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Las Vegas Book Festival 2018
It’s early Sunday morning and the rare Las Vegas rain is performing a duet with my roof shingles. The perfect moment to write about yesterday’s Las Vegas Book Festival. It takes place at the Historic Fifth Street School. Strolling in the morning sun I could just make out the curves and simplicity of Mission-Revival architecture through the vendor tents. Lofty literary discussions and colorful artwork meant for children are both at home in the courtyards and rooms of this 1936 gem. I attended a 9 AM panel titled Historical Fiction and the Search for the Usable Past. Moderated by John Hay, the panel included three writers with distinct contributions to…
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Reading: Excellent & Enlightening
There is an inordinate burden placed on own voices literature. Due to a lack of true representation in the market, these works are expected to portray an entire population accurately (which is of course, impossible). The demands own voices authors face are much higher and the pressure to present the perfect story greater. There There by Tommy Orange fulfills all those demands. That’s why it’s brilliant. Well, that’s one reason of many. Reading most quality novels is like observing a grand metropolis from a great height, you see it all unfold in a magnificent tapestry. Reading this work, however, is like observing that same metropolis from a great height with…
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Why I’m Holding Out for Traditional Publishing
We live in the golden age of accessibility. The democratization of media has reduced barriers to entry in a variety of industries. With the advent of self-publishing, disseminating literary work has never been easier. The twin splintered ends of traditional and self-publishing offer opposing experiences. Each one speaks to different strengths and personalities. It runs contrary to my impatient nature, but I’m holding out for traditional publishing. This is why. Finances An argument I often hear in favor of self-publishing is the larger percentage of sales an author can earn. Yes, it’s true that traditional publishers take a big cut of your sales per book, but self-publishing carries many hidden…
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Reading: Devastating & Delightful
To read Chelsea Hodson’s essay collection, Tonight I’m Somone Else is to take up residence inside the author’s head. She doesn’t so much invite you in, instead, she pushes. And as you go careening forward you can’t help but enjoy the fall. If you’re a woman, you need to read this book. If you’re a writer, you need to read this book. If you’re currently breathing, you need to read this book. You need. To read. This book. Hodson posits we are not the mere sum of our experiences; we are not where we’ve been or what we’ve seen. Our selves are best summarized through our thoughts. The ones that…
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Reading: Redundant & Repetitive
Full disclosure: I didn’t exactly pick this book. I’ve recently joined a book club (for the first time ever) and this was next on their list. I’ll also admit to initially not recognizing Shirley Jackson’s name. She is, of course, the mind behind one of the most famous short stories of all time—“The Lottery”, a tale that is a masterpiece of gothic horror and social commentary. After realizing who the author was, my expectations definitely changed. This might be unfair to Jackson, but such is our reality, if one produces exceptional work all consequent pieces are measured against it. And for me, “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” did…
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Looking for Culture in Vegas? Dime Grinds has You Covered
A common complaint from those who move to Vegas from other cities is the lack of cultural activities. I always thought that was a load of hooey, but after attending several Dime Grinds events I know it is. Hosted by Joe Maxx Coffee in Henderson and organized by the Henderson Writers Group, Dime Grinds is a monthly event that combines: authors (aspiring and accomplished), 10 cent coffee, and three readings. Walking into Joe Maxx Coffee on the first Sunday of every month feels like visiting a friend’s house. The coffee shop itself is airy and spacious. With a variety of comfortable seating options and featuring a rotating selection of local…
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Where to Buy Books in Vegas
In my first blog post, I discussed my hatred of Amazon and love of libraries. I also tapped The Writer’s Block as #TheVegasILove. And as much as both libraries and The Writer’s Block are wonderful they’re not the only game in town. I’m going to assume you enjoy supporting local businesses rather than large corporations (because you’re a good person, right?). So to aid you in that support, here are profiles on three amazing locally owned bookstores. Dragon Castle Books (Used) This used bookstore is owned and operated by a mother/son team: Carla and Danny. As soon as I walked in, Carla greeted me from behind a counter surrounded by…
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Reading: Suicide, Love, Incest
Grabby blog post title, right? These are all elements in Banana Yoshimoto’s NP, but they’re not what the book is about. Sorry for the bait and switch. The book is actually about welcoming a dark force into your life. Our narrator, Kazami, sidesteps a darkness bubbling from within to face one that comes crashing into her life in the form of the novel’s true protagonist—Sui. The title, NP refers to a fictional book of 97 short stories written in English by Sarao Takase, a fictional Japanese author. A cancer of sorts, the book infects all those who become emotionally invested in its language with an urge to take their lives.…
