My publisher, Atelier26 Books, wrote this fantastic post on how the cover for People Like You evolved over the course of several months, thanks to the indefatigable artistic efforts of Nathan Shields. It’s a fascinating look at the process.
KBOO Interview
Just back from a great conversation this morning with Leigh Anne Kranz on the KBOO show Between The Covers. You can listen to the half hour show here.
We talked about character and dialogue and detail in a scene and how to find hope inside a story even when your characters aren’t living the most uplifting lives.
When you’ve got a few minutes, give it a listen.
Late Night Debut Podcast
The wonderful folks at Late Night Library were kind enough to feature People Like You on their Late Night Debut Podcast, which also happens to be their inaugural selection for the Late Night Library Book Club. Thanks guys!!
Take a listen to this amazing podcast – I still can’t believe it’s about my book. I might have died and gone to heaven. It features Amelia Gray, author of Gutshot, and Don Waters, author of Sunland, discussing and laughing out loud (!!!) about the stories and the characters. Their hilarious and intelligent conversation was so damn good I was almost certain it was about some other book. How I got so lucky is beyond me. Give it a listen.
In the last section of the podcast I’m interviewed by Late Night Debut host Amber Keller about how the collection came together, recurring characters Bert & Cheryl and if they really love each other, writing funny and other stuff you just might like.
Thanks so much to Late Night, Amber, Amelia and Don for making me sound so smart and funny. I love you guys.
Shelf Awareness: Image of the Day
Don’t ask me how, but the stars aligned and Shelf Awareness Pro used this cool photo of me reading at Wordstock: Portland’s Book Festival in front of the beautiful painting by Moses Soyer, Girl With a Cigarette, as their Image of the Day.
Lucky and grateful both.
Wordstock 2015
Many thanks to the folks who braved the endless rain, wet crowds, and acres of overwhelmed book fans to attend Wordstock 2015. Despite some potential areas for improvement (don’t we all have those), the festival still felt like a huge success. I thought it was incredible to pair literature with visual art in downtown Portland.
Also, I had the privilege of reading one of the stories from People Like You beside this fantastic painting by Moses Soyer, “Girl With A Cigarette.” I won’t forget this.
Hope you found some goodness in the day too.
PLY Reviewed in The Oregonian
It’s my first review. I’m trying to practice non-attachment about reviews in anticipation of the less-positive ones I’m sure are forthcoming.
That said, there’s not much more a writer can hope for that to find someone who gets you, gets what you’re doing, likes it, and then tells you so.
Reviewer Kirsten Rian did just that.
Biggest of thanks for such a thoughtful review of People Like You.
Late Night Library Book Club – Deadline for inaugural book is Nov 6
Late Night Library, the hub of all things literary and full of goodness, has started a monthly book club – they’ll send you a just released, debut book in the mail every month, hand-wrapped with a sprig of rosemary if I’m not mistaken – for the low, low subscription price of $9.99/month. Every other month, they’ll throw in a free book too because they are just that kind of awesome.
The selections will be weighted toward indie publishers, titles by authors of color and women authors, and they’re always debut books.
There is absolutely no good reason for you not to join. I did!
xo
Connotation Press Interview
The kind folks at Connotation Press are featuring PEOPLE LIKE YOU in their November issue of Crazy Rabbit Review. There’s an interview with me about how the book came to be, among other questions, as well as a video reading of the title story, and a re-printing of the story itself.
Thanks so much to feature editor Meg Tuite and editor-in-chief Ken Robidoux for the chance to talk about the book.
People Like You Book Trailer Is Up!
Many thanks to filmmaker (and all around awesome man) Brian Padian for creating such a beautiful trailer, and thanks to 31Knots for permission to use “Take Away the Landscape” from their album Worried Well. The photos used in the trailer were all my photographs taken over the years, with the exception of one (young me & young Brian asleep, holding hands) that was taken by Corrina Repp.
Take two minutes and three seconds to check it out. I’d be most grateful.
Hang in!
M
The ARCs are here!
Advanced reading copies (ARCs) are in for PEOPLE LIKE YOU. One of my literary heroes, Tom Spanbauer, had this to say about the collection:
Every story is flawlessly told, the reader brought to the knees again and again by luxurious moments of intimacy and estrangement. … And did I mention hilarious?
Look back here for info on a pre-order campaign starting this summer. Book out November 2015.