Film Noir Foundation

I regrettably wasn’t able to attend The 13^th Annual San Francisco Film Noir Festival but was much honored that BEAT to a PULP was a sponsor. Just look at these beautiful souvenir programs that Promotional Director Daryl Sparks sent my way. Thank you, Daryl! And a big thanks to Michael Kronenberg (talent behind Jake Hinkson’s The Big Ugly cover) for designing our ad. And, of course, the one and only Czar of Noir, Eddie Muller. Here’s a link to their indispensable Film Noir Foundation.

Hell Town Shootout Review

This made my day! Western legend James Reasoner reviews Hell Town Shootout.

Ice Castles and Drifters

A week of shoveling out from various winter storms and building an ice castle (inspired by FROZEN of course) for my daughter. Early mornings have been spent finishing up a Gideon Miles novella and giving a new look to The Drifter Detective series.

2/12/15 update: And STILL more white fluff ahead which makes my three-year-old pleased because her castle is becoming quite elaborate and now includes an opening at the top. She crawls up and sits on the snow-packed roof and surveys her vast kingdom which includes a nearby bird feeder and her grandpa plowing the road. And just checking Amazon all the Drifter Detective titles have been reorganized. I do like the new look. Hopefully it kicks the series in gear.

In Bloom

Photo of Amaryllis taken by my three-year-old daughter Ava.

Talking Twain

I'm at Macmillan's Criminal Element talking about Mark Twain. A sample:

Mark Twain (1835–1910) was never one to pull punches on politics, ethics, religion, slavery, or just about any cultural flashpoint, quite often leading public discourse on a number of weighty issues where his views, even today, still function as a moral compass. Twain approached each topic with wry humor, reminding us, “If you cannot have a whale's good opinion except at some sacrifice of principle or personal dignity, it is better to try to live without it. That is my idea about whales.”

At War

I'm waiting for white to move. This has been a hard fought battle though my opponent isn't out of the game yet. “Easy, you know, does it, son.”

False Memories

This article reminded me a bit of BLADE RUNNER's replicants created by the Tyrell Corporation. In particular, Rachel's implanted false memories. It seems, based on this piece, its just as easy a Jedi mind trick on flesh and blood.