Tag Archives: junot diaz

Well, it’s been a wild week. Nothing much has actually happened, but in the grand scheme of things, it feels like things have happened. That is to say, I scoured the web for more places to submit a review of the book, then gently massaged my aching forearm muscle. My pointer finger especially has been acting strangely, “phantom-clicking” in mid-air at inopportune moments (like when I lecture in front of an English class).

From the blitz, there were two definites for a future review and a lot of rejections. In addition, there were a couple bloggers interested in me writing a guest post, which I’m more than happy to do. A lot of the reviews will take time, which means “late spring” or even “early summer,” depending on the backlog. That’s fine. Another book reviewer sent me a postcard telling me they received the book. So … I guess that’s a positive sign given they paid the postage and all. A review from Kirkus is still pending, but the turnaround time suggests another two or three weeks at the latest. I fear it.

But let’s just fantasize for a moment. What if, just what if, the Kirkus review comes out and it’s mildly positive? Would this warrant a “reblog” from you if you own your own blog? If I asked you to “reblog” the eventual review with the added incentive that you would get something in return, would you do it? Let me know. I’m not offended if you want something in return, and I’ll more than happily consider “interesting trades” (legal, of course). This, again, only applies if the review is somewhat positive. If it’s negative, I’ll still post it here. But let’s be optimistic for now … let me know what I have to do to/for you in order to get you to reblog the next positive review. Write a comment or just send me an email with your terms.

“Gojira, King of the Monsters” by Jim Shepard is one of the best short stories ever read. Period. I’m stacking that up against all of the classics, too. I recommend his books. He has a tendency to touch on some themes a little too often (someone traveling, searching, pushing his body to an extreme … men having trouble with wives), but the level of research he puts into his stories is insane good. And the stories themselves are insane good. I’d kill to meet the guy.

I’m taking the weekend off. No email. No checking the stagnant book sales. I’m working on a new novel, and I’m going to finish the third draft this weekend.