Recent correspondence with a well-know author (who will remain nameless, not by request but because I don’t like to attribute quotes unless given permission, and I don’t feel like even asking permission) revealed several interesting opinions about MFA programs.

1. They are almost certainly used as an excuse to not get any writing done; that is, once the program ends, so does the writing.

2. They don’t teach plot.

3. They should teach plot.

4. They are either very helpful, useless, infuriating, or all [...]

ridiculous. Edits were supposed to be a breeze–thanks to the careful eye of my new editor Heather–but something happened on the way to the office. I got better.

I wrote Memphis is Burning (by the way, we’re working on a new title; how does Losing Graceland sound?) two years ago, and haven’t looked at it since June ‘09. It sold, I waited, I wrote some good and not-so-good short pieces, started my next book, finished editing Jack the Bastard, etc. The [...]

At this rate, the next book should be finished by summer’s end. Along with enough short stories to fill a collection, and a new screenplay (more on that below).

If for no other reason, the MFA experiment has been successful because it forces production. Sure, I’d like to think I remain perfectly self-motivated, but isn’t believing in your own “perfect” self-motivation a sign of laziness? My increased output may also be–and here’s when this site is forever taken in a new [...]

So I’m awaiting the first splash page of a graphic novel project. Plate remains full, even without scripting duties. And yet there’s always time for comic books, right?

It got so cold in my writing shed over winter break, that my shark-in-a-jar froze. I should’ve taken a photo. Remember that scene in “The Thing”? The alien encased in blue-grey ice? Said shark bore a resemblance. Here’s a scene: friend and sometimes-muse Brian Jenkins standing at my white board, outlining potential ideas [...]

In no particular order:

Oja Santangelo, Twirlsters McGee, Hoos, Crazy Legs Johnson, Eduardo Retardo, Lopers, Crazers, Cornwall, Who’s-Good-Who’s-Bad, Scoutsters, Crazy Boy, Hoser, Moser, Loopy, Chompers, Loungers, Snickle Snoo Snickle Snee.

Sources inform me that Memphis is Burning will be TRP’s lead spring title. I am currently on a mission to find the erstwhile-makers of Skeleteens Soda (remember them?) for a promotional tie-in. Skeleteens used to do promotional tie-ins, beginning with From Dusk Till Dawn and ending with…well, From Dusk Till Dawn. But [...]

I have, by all indications, the dread swine flu. One week of fatigue, coupled with a low fever, hideous things leaking from my nose, and one of those dry, hacking coughs usually reserved for B-movie foreshadowing.

Are you feeling okay?

Yeah. I’m fine. Don’t worry about it.

You sure?

Just keep walking. If we don’t get to the ruins by nightfall…

Cut to a white handkerchief held to mouth and stained with blood.

No, it’s not that bad. It’s just annoying. And boring. My patient dog [...]

Yielded this:

So the monster blizzard trod gently. Holliston does that to monsters.

Back to work.