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12/01/2005: "Random Update: Radio Review and Upcoming"
Hi All,
Been a bit since I've updated, but lamentably not a lot happening at the moment. Novel off with editor, so waiting to see how I should go forward from there. A bit nerve-chafing, but I'm sure that's the case for nearly every writer.
Anyone who wants to hear RUST AND BONE get hammered on Minnesota college radio, go here and download the streaming audio:
http://www.mndaily.com/radiok
Too violent, too nasty, too bereft of hope. Well, as always, I can see people thinking that way. But certainly while I was writing, I wasn't under the impression I was writing hopeless stories. In fact, I tried really hard to leave the reader with an element of hope: dirty hope, maybe, a little sullied, but still some sort of hope. I always thought that if you followed the characters off the last page of each story, if you let your imagination take those characters on with their lives, there would at least be a few that you might see things working out for them. But again, maybe not. In the end, it isn't about what I tried to do, but what every reader thinks of the result. And I think it's a good review, in that it's an honest interpretation of the book, from one reader's perspective.
Got word today from WW Norton, my US publisher, that RUST AND BONE will be reviewed in the NY Times Book Review on Dec. 25th. This is sort of the biggest US review you can get---well, I guess a big splashy cover piece in the NY Times would TECHNICALLY be the biggest you could get, but the fact I managed to squeak my ass in there somehow is still great. Haven't been that many US reviews, so this was good news. Christmas day is a bit of an odd time to get a review, seeing as I don't get to capitalize on the holiday rush, but still, maybe people wil dash out on boxing day with their Barnes and Noble gift certificates.
Other than that, not much to report. Now that the novel is done in draft form, I'm starting to work on other ideas, working up proposals, etc. I've got two: one non-fiction, one fiction. After the collection and the really rough-and-tumble, gross and violent novel, I am thinking about more of an easygoing vibe for the next novel. Hopefully a Nick Horny-esque vibe, if I can manage to keep the characters from having twisted sex with one another and/or punching each other in their faces. It will be tough, I will have to show restraint and keep things on an even keel, but I think I can manage.
Will update shortly with some more highschool memories or random vandalism committed when I was young and headstrong and a big fat jerk.
All best, Craig.