I don't think this is a secret, but mostly that's because nobody told me to keep it so... Plus, I've already told a bunch of people, so what's a little more blogosphere spillin'?
Two of my stories have been nominated for the Journey Prize! The shortlisted stories (fingers crossed...) will appear in an anthology next fall, and the winning story (toes crossed...) earns its author a cool 10k! The stories of mine in the running are "Monkfish," which you can read here at Joyland, and "The Dead Dad Game," which has already proved itself a winner. "Dead Dad" is really working overtime, as it is also nominated for a National Magazine Award.
In Swiss Miss reading news, I have become somewhat morbidly obsessed with Cormac McCarthy's The Road, and my resultant imaginings of post-apocalyptic futures. I'm curious about the movie, but a wee bit ticked they make it seem like the unnamed disaster was a global warming-related thing -- it was quite clearly a bomb, likely of the nuclear variety. If we can judge a movie by its trailer (and I think we can), I suggest we read the book, skip the film, and prepare the bomb shelter.
Did you know that every Swiss citizen is required by law to have access to a bomb shelter? For most people, this means that their house has a heavy-duty shelter built into the basement. I *think* we have one below our building, but I have no idea how to access it... Hmmm...
PS Why does Blog cut off YouTube videos??? Margin help?
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Amazing LB!!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you - but not surprised.
I also loved The Road...and plan on skipping the film!
My fingers & toes are crossed for you to win the big prize.
Thanks, Kathleen! Ian is making me not talk about The Road anymore. He says it is both disturbing and boring to contemplate the post-apocalypse. I say we need to determine our cannibalism threshold now, before it is really an issue!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I liked about the book - and this is a book I really liked - is that I don't think they tried to dwell much on what exactly had happened. It does have a post-nuclear atmosphere, but it was never explicitly addressed. I haven't seen the movie but am confused by the trailer - does his super hot wife (Charlize Theron) follow them around for part of the movie? Does it start with them at home before the world goes kablooey, and then they watch climate change obliterate everyone? This is a change. If you are worried about reading disturbing books my Cormac McCarthy, then don't read "Blood Meridian." He describes things in that movie that make "The Road" seem wholesome.
ReplyDeleteOh, but more important is your nominations! I don't think I have read "Dead Dad", but will it become a screenplay with Viggo Mortenson?
I've heard that the Super Hot Wife plays a much bigger role in the movie, via extensive flashbacks. The boy is born right after the disaster, and I assume it took a few years for things to get really bad before they head for the coast. Thus, many many memories for Viggo? I suppose that works in movie-land, but in real life (such as it is) he would probably be too starving for that much remembering.
ReplyDeleteI also liked the unnamedness of the disaster, though they very clearly describe a flash followed by concussions -- to me = bomb.
Yes, Viggo has expressed interest in playing the dead dad (very small role), though I'm afraid Charlize is busy this time around for the mom role. Maybe the hot woman from Mad Men?
I have always had a fascination with the post apocalytic futuristic visions/stories. The trailers for this film I have seen on television didn't grab me at all. But now I just may look for the book.
ReplyDeleteAnd will definitely look for Swiss Miss literature linked above.
Big congratulations again. Keep napping.
Rika
As you've heard, the Swiss also have a fascination with post-apocalyptic preparedness. They are also the most insured people in the world...though fat lot of good that will do, I'm sure. At least if I go over to your house and break a lamp, it's covered. Priorities!
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