Mark Moses (Desperate Housewives) reads The Meeting from Willful Creatures
Jon Tenney (The Closer) reads Motherfucker from Willful Creatures

Aimee Bender reads a selection of her choosing.

Tickets are $40 and include a lovely buffet brunch. Please purchase your tickets early at http://www.wordtheatre.com/ for our special WordTheatre friends discount. Tickets are just $30 if purchased prior to Tuesday, March 21st at noon. The first ten full time students, people under twenty-two, or any card carrying union members (SAG, AFTRA, WGA, DGA, teachers union. etc.) who call the box office at 310-398-9999 may purchase tickets for just $25. Aimee Bender's books and WordTheatre CDs from Harper Collins Audio will be available for sale.

More Moore!

2006-03-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

In my search to see what, where or when we can see more work from Lorrie Moore, I came across a great interview from October of 2005 in the Believer. Sadly, It won't let me link to a back-issue. But here Moore discusses writing how she decides what form to use when she sits down to write:

BLVR: In the introduction to The Best American Short Stories 2004, you discuss some of the differences between short stories and novels: “the novel arrives to reader and writer alike, baggy, ad hoc, bitter with ambition, already half ruined,” but a story’s “very shortness ensures its largeness of accomplishment, its selfhood and purity… a story lies less. It sings and informs and blurts. It has nothing to lose.” Do you always know which form you’re working with at the outset?

LM: I do know ahead of time. It would be strange to me to find a surprise novel suddenly at my desk. The nature of the idea determines which form or genre it will be in, the novel having time as both medium and subject, and dealing with something that requires perhaps multiple points of view or technique or a larger social canvas generally. For me stories are responses to little disturbances that rattle the windows, or to creatures that suddenly enter the house. Then I take to my desk with my little notes and “what-ifs” and attempt a narrative object.

If you haven't read Lorrie Moore, you must--go, now and read her. Birds of America is one of her best collections or better yet read her first collection of short-stories entitled, "Self-Help." She has others too. I urge you to hurry, quick run so you'll be all caught up and prepared for whatever she does next. Check out the Believer "Past Issue" section for the full October 2005 interview. Enjoy.

The Bat Segundo Show

2006-03-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

Okay Kids--As you all know, I'm a huge fan of Jonathan Ames and therefore this blatant love and promotion of his upcoming event should come as no surprise. Edward Champion tells us what we can expect to hear Ames discuss on the Bat Segundo Show:

The controversial cover of I Love You More Than You Know, self-promotional footnotes, rules for writing, writing originating from unexpected requests, “tossed off” essays, depression and writing, essays which involve the penis, the somber and introspective feel of Ames’ latest collection, Ames’ lengthy self-asseessment of his book, George Plimpton, Glenn Gould, honesty, “throwaway pieces,” graphic novels, fiction, making a living as a writer, Graham Greene, Dean Haspiel and The Alcoholic, comic book scripting, Neil Gaiman, The Extra Man screenplay, upcoming pieces in GQ and Spin, on Ames letting down his guard, comedy vs. tragedy, the audience response to “Midlife Assessment,” Tim O’Brien, an odd and paranoid use of coffee, Ames’ place as a writer, the financial realities of being a writer, Moby, on getting distracted, the burden of email, writing discpline, chicken soup, San Francisco restaurants, Anthony Trollope, Jonathan Lethem, writers named Jonathan, Jonathan Franzen, living life to write about it later, on Ames bringing pleasure to himself (not the way you’re thinking), what Ames has been collecting from hotel rooms, and a hairy call.

You can check out this website to listen to the interview: www.edrants.com/segundo

Some Prose Poetry for Those Who Can

2006-03-14T17:17:00.000-08:00

Alright--here's your chance to read something extremely cool. You can either buy the book from Triple Press or you can read my review of Brandon Hobson's, The Levitationist over at Bookslut. Either way you really need to check it out. This is a form I'm growing more and more fond of all the time and Hobson is someone who does it well.

MeMe!

2006-03-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

I think this is an appropriate name for a post. All of us (and by us I mean me) are expected to answer these questions that some fellow blogger or email friend sends you. Most guys I know don't participate with the blogger "tag" but I liked this one. The theme of this one should be fairly simple: 4 Things About LA. I decided to post this because, well, it's interesting and I noticed that Elizabeth Crane and Gina Frangello posted theirs, so I'm posting mine. But it's going quite different than all those Chicagoans. Here it is for you all to do the math. A small little equation that = all things Angela.

Four or more jobs you have had in your life:
1. Freelance Writer/reviewer for Bookslut.com (best website around!)
2. Legal Assistant (for FOX SPORTS & Sony Pictures)
3. Assistant TV writer
4. Production Assistant & Script reader(worst job ever!)
5. Swim Instructor/Lifeguard
6. Coffee house drink schlepper
7. Retail sales girl at: (insert trendy teen store here, oh and Banana Republic)

Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. French Kiss
2. Waiting For Guffman
3. Center Stage (I can't help it)
4. Father of the Bride

Four places you have lived:
1. Sherman Oaks, CA (walking distance to Mel's Drive-in Diner--a staple here in LA)
2. Los Angeles, CA (right by Pink's on LaBrea)
3. Long Beach, CA (moved about 5 times during my 6 years there-love Belmont Shores!)
4. Visalia, CA (The Gateway to the Sequoias--or so they say)

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. The OFFICE (UK/BBC version)
2. Miami Ink
3. Issac on the Style channel
4. American Idol
5. Amazing Race & The Apprentice w/the Donald
6. Deal or No Deal ( my new fav)

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Paris
2. Gotenburg, Sweden
3. London
4. Garmish-Partenkirschen, Austria
5. Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Four places you would like to go in Southern California:
1. Las Brisas in Laguna Beach
2. La Jolla for Fondue
3. Big Bear for some skiing
4. Malibu for some seafood at our favorite little shack.

Four websites I visit daily:
1. Bookslut.com
2. The Elegant Variation
3. MySpace.com
4. Author Tod Goldberg’s blog: Todgoldberg.typepad.com

Four of my favorite LA Restaurants:
1. Midori Sushi on Ventura Blvd. in the Valley
2. Cafe Bizou (best French-American fusion food ever!)
3. Newsroom Cafe (healtiest breakfast you'll find)
4. El Compadre Mexican Food (on Sunset Blvd.) ties with Casa Vega in the Valley.

Four places in LA I would rather be right now:
1. Santa Monica promenade
2. The Beverly Center
3. concert at Hollywood Bowl
4. Book Soup

Surprise!

2006-03-06T14:06:00.000-08:00

Well, this past weekend has been full of surprises. The first one I encountered was at the MAC store in the Beverly Center where I came upon a very lovely face, adorned with all the right makeup, a look I wanted transferred instantly to my eyes, cheeks and lips. This face happened to be a that of man. But, that wasn't so surprising because one comes to expect some of the prettiest faces decorated with MAC makeup are often men. The surprise was that this was a very manly man. Big arms, buf and a bicked head a la Bruce Willis. The shiny head before me made me feel like Harvey from Celebrity Fit Club was standing before me in drag. He sold me a great lipgloss and soon after the shock of the shiny, bald head faded from my memory. 2nd, my future sister-in-law and I spend the weekend trying to pull of a surprise party for my brother. A house full of Italians in the dark, all of whom had consumed copious amounts of alcohol prior to his arrival was enough to scare anyone, but he was definetly stunned and shocked is more accurate. When the lights flashed on and everyone shouted, "SURPRISE!!!" we realized we'd definitely pulled it off. But the surprises didn't end there. OSCAR was full of surprises last night and one that I couldn't be happier about is Phillip Seymour Hoffman winning for his role in Capote. What a great guy. Jon Stewart brought a touch of the Daily Show style to it and we had a good laugh. But the biggest surprise for me was having Crash win "Best Picture." And perhaps one of the best surprises of all, (no, it wasn't the coveted engagement ring I'm so yearning for . . . ) my belated birthday gift from a good friend of mine. Over the weekend, actually at the surprise party, I opened my present, the novel, A History of Love by Nicole Krauss. I was practically jumping up and down because the truth of the matter is, with all the review books I read and books I read to research authors for interviews, I often don't have time to read books for leisure. A word that's been absent from my vocabulary for quite some time.

I'm ready for the workplace to re-institute that Kindergarten rule of "nap-time" because I think we'd all benefit and hey, how fun was it to sleep on your mat after some warm cookies and a glass of milk at 2pm? Let's put this into motion America. Who's with me?

Get Ready

2006-02-23T21:12:00.000-08:00

You need to know A.M. Homes is coming out with a new book and it will probably change your life. Well, that's what the title says. "This Book Will Change Your Life" will be released the end of April and you can be sure that yours truly will have a review of it at Bookslut in May. A.M. Homes writing is admirable. The risk-taking and originality are all part of the allure for this reader. And for those of you who have yet to discover the intoxicating world of Ms. Homes's prose, please do check out Music for Torching or The Safety of Objects. She's inspiring and for me, that's all I need to feel when i read someone's work to keep turning those pages. Check back for the full scoop in May. In other news, a new dog may be gracing the Stubbs-Nigro pad in the near future thanks to TEV and GOTEV. I am going to meet the little one tomorrow and hope they pick us as the new owners. We really want a dog! And this one is adorable.

Ame-ing High in 2006

2006-02-23T14:35:00.000-08:00

Well folks, it's official--I'm not engaged. But my future brother-in-law is. And I'm bitter. I don't want to be that person but yes, "bitter, party of 1." That's me. And well, my aim in 2006 is to be positive, no matter what crap circumstances I find myself a part of. I'm just trying to deal with the fact that I should adopt a few more cats from the pound, begin wearing moo-moo's and start stocking my cupboards with cans of frosting to consume at my leisure. But seriously, enough about all that. Now to the important stuff. While we're discussing shooting for bigger and better things, I think I should mention Jonathan Ames and his new collection of essays, I Love You More Than You Know. I had the opportunity to hear him read at Skylight Books last week and also to speak with him for our upcoming interview which will post in the March issue of Bookslut. (you can also read the review of his new work there as well.)

Jonathan is one of those people who, despite his many quirks, reminds me of how human we all are. I think his writing is the stuff that we all can relate to on some level. Maybe we haven't rolled around on a couch with a pre-op transsexual, but truly I believe there is something in his new collection for everyone. I Love You More Than You Know is some of his best work yet. if you haven't already seen him, I urge you to go--seek out Ames (www.jonathanames.com) and hear him read, watch him perform and really laugh. He's on the east coast now and if you are here in California, you missed him. But east coasters--there's still time!

While the year has only just begun, I find myself looking at the start of my 31st year under a small maginfying glass in my attempt to figure out a way to be better. At everything, with everything. I've decided I'm Ame-ing high this year. And in the process trying to find my own Wodehouse to help me out.

Unrue-ly New Year

2006-01-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

Well, it's now one month since my last post. Had to take a brief break from all this to celebrate the holidays and then re-coup from a little '06 surgery. With all the holidays behind me, I'm back in action and ready for all things interesting. Look for my feature with Paul Mandelbaum in the February issue from Bookslut. And I've just been informed of new work by Jane Unrue at Triple Press called Atlassed. I can't wait to check it out. In the meantime, I'll be transcribing, writing and reviewing. Also an advanced heads up for all you Fante fans. Fante's biographer, Stephen Cooper will be at Dutton's Beverly Hills on March 23rd and at Skylight Books in Los Feliz on April 1st for the reissue of Full of Life: A Biography of John Fante. Good things, people! All good things!

All Things Rachel

2005-12-15T11:04:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm back to report that the reading at Borders in Westwood on Tuesday night was a huge success! Paul's new book, Adriane on the Edge is amazing and I'm part way through it and on a mission to finish by the weekend. I've been thinking about holiday movies and re-makes. King Kong is a big movie coming out, but one thing I don't like it the advanced CGI in these films like HULK because the way they've used special effects in these types of films. It seems that Hollywood has run out of ideas when big budget re-makes are done and marketed for the holidays. It's a pretty easy equation as far as money's concerned, but a creative choice? Not really. As the weekend approches I'm gearing up to see a holiday movie--The Family Stone. Holiday in the true sense of dysfunctional family fun--not a sequel of the ever-so-popular Tim Allen Santa Clause or the George C. Scott version of Scrooge and actually-- not based on any book. I'm going essentially for two reasons: Rachel. McAdams. (well, I am a fan of Sarah Jessica Parker & Diane Keaton too--the whole cast really) but I have to say that Rachel's history of film choices (The Notebook--based on Nicholas Sparks book) and Wedding Crashers, not to mention the sleeper hit Red Eye are all films that have made Rachel a rising talent and yes, as my boyfriend Anthony puts it, "She's hot!" So, there's that. She can act and she's hot. That's a great thing. She's polite and very smart when it comes to being wise about what she talks about (ie: she wouldn't say anything bad about the Vanity Fair shoot that wanted her to pose nude and the "artistic differences" that arose from the situation) on the radio (with Ryan Seacrest) or does she ever in interviews. However, as Tod Goldberg mentiones, you rarely see a film based on a book do well at the box office. And with so many great novels out there, so many great characters, one has to wonder, what gets lost in translation? I'm a fan of good movies, based on novels or not. And although it disappoints me that there are so few books that get made into successful movies, The Family Stone will be at the top of my list, regardless of it's origin.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

2005-12-13T17:57:00.000-08:00

All of you living in So. Cal should come on out to the Borders in Westwood to hear Paul Mandelbaum read from his new novel-in-stories, Adriane on the Edge and have a Manhattan. You will also be able to find a review and feature on Paul sometime in january or February that I will be doing. In addition, I also have a new pick for you all, Read! Read! Read! Joe Meno's, "Bluebirds used to Croon in the Choir--Stories." I can't tell you how excited I am to read these books not to mention those books I've reviewed that will appear in next month's Bookslut. I need to write out holiday cards and skip on over to Westwood so I'll check back in with you before Friday to see how it's all going.

Oy Vay! The Holidays!

2005-12-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

I have been on a little hiatus the past month for a myriad of reasons, one being that I was lazy and two being that I was busy--so I guess in some ways that negates the lazy. However, I find myself on the first of December with almost all of my Christmas shopping done and I just know I will find things to buy in the meantime. We will be getting our first tree tomorrow night since thus far we've never been in town long enough to have one. Although we'll be travelling a lot this holiday season, we are getting a tree. I am anticipating our cats to go wild with the idea of ribbon and bows and just the thought of wrapping paper. Hopefully the tree will still be standing by the end of it all. In the midst of all this, I finally found time to read a very interesting feature by Alan Rifkin today that a friend of mine was kind enough to send to me. I haven't had a second to read the LA Times in about 2 weeks and papers begin to pile up. So, if you haven't read this, you can check it out here: Writing In the Dust. I highly recommend.

Straight out of the 70's

2005-11-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

I've spent my young life as a kid around greasy auto parts and a dad who uttered phrases like, "sonofabitch" while trying to fix things on cars. But on occasion, I would go with him to the auto parts store or to some sort of garage to have said part fixed. They used to have those cheesy posters clad with women in some Mac Tools bikini or posing with some NASCAR guy--which, for some men gets the job done, I guess. But what's worse than the made-up girls in tacky car-sponsored outfits are the offices attached to the mechanic(s). Wood paneling and some Minimum wage signed posted on the side of a file cabinet from 1972, furniture circa 1981 and restrooms that are usually as filthy as a gas station. Now, I get the fact that men working on cars aren't going to be into decor (and if they were, I'm betting they wouldn't be mechanics) but I have to say--decor or not, I think we could at least move into the 90's. It's a universal thing too.

This morning was just more evidence to confirm my suspicion that all men, if left to their own devices will live in squalor and never feel the need to clean, or update their surroundings. I went to a Glass Repair shop to have them install a motor/regulator for my window since mine had decided to quit. After making the trek to Sun Valley to get the part from a junkyard (which also seemed to be stuck in the mid-70's) I arrived to a place that had a huge sign that was probably a good 40 years old. I waited for someone to arrive since I was there before it opened. Once the owner showed up, I was introduced to some old magazines, wicker chairs with stained seat cushions and a computer in the "office" that looked older than a Commodore 64. I noticed as we listened to Howard Stern on the radio that his voice was coming from a boom box that was probably used in a Run DMC video in the 80's. I left feeling secure that anytime I get my car repaired (unless I'm at a dealer) I will be able to re-visit my past--wood paneling and all. Along with my experience in the auto shop, I also took a short trip back in time last night when I sat down to watch The Amityville Horror. While I'm not easily scared by horror films, this one did creep me out. I think I'd have been okay if the whole thing weren't true. I just kept thinking about it even when I went to bed last night. I just can't get past some of those terrible images and how creepy it was. I think I'll stick to Zombie movies and things that make me laugh.

The Soul of a Leech and Library Geeks

2005-10-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

I have five bookshelves at home that are filled with all of my books, in no particular order. I have contemplated making them alphabetical, but it takes too much time and then there was the idea to put books together that had similar plots, yet it seemed a bit too tedious a task to sit and organize them all. Apparently, organizing titles is just the tip of the iceberg if you are a member of LibraryThing.com It's the booknerd's dream. The idea of tagging your books or going beyond alphabetizing your collection really screams to me, "I have no life!" Jessa Crispin has written about her brief experience trying to catalog her titles and the mad competition that exists in organizing and cataloging your titles over at The Book Standard. And within your collection let's hope Mary Roach's new novel, Spook, will be a part of it. Mary Roach talks with the fine folks at The Book Standard about how serious the people are who deal with mediums and ultimately weighing souls, whether they be leeches or something bigger:

TBS: Spook is a very funny book. Did any of the researchers and scientists you were interviewing have a sense of humor about what they were doing?
MR: They take it pretty seriously. They’re not a yuk-it-up bunch.
TBS: But then didn’t you have trouble keeping a straight face at times—for example, when you were talking to the scientist who is weighing the souls of leeches?
MR: No, because they approach it pretty seriously. In the case of the leech-weigher, I was scrambling so much with the quantum mechanics he was throwing at me that there wasn’t any room for a giggle. I have, believe it or not, a lot of respect for these folks because they do something that gets a lot of eye-rolling and also because they are risking their academic reputations.
TBS: Why do you think people try to prove the existence of the soul with such fervor?
MR: The heyday of this stuff was right after World War One, when just about every family had lost sons. Plus that era came right on the heels of the wireless telegraph, the telephone and electricity, which all seemed like magic. I think that when asked to accept [those devices] as science, it wasn’t much of a leap to think that a voice from the beyond could be channeled through a medium. I think people said, “Heck, if they can send a wireless message from here to Spokane, why wouldn’t that be possible.”

Now I'm curious--is it good to have your soul be heavy or lighter in mass and what does it mean? I guess I'm thinking it's all relative depending on your species. But then, I'm no expert. I'll leave that to the scientists and, well . . . Mary Roach.

I have the need . . . the need for HEAT!

2005-10-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

In Los Angeles, many people argue that there are no seasons here. I, for one am not one of those people. Granted--Southern California has become one of the few places that will allow you to get away with wearing light sweats on the beach, no matter what time of year it is but I have to say after the rain coming down the past couple days and the chill in the air--I'm ready to break out the warm clothes, cover up in a warm blanket on the couch and watch Breaking Bonaduce (this is one train-wreck I swore I wouldn't watch and it has sucked me in.) As much as I love the warm weather and being a short drive away from the ocean--I really am prepared to break out my best sweaters and wool pants. The leaves still turn colors here and trees still blossom in the spring. But fall has a definite air about it. You know when it's arrived, even if you live in Los Angeles. For me, when I have to put on the UGG boots to walk around the house in the morning to keep my feet warm and when I have to fire up the old wall heater (which smells terrible from having gone un-used for the past 8 months) and those catchy OLD NAVY holiday ads appear--I know it's time! As much as I enjoy flip-flops and t-shirts--I really can't enjoy the JCREW catalog or say, L.L. Bean's Christmas issue when I have the air-conditioner on in my house. For all you nay-sayers out there, I'm here to tell you LA's getting colder, damnit. It is! And, I will be needing to purchase items to keep me warm when it hits 60 degrees and it gets so cold that my teeth begin to chatter and goosebumps pertrude. Folks, trust me--it's fall in LA and there's just no denying it--So, there!

Who said Different isn't Better?

2005-10-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

Writing short-stories or any story for that matter isn't easy. Most of us who write know how difficult eeking out 12 + pages can be, yet for those of us who do manage to sit down everyday and put words on the page (okay, well maybe not everyday like I should) we know that having something different and original as far as story ideas go can be daunting. Ander Monson is a 30 year old writer who has published a new collection of stories called, "Other Electricities." This collection does not follow the mold when it comes to short-stories. The beginning of the book has an entire directory with words that are defined by the author as well as a tree with how each person/character relates to one another and what story you find them in. These stories are incredibly smart, eccentric and even fall into what we consider to be experimental fiction. When I read stories like his, I become incredibly inspired. Not just because I've witnessed another writer writing well, but rather because he has created a style all his own.

Mainstream fiction is readily accepted by readers when it tends to follow a certain structure, a certain style. But I think experimental fiction (even with a small audience) stands a good chance of being noticed by publishing houses and even by readers when we read stories like Monson's (for full review see Bookslut.) In a day and age where actresses like Selma Blair can get their short stories published for no apparent reason (see Standby Bert), it makes you really appreciate the writers who work very hard to get their stories published and truly spend time doing what they do because they can't imagine doing anything different. It does pain me to think that Ander Monson is my same age and he has an "Other Works by Ander Monson" page already, but then I've never heard of a writer being washed up at any age (unless you're a romance novelist) . . . so there is still hope for me yet! (Those folks over at 3rd Bed gave me the best rejection I have yet to receive--I mean that in all honesty.)

Hawaii's not all Luaus and Bellydancers

2005-10-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

Most nights I have some sort of a squabble with Anthony over what we will watch on TV. He's more of a COPS, Reno 911, & National Geographic kind of guy and I prefer the Friends re-runs, TBS shows or even 30 minute meals with Rachel Ray; however he has introduced me to the strange world of Bounty-Hunting with Dog, The Bounty Hunter and I've got to say, I'm intrigued. The show's based in Hawaii and Dog, along with his family run a bail-bond outfit that keeps them going after various derelicts. Dog's wife, son, brother and others help to bring down the man/woman of the hour. The mission begins simply by them getting details from someone who's turning them in or from a tip from a family member, but not before they all have a quick prayer and grab their cans of mace. Until I saw this show, I had no real appreciation for the career that is Bounty Hunting. Once the person in question is caught, Dog gives them a lecture and then, it gets a little strange. He becomes their buddy, their "go-to" person. He wants to make sure these wife-beaters, drug users and felons are o.k. Dog gets so incredibly invested in bringing these people in that it makes it hard to believe he'd befriend him/her after they've been cuffed and the job is done. Aside from the terrible opening song, sung by Ozzy--the show has potential. And the show does give a good look at the non-touristy end of things. You're not getting surfboards and pineapples. As much as I enjoy this show, I think I'm still inclined to put on a Family Guy episode and get a few laughs in.

A little Obsession Never Hurt Anyone . . . okay, well maybe.

2005-10-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I was a huge Barbra Streisand fan. My dad had an album or two of hers but I never really listened to them. I think I began liking her when I listened to some of her records at my grandma's house in high school, which is odd considering most of my friends were listening to Aerosmith, They Might Be Giants, The Ramones and Aztec Camera. To say I ended up being obsessed with Barbra Streisand is putting it mildly. Pretty much everyone in my family can't hear a song of hers without cringing. In high school I even auditioned for our musical doing the same "I'd Rather be Blue" song in full roller-skates with faux grapes on the shoulders in my replica outfit a la Funny Girl. I can't tell you the hours of Barbra I put my friends through making them listen to such fabulous lyrics like, "Rub it on my belly like guava jelly." Now, I'm not talking about crazy stalker shit like Catherine Zeta-Jones's stalker , but I am talking about non-stop movie-marathons of The Way We Were and The Main Event. However, after all these years I don't think I've listened to a single Barbra Streisand album in at least ten or so years and I don't think I've bought one in half that. But when she released her newest album recently with Barry Gibb entitled Guilty Pleasures, I perked up. Although I'm not quite as big a Bee Gee fan, of all 50 some-odd albums I had once owned, I really liked Guilty. Guilty was one of the few albums that I was really into and felt like when I listened to that one inparticular my family didn't go as crazy. Barbra at full volume all the time for 2 years is pretty tough to take. And in high school I even found me a boyfriend who liked Barbra as much as I did. (I'm sure all of you know how long that lasted, because as we all know, most men who like Barbra Streisand are . . . usually not hetero.) What can I say, I was 17. I like me some Barbra tunes, but all things in moderation, right?I think now I've spent enough time away from Barbra music, movies (and stealing her trash) to maybe enjoy Guilty Pleasures--and really . . . to have it be just that.

Onthebus is now Inthehouse

2005-10-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

Last night, we were given a lost & found copy of the literary journal, ONTHEBUS which features poetry, prose, essays and other items of literary note. With the masses of journals and literary magazines that are out there, it's hard to be aware of all of them. This issue (from 1997) features work by Charles Bukowski (as a staple) and that alone attracted us initially, until we read Bukowski and recall who we really like is John Fante and this was, well . . . not that. We enjoy the lit. journals that are fairly equal in their poetry/prose ratio, however this was a bit heavy on the poetry, which is fine but we have a much easier time with the prose. Because there's so much choice out there when it comes down to what you actually take the time to read and because there are literary journals and magazines piling up that we haven't had the chance to read, it makes it that much easier to put down something that doesn't end up turning out to be what you thought it might. ONTHEBUS features writers from our college hometown, Long Beach, such as Gerald Locklin, Lisa Glatt & Charles Webb which makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but in the end, we have a funny feeling our copy of ONTHEBUS will remain on the shelf, as the TBR pile is huge and I can't seem to keep from buying more books when there are still so many things that we want to read! Next on the list: Laila Lalami's, "Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits" --(Do check this one out if you can. She's a fellow blogger and writer and I'm sure there will only be more good things to come.)

Fires & Quakes & Hurricanes, oh my!

2005-09-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

I'm now a functioning part of the blogosphere, but I tend to get lazy, (as in it took me almost a year to do anything with the blog once I created it!) so I will make every effort not to become blase about it.

So, this morning, I left my house in Sherman Oaks to go to work and there was an odd gray ash all over the hood of my car and windshield. I've encountered bird diahrrea on my car and many other forms of debris, but never ash. The fires that have been burning in the Simi Valley area have now burned 21,000 acres and the sky could not have looked more ominous last night. As Anthony and I got in the car to go to dinner, we couldn't help but think we were at a city-wide barbeque. The fires don't come close to the disaster we've seen with the hurricanes, but it helps remind us that no one is safe from natural disaster.

My dad works for a company that purchases air-tankers that put out these fires. It's a tough job and it's times like this that I am thankful for the fact that those planes essentially help to save families and their homes and possibly their lives. Yet, it's because of those fires that my dad made a living throughout my childhood.

I hope that by the end of the weekend the air is a little clearer and the stuff floating around in the air won't contribute to my already wacky state of mind for my weekend. LA could use a break from the bad air, one way or another.