Don Cornelius : RIP

SOUL TRAIN host Don Cornelius passed away last week (shot himself). I've watched many an episode of ST over the years and love him, or hate him, Dandy Don knew how to dress, and deserves a place in the pioneer catagory of television programming.

Here's Don's way chilly signoff at the end of each episode:

"... and you can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!"

Ian Ayris Times Two

I have had the pleasure of gettting to know (virtually) Ian Ayris over the last year or so, and besides being a very talented writer, he seems like a good guy. That counts a lot with me. Even if you wrote the best novel ever, if you come off as a dick, or dickette(?) I'm not going to read your work. Sorry to offend, but learn some manners, respond to comments if others take the time to read your stories or comment on your good news, and maybe, just maybe, take some time away from the self-promo, to give other's writing a try.

Anyway...I am really stoked to hear that Ian's novel ABIDE WITH ME has been released early, and just as pleased to let you know that his crime / noir short story collection UNCLE MILDRED is also available for purchase. Most important, is the fact that all proceeds from sales of UNCLE MILDRED are being donated to Cancer Research UK and The Breast Cancer Charities of America.

WELL DONE IAN!!!!

If you want to to have a look, and perhaps get yourself a copy of either, or both:

ABIDE WITH ME can be found on Amazon US HERE and UK HERE

UNCLE MILDRED can be found on Amazon US HERE and UK HERE

Have a great weekend everyone!



9 Days of Madness

It's that time of year again. Following on the success of Chris Allonotte's EIGHT DAYS OF MADNESS contest last year, he has graciously decided to do it again this year. The theme is "unsettled", max word count 1,500, and you can find out all the deets HERE

Charles Gramlich is over at Novel Spaces ( a great site) talking about the element of  "surprise" in writing. Charles has a great way of breaking things down so they are easily understandable. Check it out HERE

Ray Banks: California & Arlene Hunt: Black Sheep

Loved Ray's story "GOD ONLY KNOWS" that was included in the OFF THE RECORD collection, so I asked him via his BLOG which should I read first California or Dead Money. He said, California, as it is short, and if I dug it, I would most likely dig Dead Money. I did, and DM is up next after Arlene Hunt's BLACK SHEEP (more about that below) 

CALIFORNIA is up for best novella of 2011 over at Spinetingler, and you can vote for your choice HERE. I posted the below review on Amazon US & UK, and you can check out, and hopefully purchase CALIFORNIA HERE

5 star: You Think YOU Had A Bad Day?

Ray Banks has been on my list of writers that I wanted to read. After recently being very entertained by a short crime story of his that was part of a collection, I decided to read California. The other two reviews of this novella length piece, pretty much summed up my thoughts. The characters and the dialogue are what really made this work. The opening scene reeled me in and the story, pacing, and excellent banter between all the various players, kept me interested right to the end. This was a quick, very satisfying read and I will most certainly be reading more from the author.

Arlene Hunt is an Irish crime writer, who I have wanted to read for some time now, I just didn't know where to start, or what to expect. I decided that BLACK SHEEP would be it. There was no Ebook version available (big bummer) so I ordered via Amazon. I'm 3 chapters in, and it is money very well spent. What the Hell was I waiting for? Killer opening, down and dirty writing, and I am hooked, big time! This is the kind of writing and style that reminds me of when I first discovered Julie Morrigan- the kind a lot of lads could take a lesson from ;) . You can find out more about Arlene HERE

And finally, watched this movie for the umpteenth time last night. Never gets old, and a kick-ass soundtrack. Have you seen it? What did you think?