Caleb J. Ross's Blog, page 47
April 2, 2013
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” comes to The Colbert Report
(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series)
On Monday April 1, 2013, The Colbert Report managed to squeeze in a subtle reference to Shirley Jackson’s famous short story “The Lottery” at the very end of the clip below (titled “Health Care Lottery”). What’s especially impressive is that he doesn’t draw attention to the source material. This is ballsy considering that many people probably wouldn’t get the reference (unless of course there was a recent film adaptation or something that I don’t know about).
Click the image above to watch the clip
This isn’t the first time “The Lottery” has made it’s way into popular media. Both South Park and The Simpsons have made references in the past.
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April 1, 2013
The Perfect Edge Trifecta tour begins today!
The Perfect Edge Books blog tour has officially started! What is it? A tour in which blog posts about 3 Perfect Edge Books releases will be posted on various super-duper blogs over the next few weeks.
I’m telling you, Perfect Edge Books is going places. Big places. I’ve genuinely enjoyed and/or loved every book they’ve published so far in their short few months of existence. If you like my books, or like insightful, rough-around-the-edges, intelligent novels, then definitely check out Perfect Edge Books!
See the tour schedule below. I’ll be updating the dedicated The Perfect Edge Trifecta tour page as new posts are published. Be sure to check back often for updated links.
While you’re at it, head over to the blogs listed below and subscribe, why don’t ya? You’ll like them. They have good stuff to offer.
Perfect Edge Books was founded in late 2011 to unite authors whose books weren’t “obviously” commercial. Our books tend to sit in various genres all at once: literary fiction, satire, neo-noir, sci-fi, experimental prose. We believe that literary doesn’t have to mean difficult, and that difficult doesn’t just mean pointless. We prefer to cultivate a word-of-mouth approach to marketing, and keep production as simple as we can. Learn more at www.PerfectEdgeBooks.com.
Blog Tour Schedule:
Stranger Will
1-Apr
Bigger, Fuller Glass
1-Apr
Bookworm Castle
1-Apr
Naimeless
2-Apr
Deal Sharing Aunt
2-Apr
Growing Up Little
3-Apr
Free Book Reviews
3-Apr
The Reviewing Shelf
4-Apr
Candle Beam Books
4-Apr
Challenging Reads
5-Apr
Lissette E. Manning’s Blog
6-Apr
Cabin Goddess
7-Apr
Tread Softly
7-Apr
Words in Sync
Angel Falls
8-Apr
Sycho Faerie’s Book Obesession
8-Apr
Bookworm Castle
8-Apr
Naimeless
9-Apr
Book Broads
9-Apr
Growing Up Little
9-Apr
Deal Sharing Aunt
10-Apr
Free Book Reviews
10-Apr
Charlotte Babb’s Blog
10-Apr
Bless Their Hearts ~ Mom
11-Apr
Black Heart Magazine
11-Apr
Challenging Reads
12-Apr
The Story Factory Reading Zone
12-Apr
Lissette E. Manning’s Blog
13-Apr
A Bit of Everything
13-Apr
Cabin Goddess
14-Apr
Shelley’s Book Case
The Sound of Loneliness
15-Apr
Bigger, Fuller Glass
15-Apr
Naimeless
16-Apr
The Reviewing Shelf
16-Apr
Growing Up Little
16-Apr
Deal Sharing Aunt
17-Apr
My Life with Books & Boys
17-Apr
Free Book Reviews
17-Apr
Charlotte Babb’s Blog
18-Apr
Lissette E. Manning’s Blog
18-Apr
Candle Beam Books
18-Apr
Black Heart Magazine
19-Apr
Nancy Hendrickson’s Blog
20-Apr
Bookworm Castle
20-Apr
Cabin Goddess
21-Apr
Words in Sync
Subscribe to my amazing, hilarious YouTube channel. Just click the button below.
Consider sharing this post on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. Think of it as a way to tell a friend “I’m thinking of you.”
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Pixar’s Rules for Storytelling 4 – Once upon a time there was ____. Every day, ____. Finally ____.
Click the image above to view the lesson
Yes, I am going to make a video for each of the Pixar’s 22 Rules for Storytelling (the full list can be found here). Be sure to subscribe to this channel to not miss any of the forthcoming videos. I plan to release one/week.
Rule #4: Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.
This “rule” isn’t so much a rule as it is a template for storytelling. A simple and very effective template, I might add.
The most important element of this formula, I feel, is the repetition of the “Because of that” which speaks to the importance of constantly elevating stakes. Nothing is ever stagnant in an engaging story. Even if two characters are alone in a room, or if poo can’t fart, there should always be something imminent to further complicate matters, to stress every potential for conflict.
My immaturity is on full display with this writing lesson. Buckle in and prepare to hate me even more.
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March 29, 2013
Week 1 of Reading Harry Potter for Babies
Every year I raise money for March of Dimes, which is a foundation established to study the causes and develop cures for premature birth. This year, rather than simply beg friends and family for donations, I’m taking donations to read Harry Potter. More about this strange donation tactic at the full into video here or scroll down further to watch.
In this video, I discuss my thoughts on the first 193 pages of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone.
If you think Harry Potter is a great series, and feel that I should read it, please consider donating to March of Dimes by visiting http://www.calebjross.com/potterbaby. This link takes you directly to the donation page.
Also, be sure to leave your YouTube channel name, as I will be making a Thank You video and will be sure to mention your channel.
The post Week 1 of Reading Harry Potter for Babies appeared first on Caleb J Ross The World's First Author Blog. If you are reading this post anywhere else, please return to the original source when sharing.
March 24, 2013
The Sound of Loneliness by Craig Wallwork video book review
Click the image above to watch the video book review
Craig Wallwork’s The Sound of Loneliness (Perfect Edge Books) takes the concept of a tired, alcoholic, depressed writer and recesses it a generation or so, using a 22 year old protagonist with 52 year old problems.
Much of the story’s tension lies between this 22 year old Daniel Crabtree and his teenage infatuation Emma, a tension that similar to Lolita, is meant to rouse conflict, but unlike Lolita, the age and maturity difference between the two characters is such that the reader can imagine the two characters actually working out, given another decade.
Also, I manage to work in a Roseanne reference which makes me happier than you can even imagine.
Buy The Sound of Loneliness by clicking here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Sound-Loneliness-Craig-Wallwork/dp/1780996012
The post The Sound of Loneliness by Craig Wallwork video book review appeared first on Caleb J Ross The World's First Author Blog. If you are reading this post anywhere else, please return to the original source when sharing.
The Sound of Loneliness by Craig Wallwork [video book review]
Click the image above to watch the video book review
Craig Wallwork’s The Sound of Loneliness (Perfect Edge Books) takes the concept of a tired, alcoholic, depressed writer and recesses it a generation or so, using a 22 year old protagonist with 52 year old problems.
Much of the story’s tension lies between this 22 year old Daniel Crabtree and his teenage infatuation Emma, a tension that similar to Lolita, is meant to rouse conflict, but unlike Lolita, the age and maturity difference between the two characters is such that the reader can imagine the two characters actually working out, given another decade.
Also, I manage to work in a Roseanne reference which makes me happier than you can even imagine.
Buy The Sound of Loneliness by clicking here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Sound-Loneliness-Craig-Wallwork/dp/1780996012
The post The Sound of Loneliness by Craig Wallwork [video book review] appeared first on Caleb J Ross The World's First Author Blog. If you are reading this post anywhere else, please return to the original source when sharing.
March 23, 2013
Week 1 of Reading Harry Potter has begun. $386 raised so far for March of Dimes.
Friday officially ended the first week of my attempt to leverage the general love of Harry Potter for the benefit of premature babies. Watch all about my scheme in the video below. The gist is that for every $2 in donations I receive, I’ll read one page from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
I am proud to say that after this first week we have raised $386! That’s 193 pages I have to read by March 29th. My plan is to make a video at the end of each week where I will talk about my feelings toward the book at that point. Full disclosure: I honestly have no desire to read this book. But, because so many people seem to love it, I’m giving it a chance.
Please, consider donating. Even a few dollars helps. Simply click over to www.calebjross.com/potterbaby to donate (NOTE: the page will be under the name Jennifer Ross).
If you can’t spare a few dollars, please, please, please consider sharing the video above. The more people who see the video, the more money we can potentially raise for March of Dimes.
The post Week 1 of Reading Harry Potter has begun. $386 raised so far for March of Dimes. appeared first on Caleb J Ross The World's First Author Blog. If you are reading this post anywhere else, please return to the original source when sharing.
March 21, 2013
Pixar’s Rules for Storytelling 3 – You won’t know your story until you’re at the end of it.
Click the image to watch the video
Yes, I am going to make a video for each of the Pixar’s 22 Rules for Storytelling. Be sure to subscribe to this channel to not miss any of the forthcoming videos. I plan to release one/week.
Rule #3: Trying for theme is important, but you won’t see what the story is actually about til you’re at the end of it. Now rewrite.
It’s painful to know that during an entire first draft of a novel or story, very little of that first draft will survive. At least, it won’t if you’re a good enough writer.
A writer cannot make sense of a story until the story exists. Otherwise, we’re looking at a pile of jigsaw puzzle pieces and trying to know the final image without putting the pieces together.
(Additional metaphor here)
With this, the third video in my 22 part series, I step up my game with a fake mustache.
The post Pixar’s Rules for Storytelling 3 – You won’t know your story until you’re at the end of it. appeared first on Caleb J Ross The World's First Author Blog. If you are reading this post anywhere else, please return to the original source when sharing.
March 19, 2013
They call me “Hipster Casanova.” Well, maybe not everyone, but Claire Wilkinson does.
In celebration of the release of his novel My Pet Serial Killer, Michael J Seidlinger is stopping by to transform me into a fictional serial killer, one of My Pet Serial Killer main character Claire Wilkinson’s ex-boyfriends? I’m…honored?
Alias/Known As: “Hipster Casanova”
Real name: Caleb Ross
Number of victims: 29
Description:
Met victims at literature readings and art gallery events.
Spoke with a clear and alluring accent said to be very charming by those that turned down his offers.
Used self-deprecating, laid back conversation to let victim’s guard down.
Often used the opening line, “Do I have something stuck between my teeth?” to start a conversation.
Courted victim for approximately a week while waiting for inspiration to mount.
Upon finding inspiration, approached victim with proposal to be a part of latest work of art.
Used bladed weapons, nails, and other items to puncture, carve, and write into victim’s skin.
After body was carved into with words and floral designs, made cast molds of the victim’s body to be later hardened into saleable pewter sculptures.
Be Mine
“I’m saying, ‘You can’t just covet that body. Take the surgical knife and carve!’
He’s coming up for air and saying, ‘She tastes like strawberries!’
And I’m shaking my head wanting to move things forward.
‘You’ve gotten your taste now what are we going to do?’
He’s sighing a loud sigh and I’m hearing it, raspy and apprehensive.
I’m asking him, ‘Hey, what’s wrong with you?’ He’s not telling me.
Enough is enough. I can’t have him acting up like this.
‘What does a pet do, hmm?’”
Buy My Pet Serial Killer by Michael J. Seidlinger at Amazon.com now!
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Wordless Book Reviews #4: Amy Sage Webb, Paul Tremblay, and Gil Reavill
Click the image to watch the video book review
A few days ago someone suggested I do more Wordless Book Review videos. I hesitated, mainly because it seems I’ve beaten that dead horse too much. But then I realized that I have access to a huge library of sound effects. Hence, Wordless Book Reviews: Sound Effects Edition.
Books Reviewed/Sound Effected-ed:
Save Your Own Life by Amy Sage Webb
Swallowing a Donkey’s Eye by Paul Tremblay
Mafia Summit: J. Edgar Hoover, the Kennedy Brothers, and the Meeting That Unmasked the Mob by Gil Reavill
The post Wordless Book Reviews #4: Amy Sage Webb, Paul Tremblay, and Gil Reavill appeared first on Caleb J Ross The World's First Author Blog. If you are reading this post anywhere else, please return to the original source when sharing.
