~
Until recently, I've never belonged to a book club. All of the clubs I'd seen were primarily populated by women, not that that's a bad thing, I enjoy the company of women, however, the clubs I'd been aware of had concentrated primarily on female-slanted fiction, (read: chick lit). Oh, I'm probably being a bit harsh on that count. Not all of these clubs exclusively read things like Valerie Bertanelli's account of her trials and tribulations as Mrs. Van Halen, a lot of them actually centered around more literate fare - ie. thrillers from the likes of Patricia Cornwell and Jodi Picoult.
Okay. Fair enough. But what rubbed me the wrong way about these groups is how little they were concerned with the actual book they were reading and how much more they were concerned with what food and drink would be served at the meetings, and what gossip could be shared concerning the member or members that failed to show up that evening.
I'm being a blanket chauvinist and making extreme generalizations, I admit, but follow me anyhow. Suffice to say, what I personally had seen of book clubs, led me to believe that I wasn't all that interested in joining one...
...until a few months ago. I was approached by a book club - which shall remain nameless (even though it has a name) to limit the liability of those involved - to become a member. What struck me as different about this particular club was that it was made up of both sexes, - though it's primarily male - and it was open to reading just about anything. In the past they've read fiction and nonfiction, and even graphic novels - other than what the choosing member decides upon, there's no limitation as to what can be chosen to read. The members are made up of different cultural and political views, and everyone seems to be firm in their beliefs, yet no one is disagreeable. There is a stern desire to discuss things beyond the normal chitchat of what I might term as a socializing club. There are discussions - sparked by the books - on everything from religion, to politics, to story structures, to generalized anthropology. There is no food. Everyone usually brings a six-pack or so of their favorite beverage, and that serves as refreshments. We meet for a few hours to discuss the latest work and then mozy on down to the local tavern for a recap before heading home. We meet every two weeks, which I like, as a once a month meeting seems (to me, anyway) to smack of laziness. I guess in my estimation you're either involved in something like this or your not.
At any rate, I found a book club that suits my own needs exceedingly well. I get to hang with intelligent, well-rounded individuals twice a month and discuss "larger" issues. I get to read works that I might never have heard of or that I might never have touched had I not been part of the club. So, I enjoy it, and I'm terribly glad that they accepted me as a member.
What about you? Do you belong to a book club? Does it suit your needs, or are you just going through the motions?
Friday, January 23, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The First 21st Century President
~
A few comments on today's presidential inaugeration, and the ensuing presidency.
Yes, I understand that we're almost a decade into the 21st Century, but for my money, Barack Obama is the first 21st Century President. The man uses a Blackberry. His campaign was the first in history to rely on the internet as a crucial, primary tool to relay platform standings and to mine regular Americans for donations. With an initiative to move past what conservative columnist David Brooks so aptly describes as "crushing politics" - the piercing ideological divide that's been so omnipresent since the late sixties - and actually following up in that vein since elected, (Obama's extended invitation to Republican governors for stimulus spending ideas and those unique dinner parties with both liberal and conservative journalists), speaks to a different sort of governance, at least a sort that we haven't seen en masse since the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.
Oh, and he's also African American.
I was fairly impressed with myself on election day. Throughout the campaign, I'd weighed what was being offered by both candidates. I liked the 2004-era John McCain, before he knelt at the feet of King George and offered his allegiance - but I was still willing to wait and see what he wanted to do with the presidency. I'll admit that I was drawn to Obama from the start. For most of my adult life, I've been yearning for a man - or woman - in the White House who I could honestly consider to be my intellectual superior - something that Bill Clinton may or may not have been, and something that has certainly been missing for the past eight years. Call me crazy, but I like the idea of someone running the country who is vastly smarter than myself. At any rate, on election night, when several friends - constituting of both conservative and liberal leanings - came over to watch the returns, a discussion about the remarkability of an African American being elected president ensued... and as such, I was shocked to learn something about myself -
I am not innocent of racial bias in my lifetime. I wouldn't say that I've ever been a redneck-caliber racist, but I've not been as open-minded in my life as I could have been. Of course, life experiences and time, (those two mightiest menders of all evil and hurt) have dulled whatever racist tendencies I might have had over the years; to what extent those tendencies were blurred didn't occur to me until election night. It became apparent to me that I hadn't weighed Obama's race in any way, shape, or form upon reaching my decision to vote for him. I didn't vote for him because he would be the first African American president. I didn't vote against him because he would be the first African American president. I voted for him because I thought he was the best candidate for the job.
It just didn't occur to me that he was black.
He's the second youngest man to ever be elected to our nation's highest office. He's held in high esteem the world over - something that can certainly be used to mend relationships with countries that have leaned away from us in the past eight years. He's willing to listen to ideas on both sides of the fence and use what works instead of what is recommended by a small room of whispering desperados, (something that will be infinitely valuable in this age of economic catastrophe, environmental peril, and religious fanaticism).
And the dude can give a speech.
I know that there's been a lot made of Obama's speechmaking heights versus his substance; I do believe that his substance is beginning to make itself clear, but as a writer myself, I'd also like to make a case for the importance of inspiration. This country has been built on ideas - ideas of both what should be done and what can be done. The times when we've been at our worst, - the Depression, the reaction to Pearl Harbor and our inclusion in World War II, the turmoil of the sixties including the Cuban Missile Crisis - these were times when we were lucky enough to be inspired by leaders who knew how to strike a chord in our hearts and minds. "There is nothing to fear but fear itself." - "Today is a day that will live in infamy." - "Ask not what you can do for your country." - all pieces of rhetoric - rhetoric we desperately needed, as a country, to be inspired to action.
At any rate, I'm uncharacteristically optimistic about the ensuing presidency. I hope for good things, and I wish Barack Obama, and our country, lots of luck.
A few comments on today's presidential inaugeration, and the ensuing presidency.
Yes, I understand that we're almost a decade into the 21st Century, but for my money, Barack Obama is the first 21st Century President. The man uses a Blackberry. His campaign was the first in history to rely on the internet as a crucial, primary tool to relay platform standings and to mine regular Americans for donations. With an initiative to move past what conservative columnist David Brooks so aptly describes as "crushing politics" - the piercing ideological divide that's been so omnipresent since the late sixties - and actually following up in that vein since elected, (Obama's extended invitation to Republican governors for stimulus spending ideas and those unique dinner parties with both liberal and conservative journalists), speaks to a different sort of governance, at least a sort that we haven't seen en masse since the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.
Oh, and he's also African American.
I was fairly impressed with myself on election day. Throughout the campaign, I'd weighed what was being offered by both candidates. I liked the 2004-era John McCain, before he knelt at the feet of King George and offered his allegiance - but I was still willing to wait and see what he wanted to do with the presidency. I'll admit that I was drawn to Obama from the start. For most of my adult life, I've been yearning for a man - or woman - in the White House who I could honestly consider to be my intellectual superior - something that Bill Clinton may or may not have been, and something that has certainly been missing for the past eight years. Call me crazy, but I like the idea of someone running the country who is vastly smarter than myself. At any rate, on election night, when several friends - constituting of both conservative and liberal leanings - came over to watch the returns, a discussion about the remarkability of an African American being elected president ensued... and as such, I was shocked to learn something about myself -
I am not innocent of racial bias in my lifetime. I wouldn't say that I've ever been a redneck-caliber racist, but I've not been as open-minded in my life as I could have been. Of course, life experiences and time, (those two mightiest menders of all evil and hurt) have dulled whatever racist tendencies I might have had over the years; to what extent those tendencies were blurred didn't occur to me until election night. It became apparent to me that I hadn't weighed Obama's race in any way, shape, or form upon reaching my decision to vote for him. I didn't vote for him because he would be the first African American president. I didn't vote against him because he would be the first African American president. I voted for him because I thought he was the best candidate for the job.
It just didn't occur to me that he was black.
He's the second youngest man to ever be elected to our nation's highest office. He's held in high esteem the world over - something that can certainly be used to mend relationships with countries that have leaned away from us in the past eight years. He's willing to listen to ideas on both sides of the fence and use what works instead of what is recommended by a small room of whispering desperados, (something that will be infinitely valuable in this age of economic catastrophe, environmental peril, and religious fanaticism).
And the dude can give a speech.
I know that there's been a lot made of Obama's speechmaking heights versus his substance; I do believe that his substance is beginning to make itself clear, but as a writer myself, I'd also like to make a case for the importance of inspiration. This country has been built on ideas - ideas of both what should be done and what can be done. The times when we've been at our worst, - the Depression, the reaction to Pearl Harbor and our inclusion in World War II, the turmoil of the sixties including the Cuban Missile Crisis - these were times when we were lucky enough to be inspired by leaders who knew how to strike a chord in our hearts and minds. "There is nothing to fear but fear itself." - "Today is a day that will live in infamy." - "Ask not what you can do for your country." - all pieces of rhetoric - rhetoric we desperately needed, as a country, to be inspired to action.
At any rate, I'm uncharacteristically optimistic about the ensuing presidency. I hope for good things, and I wish Barack Obama, and our country, lots of luck.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Endings and Beginnings
~
Okay, where to start? I guess at the beginning. "Exile: The Collected Helman Graff" is 100% wrapped. I approved the final galley proofs a few days ago, and it's full speed ahead. It's out of my hands now, and hopefully into yours. Just a reminder, you can pre-order the trade paperback from the publisher for less than six bucks. Yay. A pre-order link is at the bottom of the post.
So... what's next?
First and foremost, the third and final Delving book needs to be written. "Delving: Culminations" is slated for a mid-summer release. It'll tie all - or most - of the loose ends together and finish that chapter of my writing career. It will most likely be the last I'll write of Helman, or the Graff family in general, for a long, long time.
While that's happening, offers for book signings are starting to filter in. It looks like we might be doing a Milwaukee one this spring, and perhaps we'll try to shoot for a Madison and Chicago one around the same time. Now that I'm closer to Minneapolis than ever, I'll try to fit one into the Twin Cities, and of course, we'll do the tried and true Thyme Worn signing (if they'll have me!) in Northern Wisconsin.
After that...?
I've been in close contact with Nate Fehlauer, the superb artist for "Exile: The Collected Helman Graff," and it looks as if we'll likely be doing a few more projects together. I was blown away by the art for "Exile," and I knew that I wanted to do a project with Nate where his art would be even more prevalent. So, with a project and story already in mind, I'll be doing some research and "sketching" out a few things while writing "Culminations." When we get to a more concrete place with what we're doing, you'll be the first to know.
What else?
Relaxation - as much as one can relax while writing every day, taking care of three kids, two cats, a dog, and keeping house. I'm going to try to keep the Daily Cave updates a bit more regular, and a bit more personal.
Anyway, that's what's been happening and what will most likely happen... endings and beginnings.
Here's the link for the "Exile: The Collected Helman Graff" publisher pre-order at 50% off!
http://www.stonegarden.net/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=17_1&products_id=141&zenid=afbf9844e705d31ceab7dc1846dafc11
~
Okay, where to start? I guess at the beginning. "Exile: The Collected Helman Graff" is 100% wrapped. I approved the final galley proofs a few days ago, and it's full speed ahead. It's out of my hands now, and hopefully into yours. Just a reminder, you can pre-order the trade paperback from the publisher for less than six bucks. Yay. A pre-order link is at the bottom of the post.
So... what's next?
First and foremost, the third and final Delving book needs to be written. "Delving: Culminations" is slated for a mid-summer release. It'll tie all - or most - of the loose ends together and finish that chapter of my writing career. It will most likely be the last I'll write of Helman, or the Graff family in general, for a long, long time.
While that's happening, offers for book signings are starting to filter in. It looks like we might be doing a Milwaukee one this spring, and perhaps we'll try to shoot for a Madison and Chicago one around the same time. Now that I'm closer to Minneapolis than ever, I'll try to fit one into the Twin Cities, and of course, we'll do the tried and true Thyme Worn signing (if they'll have me!) in Northern Wisconsin.
After that...?
I've been in close contact with Nate Fehlauer, the superb artist for "Exile: The Collected Helman Graff," and it looks as if we'll likely be doing a few more projects together. I was blown away by the art for "Exile," and I knew that I wanted to do a project with Nate where his art would be even more prevalent. So, with a project and story already in mind, I'll be doing some research and "sketching" out a few things while writing "Culminations." When we get to a more concrete place with what we're doing, you'll be the first to know.
What else?
Relaxation - as much as one can relax while writing every day, taking care of three kids, two cats, a dog, and keeping house. I'm going to try to keep the Daily Cave updates a bit more regular, and a bit more personal.
Anyway, that's what's been happening and what will most likely happen... endings and beginnings.
Here's the link for the "Exile: The Collected Helman Graff" publisher pre-order at 50% off!
http://www.stonegarden.net/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=17_1&products_id=141&zenid=afbf9844e705d31ceab7dc1846dafc11
~
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
"EXILE" Now Up For Pre-Order & Excerpts
~
"EXILE: The Collected Helman Graff" is now up for pre-order from Stone Garden at a crazy low pre-sale cost.
Here's the link: http://www.stonegarden.net/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=17_1&products_id=141&zenid=3dee65030e7c5ee4d4a9f9dfb9ad5ed6
The book is slated for a late January, 2009 release!
ALSO: We've been adding Preview Excerpts from the Graff Collection over at http://www.scottfalkner.com/
SO COME ON OVER and take a look at a sample of the stories as well as some "snapshots" of Nathan Fehlauer's FANTASTIC illustrations: http://www.scottfalkner.com/EXILE.html
"EXILE: The Collected Helman Graff" is now up for pre-order from Stone Garden at a crazy low pre-sale cost.
Here's the link: http://www.stonegarden.net/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=17_1&products_id=141&zenid=3dee65030e7c5ee4d4a9f9dfb9ad5ed6
The book is slated for a late January, 2009 release!
ALSO: We've been adding Preview Excerpts from the Graff Collection over at http://www.scottfalkner.com/
SO COME ON OVER and take a look at a sample of the stories as well as some "snapshots" of Nathan Fehlauer's FANTASTIC illustrations: http://www.scottfalkner.com/EXILE.html
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Updates
~
Just a few things to clue you guys in about:
"Swaybuck" (hardcover edition) will be retired by Stone Garden Publishing no later than January 15, 2009.
This means that if you want a copy (or additional copies) of the hardcover version of the book, you MUST order it asap.
Here's some options for ordering:
http://www.stonegarden.net/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=17_1&products_id=46&zenid=df242b380c9ee5eacf0eab2e7eaecd98
http://www.stonegarden.net/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=17_1&products_id=46&zenid=df242b380c9ee5eacf0eab2e7eaecd98
~
In other news, "EXILE: The Collected Helman Graff" is in the final phases of production and should be released late this month. Keep it glued here for more info.
To read more about the collection, go to www.scottfalkner.com
Just a few things to clue you guys in about:
"Swaybuck" (hardcover edition) will be retired by Stone Garden Publishing no later than January 15, 2009.
This means that if you want a copy (or additional copies) of the hardcover version of the book, you MUST order it asap.
Here's some options for ordering:
http://www.stonegarden.net/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=17_1&products_id=46&zenid=df242b380c9ee5eacf0eab2e7eaecd98
http://www.stonegarden.net/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=17_1&products_id=46&zenid=df242b380c9ee5eacf0eab2e7eaecd98
~
In other news, "EXILE: The Collected Helman Graff" is in the final phases of production and should be released late this month. Keep it glued here for more info.
To read more about the collection, go to www.scottfalkner.com
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