Thriller

Many of you have likely heard about THRILLER, the new anthology put out from the Internation Thriller Writers through Mira. Edited by James Patterson, it features stories from Lee Child, David Morrell, Christopher Rice, Chris Mooney, Gayle Lynds, James Siegel, Ted Bell, Grant Blackwood, Lincoln Child, David Dun, Heather Graham, James Grippando, Denise Hamilton, Raelynn Hillhouse, Alex Kava, J.A. Konrath, John LesCroart, Robert Liparulo, David Liss, Eric Van Lustbader, Dennis Lynds, Katherine Neville, Michael Palmer, Douglas Preston, Christopher Reich, James Rollins, MJ Rose, Brad Thor, M. Diane Vogt, and F. Paul Wilson. Oh, and yours truly. I have a little piece in there called "Dirty Weather." Quite a cast, huh?

The book offers a unique chance to see some of the top names in the genre showing off.

I must say, I'm amused by the flap copy, which lists a number of the all-stars, then says the anthology includes "four of the hottest new voices in the genre." Which four? And why only four? I think this is a strategy of flattery - it leaves every other contributing author believing they're one of the four. Kidding aside, Mira's done an excellent job in publishing and marketing this puppy - anthologies ain't easy - and I'm pleased it's getting the big launch it deserves.

One other thing's for sure, when I look at that list, I see more than four of the hottest new voices. This anthology is a pleasure through and through and I'm flattered to be included in such company.

Faulkner in His Own Voice

This is an absolutely amazing website:

http://town.hall.org/radio/HarperAudio/080294_harp_ITH.html

It contains clips of Faulkner reading excerpts from his own work, and you can hear him deliver his Nobel Prize acceptance speech (one of the finest speeches about art ever written). The acceptance gives me the chills every time I read it, and this is the first time I was able to hear it read aloud - and from the salty Southerner himself. Simply staggering. I think every writer should have a copy of this taped above their desk. Thanks to Harper for providing us all this unique opportunity.

Do give it a listen.

Laughing Sinner Prisoners Pull Off Daring Freeway Escape

This is a great mock news article my publicist put together. I thought some of you readers out there might get a kick out of it.

L.A. CHRONICLE
50 cents, Tuesday, August 30, 2005

HIGHWAY HOMICIDE
Two Officers Dead, Armed Fugitives on the Run

Early this morning the lanes of a busy Los Angeles freeway played witness to a truly horrific and daring escape involving an extremely well-timed roadblock and enough explosives to blow a hole through four lanes of highway.

Prisoner’s Den Laurey and “Kaner,” both chief members of the outlaw biker gang, The Laughing Sinners, were en route to San Bernardino County Jail where Con Air transport was awaiting the arrival of the two felons to take the prisoners to a federal penitentiary. The prisoners were serving time for the torture-killing of three members of their rival biker gang - The Cholos.

There is speculation that the two prisoners had outside help from the nomads, a separate and notorious chapter of the infamous Laughing Sinners gang.

The Warrant Squad’s Escape Team has arranged a special task force to help track down these felons and sources say that former deputy US marshal Tim Rackley, known by some as TROUBLESHOOTER, has been called on to the case.

At this time the police department has confirmed that deputy U.S. marshal’s Frank Palton and Hank Mancone were killed in the incident and four unnamed deputies received significant injuries.

The escaped felons are currently at large and considered to be armed and extremely dangerous.

Brokeback to the Future

A while ago I posted a trailer of The Shining, recut, re-voiced-over, and re-scored as a feel-good movie. A great illustration of just how manipulative trailers (and music and editing) can be.

This is another re-skewing of a classic. Who knew Doc could cast such lascivious glances?

http://www.collegehumor.com/movies/1658610/