Someone needs to murder Pablo D'Stair. He's making all of us, who for so long have relied on passion as a vehicle for discussing literature, look like asses. I've never met a person more in love with books (possibly more in love with the idea of- and the ideas within- books than the books themselves). This guy makes me imagine a beautiful world of quiet dive bars and smokey conversation. He recently asked me to be a part of the re-emergence of his literary journal, Predicate. What he's done here is amazing. He invited seven authors to wax ever-so eloquently about literature. Sounds boring, I know. But these are not simple Q&A sessions. These are in-depth examinations of the meaning of literature. Okay, still sounds boring. But trust me, it's not. Despite what my description above may imply about my ability to be entertaining, I'm quite proud of my contribution.…
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Yesterday I appeared on ASNYCNOW's Blog Talk Radio where I discussed my book, my role as an editor at the Outsider Writers Collective, my future publications, The Velvet, my upcoming AWP reading, and on top of all that self-promotion, I was inundated with compliments from the unbelievably nice Vicki S. Nikolaidis. Though technical issues had me cutting in and out through much of the discussion, and my voice had a space echo, all in all I had a great time. Thank you, Vicki! Click below to listen: Caleb J Ross on Blog Talk Radio's ASNYCNOW
I've been a member of The Velvet for a few years. During that time, I've come to respect the pool of talent over there not just for their writing chops, but for their reading tastes as well. They are my taste-makers. I am glad to now be able to share that camaraderie with you. Episode #001 of The Velvet Podcast just went live a few hours ago. Me, Gordon Highland, and Rob Parker talk about a few things writing, specifically regarding writing communities. I look forward to the future of this podcast. Please, give it a listen. Subscribe via Feedburner, Podcast Alley, RSS, or iTunes (coming soon). And don't worry, it won't be my lame voice on the Podcast for every episode.
Jim Gaffigan is right (and is the source of this post's title). We admire beauty above most else in this country (this world?), despite all that's been taught by teachers (probably ugly teachers) and parents. Beauty shouldn't be all that matters. As ethical beings, we should be able to look beyond physical appeal when evaluating our various options. But the one outlet that has for so long stood strong against the ravages of superficiality has come under attack as of late. Ugly people, you are no longer royalty in the world of novels. Katie Price, Courtney Thorne Smith, Lauren Conrad, Meg Tilly, Pamela Anderson, the list goes on. It's only a matter of time before "chapters" will become a breast synonym and asking someone if they've read any good books lately will initiate locker-room tales of "creasing her spine until even used bookstores wouldn't take her." Bookselling is a business.…
@ Blinding Loud, Sean P. Ferguson gives some great words about Charactered Pieces: The stories don’t change you because they cause you to rethink how you’re living in some great respect. You’re not forced on with issues that want you to decide whether or not to have an abortion, or pick a side when it comes to same sex marriage. They don’t beat down your door demanding that you give all of your belongings to charity. You’re presented with life and the ability to deal with what you’re dealt. Now put down what you’re doing, read, and start to live. Really live. Because if these people can, so can you, we all have Charactered Pieces in us. @ kenwohlrob.com, site namesake and author, Ken Wohlrob, says some very flattering things about Charactered Pieces: The prose is punchy and has a great rhythm to it, especially when the stories are told…
Right away, let me say that this interview is fake. For the real, and much more interesting interview between Tim Hall and Scott McClanahan, click here. Why fake an interview with Tim Hall? I'm procrastinating work on my current novel. Tim Hall (TH): Your book is built around my two favorite themes of creative writing: autobiographical fiction mixed with a geographical/sociological postcard of a place. It's like a portrait of the artist in the "staycation" from hell. What made you decide to "go Winesburg" and create the semi-fictional town of Rainelle, WV to tell your stories? Caleb J Ross (CJR): Did you even read my book? What they hell is a Rainelle? Is that some kind of gazelle? It should be. Maybe I'll write a story about that. Then I'll put that story in a collection that is both autobiographic and postcard-like so it fits your summation of my book.…