I recently read William P. McGivern's Odds Against Tomorrow. Two lines (ok, three) from this great pulp:
"You afraid of getting a ticket?" Earl's foot came down hard on Ingram's, pushing the accelerator flat against the floor boards. The car leaped ahead like an angry animal into the walls of rainwater, the motor snarling under the full load of power.Has anyone seen the film based on this book? The stellar cast includes Harry Belafonte, Robert Ryan, and Ed Begley. The Wikipedia write-up claims it is the first noir of the classic period with an African-American protagonist.
My two lines come from a story with the original title of "The Education of a Pulp Writer" coming up in the April Issue of Cindy Rosmus's Yellow Mama.
“I’m not some sicko. I’m a pulp writer who has to think, occasionally, like a sicko to grab the attention of readers who enjoy perusing pages dedicated to the warped souls who walk amongst us.”For more Two Sentence thrills, check out the Women of Mystery blog.
Loved your two sentences, David, can't wait to read the whole story.
ReplyDeleteIf it had Belafonte it had be good.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover, but I guess it might've been too daring for the day to show the hero? Or would he have been assumed to be the villain?
ReplyDeleteLet us know when we can read the rest, you sicko.
Thanks Sandra. I believe it came out pretty well. I will be looking forward to your opinion.
ReplyDeleteJosh, I don't believe I have ever seen a Belafonte film. John Lewis of the Modern Jazz Quartet composed the score, so for that reason alone, I will need to see if this movie is available to rent.
Clare, Ha. You just gave me a big morning laugh. This sicko will keep you informed:) Also, I believe that it's suppose to be the villain represented. A great, great cover.
David,
ReplyDeleteLove your two-fer. It reminds me of a comment Charles Ardai wrote in the interview I'll be posting on Thursday: After stating all the things he hasn't done, he comments "Ah, the imagination."
The cover of your book is great. Love the angry ambivalence you can see in the eyes of the man.
I decided to play along, too. My two-fer is at my blog.
I've not read that book but it looks intersting. I'm really behind in my "crime" reading. I've focused most of my life on fantasy, Sf, and Horror.
ReplyDeleteScott, I'm looking forward to your interview with Charles Ardai and I will zip right over to check out your Two For Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteCharles, McGivern is a real find for me and I think you would enjoy it. His writing is very poetic and reminds me of the style that L'Amour brought to westerns. I've only read this one and need to read a few others for a more informed opinion.
DAVID -That's a great sentance - pulp writer.
ReplyDeleteDavid, your two sentences are great tidbits for the whole story. I'm looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteMy two sentences are up on my blog.
Archavist, Thanks and hopefully the story lives up to it.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, No McGivern but I'll keep trying. Thanks. And I encourage everyone to click over to Barbara Martin's blog. I don't go a day without checking in there.
Never heard of William McGivern but I like that cover and the text you showcased.
ReplyDeleteDon Ward
David, I can't wait to read your story, you have me hooked already.
ReplyDeleteDon, you will like this book. I'm looking for another McGivern book to follow up this amazing read.
ReplyDeleteReb, Thanks. And it's good to have you back in the blogosphere.