Ben Tanzer's Blog, page 77
March 3, 2014
This Book - Badge - and Podcast - The AWP 2014 Edition Part I - Sitting On A Rug, by, and starring the Art Edwards - Will Change Your Life.
So that's the thing, or maybe, a thing, about the AWP, and meeting writers you only know online, or through their books. You only know what you know before you meet them. You have ideas or impressions, but to know much more than that involves conversation, maybe sitting on a rug together, or something of that nature. So we read Badge by the Art Edwards, a story about music and addiction, and how it all happens, cycles of redemption and loss, finding one's sound, and how when it happens it's a gift that must be cherished, and celebrated, before it's gone. Because it will be gone. It has to be. There's always someone new coming along. But we don't just read Badge, we also talk to the Art Edwards about Badge, and self-publishing, his time with The Refreshments, and King of the Hill. And after all of that we know why Badge feels so natural and lived-in. It's real life. It's rock and roll. And all of it is sure to change your life. 
March 2, 2014
Shameless, albeit much appreciated, Jeff Toth Curbside Splendor, and by most beautious extension, Lost in Space, Tweet hype. And big thanks to the Jeff Toth for that.
You guys--if you aren't familiar with @CurbsidePress yet, write these down. You're welcome! #AWP14 pic.twitter.com/755TlpPrE1
— Jeff Toth (@TothLikeMoth) March 1, 2014
March 1, 2014
February 28, 2014
February 27, 2014
February 26, 2014
Wherein we are All Write Already! Much appreciative. And much, much more, yo.
We really are. We are also talking, and reading, Lost in Space, Curbside Splendor, Megan Stielstra, Sam Irby, the Ramones, Jim Carroll, This Podcast Will Change Your Life, including our podcast with the Willy Nast and Karen Shimmin, and so many things that are sure to delight. Quite thankful we are as well, so drinks, many on us. For real.
February 25, 2014
February 24, 2014
"A beautiful and emotional tale." Orphans gets some Goodreads love. And likes it. A lot.
A lot a lot. And it is much appreciated. All of it. So big thanks to the Nate Tower for that, and drinks brother, on us, for sure, many, soon. Excerpt? Cool."Ben Tanzer's Orphans is the finest piece of science fiction I've read in a long time. Tanzer creates a vivid, fast-paced, and eye-opening glimpse into the future that still manages to explore the problems of the present. Unlike many science fiction books, Orphans keeps you in the scene and makes you believe that this is really happening (and could happen)."
February 23, 2014
Wherein Lost in Space is all excerpt and The Unexamined Life at the Litro.
Quite excerpt. Endlessly unexamined. And very thankful to the Dan Coxon and the whole Litro crew for making it so. Excerpt? Word."Here’s what you need to know: my father is dead and Debbie and I are talking about having a baby. My father was a complicated mix of artist, teacher, activist, and world traveler, and yet despite that, he died with regrets about things he had, and had not, done. The regrets did not make the person, but coupled with his death their impact is profound for me.
We think we can escape our parents’ shadows, but moving away from them, or shutting off our feelings, even their death, does not make the shadows go away.
Children are different of course. The shadows come later, but even talking about having children makes the chance for adventure seem less likely, and Debbie and I have definitely not been on enough adventures together. And yes, I know, people go on adventures when they are parents, but will we? I don’t know, which makes me think even more about regret and shadows, which leaves me spinning.
It also makes me want to run away."
