Ben Tanzer's Blog, page 220

Michael Kimball Writes Your Life Story (on a postcard). The 99 Problems and You Can Make Him Like You update edition.

With the release of 99 Problems (and soon to be released You Can Make Him Like You) the always awesome Michael Kimball has updated TBWCYL, Inc. spokesperson Ben Tanzer's edition of Michael Kimball Writes Your Life Story (on a postcard) and we are way appreciative.

Also, and as a side note, this is our 1000th post. Coolness indeed.

"His writing is lovely." 99 Problems gets TNBBC's The Next Best Book Blog'd. And likes it. A lot.

Lori and her crew at TNBBC's The Next Best Book Blog have been terrifically supportive of our work, and it has always been appreciated. This support continues with 99 Problems, and what can we say, many, many thanks.

"His writing is lovely. The words run across the page, smooth and effortless. They flow together so naturally. His transitions almost hypnotize you... Look at my words. You are getting sleepy, You want to put on a pair of running shoes. You want to go for a run outside, You...

99 Problems. A CClaP Publishing Apologia.

We quite enjoyed reading Jason Pettus of CCLaP's "An Apologia" about why he decided to publish 99 Problems. Its humbling and flattering and entertaining and touches on a variety of themes including one that was probably least conscious to us as we wrote these essays, or at least the least something to us, pertinent maybe, but seems to have struck a nerve with Jason and others, aging and our bodies betraying us as we do.

"I have to say that it's his thoughts on aging that are my true favorite...

"A very brisk and entertaining read." 99 Problems gets Pete Lit'd. And likes it. A lot.

Great friend, supporter and This Zine Will Change Your Life Assistant Flunky Pete Anderson has some quite kind things to say about 99 Problems at the Pete Lit blog and we are most appreciative. Most.

"Ordinarily I'd be less than enthused to read a book solely devoted to running (though in Ben's case I'd gladly read such a book anyway; such is fandom), but the way he weaves the running, writing and personal life elements together makes for a very brisk and entertaining read. Another winner...

99 Problems "Long Haul" map story awesomeness.

We're not saying that what CCLaP Publishing has done with their mash-up of our essay "Long Haul" and Google Maps is the coolest thing ever per se, we're just asking you to consider the possibility that it might be. Really. Take a look. Awesomeness.

There is 99 Problems.

Do I look like a mind reader sir, I don't know? 99 Problems is live at the CCLaP Publishing.

This Book Will Change Your Life - In This Alone Impulse by Shy Scanlon.

As you know, we've been traveling. As you also know, travel equals reading, and during the past week we had the chance to read the poetry collection In This Alone Impulse by Shy Scanlon. What's interesting to us, is that as we read this, we thought sure, okay, arguably these poems may be all about being alone, and all about impulse, and yet what we kept thinking, is that these are riffs on relationship, all kinds of relationships, with those we love, at least those we love right now, but...

A double-dose of Joseph G. Peterson.

As we slowly emerge from our foray off of the grid and into the wilds of Wisconsin, we are quite pleased to see a double-dose of TBWCYL, Inc. favorite Joseph G. Peterson at the Orange Alert this past week, one, a fine review of the repetitiously noirish Beautiful Piece, a book we very much like, as well as, a starring role on this week's Orange Alert Podcast. Quite good stuff all-around, and quite Chicago, which couldn't make us happier now that we're home.

Interlude.

We will be off of the grid for the next few days and so we thought we would leave you with this quote about writing by Jack Kerouac from a letter he wrote to Allen Ginsberg.

"You just have to purify your mind and let it pour the words (which effortless angels of the vision fly when you stand in front of reality)...and slap it all down shameless, willy-nilly, rapidly until sometimes I got so inspired I lost consciousness I was writing."

Daddy's by Lindsay Hunter.

Daddy's by the always sublime Lindsay Hunter is coming soon from the Featherproof. Can you feel it? Good, because it just might change your life.