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Surprise makes brains happy
Today on my weekly visit to Powell’s I bought a copy of Spunk & Bite: a writer’s guide to bold contemporary style by Arthur Plotnik. It’s a charming companion to Strunk & White that examines modern style and how to break the rules effectively. I recommend this book to writers that are seeking advice on how to punch up their fiction without creating a mess.
In one of the first chapters I found an interesting tidbit about the nucleus accumbens, the brain’s pleasure center. Research shows that unpredictable stimuli excites the nucleus accumbens, whereas expected stimuli elicit no response. Which basically means that the human brain enjoys surprise. No big revelation there. But it is useful for writers to keep in mind.
I am a huge supporter of the unpredictable. Bizarro fiction takes risks and sparks imagination. This fiction is scientifically proven to make your brain happy!
That said, check out the latest releases over on BizarroCentral.com
The Kissing Bug and Zerostrata
This week is busy. I am working on editing The Kissing Bug by Daniel Scott Buck. This will be the first release on the new Eraserhead Press bizarro children’s book imprint Spunk Goblin. The book will include beautiful artwork by Evan B Harris . Here’s a preview of the cover:
I’m also working on editing the forthcoming novel Zerostrata by Andersen Prunty. Andersen Prunty is one of my favorite new authors. His work appears in the Bizarro Starter Kit (blue) and his collection of flash fiction, The Overwhelming Urge, is available now on Bizarro Central .
I am having a lot of fun with these two books. I’ll be excited to share more as time goes on.
BizarroCentral.com Car
My car is looking hot! Prior to our roadtrip to the World Horror Convention in Salt Lake City, I went to Michael’s and purchased 3″ tall white vinyl letters and Bizarro-ized my car. Check it out:
So, if you see me driving about Portland, Seattle, Idaho, Utah, or California please honk and wave. You never know, I may just stop and give you a book out of my trunk.
If you’re a fan of Bizarro, feel free to customize your car too! This project cost $5.
The Dream People Issue #29
My favorite online zine The Dream People has published issue #29. Among other tasty tidbits you’ll find:
A short story by Cameron Pierce, whose first novel Shark Hunting In The Paradise Garden we’ll be releasing in October.
An excerpt from House of Houses by Kevin L. Donihe. This book is available now and just debuted at the World Horror Convention in Salt Lake City over the weekend.
A review of Piecemeal June the latest novella by Jordan Krall one of my favorite new Bizarro authors.
A review of Ugly Heaven, Beautiful Hell by Carlton Mellick III and Jeffrey Thomas which was recently released by Delirium Books imprint Corrosion Press.
World Horror Convention 2008 Photos
Though I only took my camera out on one day of the World Horror Convention, I got some great shots of authors reading, including Andersen Prunty, Jordan Krall, Cody Goodfellow and Carlton Mellick III.
Friday night was the mass autograph signing. We had an entire Bizarro table with the above mentioned authors in addition to Bradley Sands, Gina Ranalli, and Kevin L. Donihe.
Portland Literary Offensive (PLO)
Tomorrow will be the first official meeting of the Portland Literary Offensive. We are really excited about the formation of this group.
The PLO is a Portland writing community for serious writers of fringe/underground fiction who have joined forces to help each other out in every possible way. Some are new writers, trying to get their first book polished and published. Some are small press authors, trying to figure out ways to get the word out for their new book. Some are professional authors, looking for new ways to build their readership. Some are small press publishers, looking for new talent. Its primary function is to get people networking so we can become more organized, motivated, and inspired as a community. Current members are Jeremy Robert Johnson, Kristopher and Christine Young (of Another Sky Press), Daniel Scott Buck, Carlton Mellick III, Rose O’Keefe (of Eraserhead Press), Mykle Hansen, and Steve Libbey.
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