A St. Patrick’s Day Toast
MAY THOSE WHO love us, love us.
For those who don’t love us, may God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn’t turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles,
So we may know them by their limping.
DOJ vs. Apple and Big Six: Who cares?
Matthew Yglesias wrote an interesting column yesterday in Slate entitled, Leave Penguin Alone: Who cares if book publishers are colluding with Apple to raise e-book prices?. It takes a look at the recent Department of Justice announcement that they will be pursuing legal action against Apple and the “Big Six” of publishing for price-fixing.
Compassion Play: Treating Your Victims With Respect
A few years ago I attended the renowned Boucheron convention, a fan-based convention for mystery and crime fiction. UK comedian-turned-crime fiction-novelist Mark Billingham was one of the many panelists that I listened to that day, but he said something that stuck with me when the words of many other bright lights at the conference faded away. Something I’d never heard a mystery or crime fiction author talk about before.
Guest blogging on David Gaughran’s Let’s Get Digital
Friends –
I’m excited to be the guest blogger on David Gaughran’s fantastic blog, Let’s Get Digital, today, where I’m talking about how digital publishing has–or will soon–change not just publishing, but the art of writing itself by eliminating one important dimension: length.
If you have the time, please swing by Dave’s blog and add to the discussion!
The Etiquette of Murder
I had the chance to attend indie publication Barrelhouse Magazine‘s spring “Crime” issue release party last night, where I got to hear cool authors read their work: Tara Laskowski reading “The Etiquette of Murder”, Art Taylor with his “Blue Plate Special”, and “How Sacrifices Are Made in Illionois” by Michelle Dove.
All are great reads that make you think; Tara’s piece reminded me of Armand “Blackbird” Degas from Elmore Leonard’s Killshot, while Art’s piece seemed a thoughtful blend of Chandler and James Crumley (of Last Good Kiss fame). I’m still rolling around Michelle’s piece in my head…it’s a densely-packed story with lots of sly humor tucked in here and there; easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.
It was nice to rub elbows with other writers and poets trying to make a professional go of it. If only the bartender hadn’t turned the music up to 10…I’d still be there chatting craft with some really smart people.
If you like indie publications, check out Barrelhouse at http://www.barrelhousemag.com.
You can read Tara’s piece in its entirety (with roll-over annotations…thank you, internet!) at http://www.barrelhousemag.com/?page_id=1949.