Hi folks,
Woke up this ayem and checked the Preditors and Editors competiiton and... THE BITCH is now Number One! All the credit goes to the fantastic folks here and other friends who took the time and trouble to vote for it. I'm in deep debt and gratitude to you. It's not over yet--I imagine others will mount a big push, so if you haven't voted yet or can ask your friends to vote, we'll win this puppy!
For the Preditors and Editors (and Preditors is misspelled on purpose by the founders of the site), go here to vote. It's under Thrillers. http://critters.org/predpoll/novelthrill.shtml
For those who want to vote in the Spinetingler's awards, go here: http://www.spinetinglermag.com/ That link takes you to the article about the awards. Click on "More" and at the poll, scroll down to Legends (folks with more than 9 books published) and write in The Bitch by Les Edgerton in the box. That's it.
And... THANK YOU ONE AND ALL!
Blue skies,
Les
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
MOVING UP! THANK YOU!!!
Hi folks,
Thanks to y'all, THE BITCH is now in second place in the P&E Awards! Keep it going, please! Ask your friends if they'd help if you don't mind. We're really, really close! Don't know how to tell how we're doing in the Spinetingler Awards but think we're doing okay.
Here are the links again:
Thanks to y'all, THE BITCH is now in second place in the P&E Awards! Keep it going, please! Ask your friends if they'd help if you don't mind. We're really, really close! Don't know how to tell how we're doing in the Spinetingler Awards but think we're doing okay.
Here are the links again:
And, for those who haven’t had a chance to buy the book and want to, go here:
Some have said they didn't know where to vote on the Spinetingler site. Just click on the link on the lead article and then go to Legends in the thriller category. I'm a legend since I've had more than 8 books published. This is flat-out amazing, as all the other books have been out for a long time and mine less than a week. That means it's YOU FOLKS who are making this happen! I love ya and am having you all over to my place for drinks if we win!
Thank you!
Blue skies,
Les
Blue skies,
Les
Help!
HI folks,
I just learned my new novel, THE BITCH, is currently in fifth place in the Predators and Critter's Best Of poll. You can vote at http://critters.org/predpoll/novelthrill.shtml
There are some REALLY good novels listed. Personally, I voted for Anthony Neil Smith's book, and there were several others I wish I could have voted for also. But... if ya love me, you'll vote for...
I'd appreciate your taking the time and trouble! If I do well, I'm taking everybody here out for drinks. (I'm just taking you out... not buying.
Blue skies,
Les
I just learned my new novel, THE BITCH, is currently in fifth place in the Predators and Critter's Best Of poll. You can vote at http://critters.org/predpoll/novelthrill.shtml
There are some REALLY good novels listed. Personally, I voted for Anthony Neil Smith's book, and there were several others I wish I could have voted for also. But... if ya love me, you'll vote for...
I'd appreciate your taking the time and trouble! If I do well, I'm taking everybody here out for drinks. (I'm just taking you out... not buying.
Blue skies,
Les
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
INTERVIEW AT INSPIRATION FORUM
Hi folks,
I just completed one of the most fun interviews I've ever had the pleasure of participating in over at the Inspiration Forum from the U.K. You can see it at: http://www.inspirationforum.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1790
Paul D. Brazill recommended me to Fiona, the interviewer and her questions were spot-on. Thanks, Paul--you were right--Fiona's da bomb!
Hope you enjoy it--I sure did!
Blue skies,
Les
I just completed one of the most fun interviews I've ever had the pleasure of participating in over at the Inspiration Forum from the U.K. You can see it at: http://www.inspirationforum.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1790
Paul D. Brazill recommended me to Fiona, the interviewer and her questions were spot-on. Thanks, Paul--you were right--Fiona's da bomb!
Hope you enjoy it--I sure did!
Blue skies,
Les
Sunday, December 25, 2011
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Hi folks,
Merry Christmas! I hope everyone arrived safe and sound at Grandma's house and is enjoying a great meal and fellowship. And... I hope in everyone's stocking they found a new Kindle.
Which means you need stuff to fill it with...
Here's a few ideas http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=les+edgerton&x=0&y=0
There's no snow! Yay!
Happy writing for next year! My wish for all my writing friends is that they publish everything they write! And, for my reading friends, that they love every book they read.
Blue skies,
Les
Merry Christmas! I hope everyone arrived safe and sound at Grandma's house and is enjoying a great meal and fellowship. And... I hope in everyone's stocking they found a new Kindle.
Which means you need stuff to fill it with...
Here's a few ideas http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=les+edgerton&x=0&y=0
There's no snow! Yay!
Happy writing for next year! My wish for all my writing friends is that they publish everything they write! And, for my reading friends, that they love every book they read.
Blue skies,
Les
Thursday, December 22, 2011
THE BITCH IS FOR SALE!!!
Hi folks,
THE BITCH JUST WENT ON SALE AT AMAZON!!!
Go to http://www.amazon.com/The-Bitch-ebook/dp/B006P2NLHG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324588026&sr=1-1
Hope you like it! I'm extremely proud of this book--put everything I had into it!
If you go to Amazon, please take a second and hit the "Like" button. Also, if anyone will leave a review, I'll put you in my will...
Blue skies,
Les
THE BITCH JUST WENT ON SALE AT AMAZON!!!
Go to http://www.amazon.com/The-Bitch-ebook/dp/B006P2NLHG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324588026&sr=1-1
Hope you like it! I'm extremely proud of this book--put everything I had into it!
If you go to Amazon, please take a second and hit the "Like" button. Also, if anyone will leave a review, I'll put you in my will...
Blue skies,
Les
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
THE BITCH is coming! Promise...
Hi folks,
I know at least some of you are awaiting publication of my psychological thriller, THE BITCH, and I just wanted to give you an update on it.
The holdup is due entirely to the publisher, Eddie Vega. Lest you think I just threw Eddie under the bus, allow me to explain.
The whole problem is, Eddie's a perfectionist. Definitely a guy who's out of touch with modern life! Who in contemporary publishing does what this guy does! And, what is it he does, exactly?
Well, if you’ve read many ebooks, you’ve no doubt encountered a number of glitches in at least some of them. Paragraphs separated by space breaks, ala Lorrie Moore… but not on purpose as her work is. Those little wing-dings that mysteriously appear, such as the little blank boxes that sometimes show up. Paragraphs that aren’t indented. Spelling errors, punctuation mistakes, lines split mysteriously in places that don’t make sense. Dozens of other glitches.
Those who’ve published ebooks are well aware of them. The best publishers try to eliminate as many as possible. They appear because of the conversion programs available. What goes into the wood-chipper of a conversion program isn’t necessarily what comes out. While the best publishers do their best to clean up and eliminate conversion errors, there are some who could care less. Just slap it up on Amazon and fuggetaboutit. Some of these publishers just don’t give a damn. Slap it through the program and get it out there…
Not Eddie, nor Cort McMeel, the publishers of Bare Knuckles Press and Noir Nation International Crime Magazine. These guys are just plain anal. They have this ridiculous notion that what the buyer sees on his/her Kindle or Nook or other e-reader should be nothing less than perfect and that nothing on the page detract from the reading experience.
Here’s an encapsulated history of the editing of this book. First, I went through at least three major edits and rewrites of the entire manuscript under the guidance and tutelage of Cort and Eddie. Several dozen additional minor rewrites. This was before it was sent out for the ebook conversion process.
Eddie worked with the artists and technical wizards of the brilliant firm of Hurricanes and Butterflies in Prague, both for the cover and for the conversion to ebook format. He spent literally weeks just on the cover. Not to mention spending a boatload of money on it! This wasn’t some cover art from Jim Bob at the local graphic shop. He wanted the perfect cover. And got it, at least in my opinion. Oh—and that’s another thing. While most publishers I’ve worked with have been very gracious in soliciting my opinion about the cover on my books, not all do so. These guys really care that the author likes his cover.
For the past month, Eddie has had the three of us—him, Cort and me--going over and over the converted manuscript. Three times we’ve gone over and over a new version. Each time, we found and ferreted out conversion errors and my own errors.
Eddie and Cort have literally been working on manuscripts for BKP for 20-hour days, seven days a week. For months and months. They only publish books they’re passionate about and they’ve treated my manuscript with more respect and loving care than I’ve ever experienced with any other publisher, including several of the Big Six legacy publishers.
I’ve had to turn my phone off at night to get any sleep. Eddie is a vampire and if I didn’t turn off my phone, I’d be sure to get a call from him at three in the ayem. He often works through the night and I think he thinks the rest of us are doing the same.
The thing is, both Eddie and Cort feel this is a great book. And, they treat it with that kind of respect. Whether it is or not, I imagine readers will let us know. I’m very happy with it—especially after these guys helped me make it much “gooder” than it was when I submitted it to them.
I wish all my writer friends will get to experience a publishing experience akin to mine with Bare Knuckles Press with their own publishers! It’s the kind of experience that renews my faith in publishers—the kind that used to exist in larger numbers. Who aren’t concerned about the money first and foremost, but more in delivering what they feel to be worthwhile literature to the world.
So, I’m not throwing Eddie under the bus at all. Mostly, I love the respect and care he’s given my work, even if it gets the release date moved up some.
At this moment, we’re hoping it’ll be available in a day or so. In the meantime, I just wanted those of you who’ve been asking me when they can get a copy to know what’s going on. It’s all good.
I also wanted to share with you what some folks have said about THE BITCH in the blurbs they’ve generously given to me. As you can see by their names, these are people most of us know from their own, superb work. It means a lot to me what they had to say.
I know at least some of you are awaiting publication of my psychological thriller, THE BITCH, and I just wanted to give you an update on it.
The holdup is due entirely to the publisher, Eddie Vega. Lest you think I just threw Eddie under the bus, allow me to explain.
The whole problem is, Eddie's a perfectionist. Definitely a guy who's out of touch with modern life! Who in contemporary publishing does what this guy does! And, what is it he does, exactly?
Well, if you’ve read many ebooks, you’ve no doubt encountered a number of glitches in at least some of them. Paragraphs separated by space breaks, ala Lorrie Moore… but not on purpose as her work is. Those little wing-dings that mysteriously appear, such as the little blank boxes that sometimes show up. Paragraphs that aren’t indented. Spelling errors, punctuation mistakes, lines split mysteriously in places that don’t make sense. Dozens of other glitches.
Those who’ve published ebooks are well aware of them. The best publishers try to eliminate as many as possible. They appear because of the conversion programs available. What goes into the wood-chipper of a conversion program isn’t necessarily what comes out. While the best publishers do their best to clean up and eliminate conversion errors, there are some who could care less. Just slap it up on Amazon and fuggetaboutit. Some of these publishers just don’t give a damn. Slap it through the program and get it out there…
Not Eddie, nor Cort McMeel, the publishers of Bare Knuckles Press and Noir Nation International Crime Magazine. These guys are just plain anal. They have this ridiculous notion that what the buyer sees on his/her Kindle or Nook or other e-reader should be nothing less than perfect and that nothing on the page detract from the reading experience.
Here’s an encapsulated history of the editing of this book. First, I went through at least three major edits and rewrites of the entire manuscript under the guidance and tutelage of Cort and Eddie. Several dozen additional minor rewrites. This was before it was sent out for the ebook conversion process.
Eddie worked with the artists and technical wizards of the brilliant firm of Hurricanes and Butterflies in Prague, both for the cover and for the conversion to ebook format. He spent literally weeks just on the cover. Not to mention spending a boatload of money on it! This wasn’t some cover art from Jim Bob at the local graphic shop. He wanted the perfect cover. And got it, at least in my opinion. Oh—and that’s another thing. While most publishers I’ve worked with have been very gracious in soliciting my opinion about the cover on my books, not all do so. These guys really care that the author likes his cover.
For the past month, Eddie has had the three of us—him, Cort and me--going over and over the converted manuscript. Three times we’ve gone over and over a new version. Each time, we found and ferreted out conversion errors and my own errors.
Eddie and Cort have literally been working on manuscripts for BKP for 20-hour days, seven days a week. For months and months. They only publish books they’re passionate about and they’ve treated my manuscript with more respect and loving care than I’ve ever experienced with any other publisher, including several of the Big Six legacy publishers.
I’ve had to turn my phone off at night to get any sleep. Eddie is a vampire and if I didn’t turn off my phone, I’d be sure to get a call from him at three in the ayem. He often works through the night and I think he thinks the rest of us are doing the same.
The thing is, both Eddie and Cort feel this is a great book. And, they treat it with that kind of respect. Whether it is or not, I imagine readers will let us know. I’m very happy with it—especially after these guys helped me make it much “gooder” than it was when I submitted it to them.
I wish all my writer friends will get to experience a publishing experience akin to mine with Bare Knuckles Press with their own publishers! It’s the kind of experience that renews my faith in publishers—the kind that used to exist in larger numbers. Who aren’t concerned about the money first and foremost, but more in delivering what they feel to be worthwhile literature to the world.
So, I’m not throwing Eddie under the bus at all. Mostly, I love the respect and care he’s given my work, even if it gets the release date moved up some.
At this moment, we’re hoping it’ll be available in a day or so. In the meantime, I just wanted those of you who’ve been asking me when they can get a copy to know what’s going on. It’s all good.
I also wanted to share with you what some folks have said about THE BITCH in the blurbs they’ve generously given to me. As you can see by their names, these are people most of us know from their own, superb work. It means a lot to me what they had to say.
BLURBS
THE BITCH is the kind of raw crime fiction that’s right up my alley, like sandpaper for the brain. Edgerton has got the chops. Mad chops. Gonna make us all ashamed of our puny efforts one day.
—Anthony Neil Smith, bestselling author of All the Young Warriors, Choke on Your Lies, Psychomatic, Hogdoggin’, Yellow Medicine, The Drummer, To the Devil, My Regards, Devil Red (Hap and Leonard) and others.
The Bitch is a vicious barnstormer of a novel, a noir rollercoaster that won’t let you unbuckle until that final three-word smackdown. Les Edgerton is Eddie Bunker’s pulpy cousin and Eugene Izzi’s soul brother, and with a spiritual family like that, you can’t go wrong. Pick it up immediately.
—Ray Banks, internationally bestselling author of Dead Money, Beast of Burden, The Big Blind. Saturday’s Child, Donkey Punch, No More Heroes and others.
Les Edgerton doesn’t pussyfoot around. He writes about real people drowning in desperation in THE BITCH. He’s got a story to tell you so get ready; it’s coming at you fast. Get ready…
—Linwood Barclay, international bestselling author of Never Look Away, Clouded Vision, The Last Resort, Fear the Worst, Too Close to Home, No Time for Goodbye, The Accident and others.
Les Edgerton’s brilliantly hardboiled THE BITCH is the tense and hard hitting story of Jake Bishop, a reformed ex-con whose dark past drags him back into a life of crime like an umbilical cord tied tight around his neck.
—Paul D. Brazill, author of 13 Shots of Noir.
I liked THE BITCH so much that I wanted to publish it. But we lost out and Bare Knuckles Press got a hell of a book. The Bitch is a dark crime fiction story that never once pulls a punch or ducks behind some bullshit like “happy endings” or “closure.” The Bitch isn’t afraid to stay dark until the very end.
—Brian Lindenmuth, editor/publisher of Snubnose Press and Spinetingler Magazine.
From its opening sentence to its last, THE BITCH is an engrossing journey into some very dark places. Les Edgerton writes like a poet with a mean streak, and his prose goes down easy and smooth like good liquor as it carves up your insides.
—Henry Perez, author of Mourn the Living and Killing Red.
Imagine, if you will, Les Edgerton, Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler sipping straight whiskey while swapping lies in the back booth of the Linebacker bar as the “noir” legends welcome Edgerton into the brotherhood of broken dreams. With THE BITCH, Edgerton earns his way into this special literary brotherhood. No, The Bitch isn’t a wild woman, but prison slang for “ha-BITCH-ual criminal.” This is a taut tale of double-cross, death, diamonds and destruction as Jake Bishop fights to protect all he holds dear—his freedom, his pregnant wife, and his teen-age brother—by holding The Bitch at bay when trapped into one last job. Sam Spade and Phillip Marlowe could learn a thing or two from this hairdresser.
—Bob Stewart, author of Remorse (Pinnacle) a True Crime Book of the Month selection, Hidden Evil, and others.
Les Edgerton. I just read his newest hard-boiled effort, THE BITCH, and I realized I didn’t once breathe through the entire thing. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but it is one of the most fun, dangerous, if not pyromaniac literary performances of the past year (word up is that parts of it are taken from Les’s own life. Holy crap, this guy shouldn’t be alive!). Like Les’s previous bestselling nonfiction effort on writing, HOOKED, this novel is a sure bet.
—Vincent Zandri author of The Remains, The Innocent, Moonlight Falls and The Concrete Pearl.
Every crime novelist remembers how his breath was literally taken away when he first started to read the early novels of Elmore Leonard. Les Edgerton has used the time he served in prison well. Years from now many future crime writers will also remember discovering him. His first crime novel, but not his first published book, THE BITCH is a realistic crime noir kind of novel that reminds me of Unknown Man 89, La Brava, Stick, and The Killer Inside Me (Jim Thompson).
—Joseph Trigoboff, author of The Bone Orchard and The Shooting Gallery.
And then, there’s this!
Paul D. Brazill and Luca Veste both named THE BITCH on their lists of top novels of 2011.
It just doesn’t get any better than this. At least not for me! Watch this space for the announcement of its availability.
Blue skies,
Les
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Paul D. Brazill names THE BITCH as one of his top crime novels of 2011!
Hi folks,
I am beside myself. Speechless. Humbled. Hugely honored. Did I mention speechless?
The reason is, noir master Paul D. Brazill just named THE BITCH as one of his choices for the top crime novels of 2011. We're racing to get it out and it should be out within a week.
But... Paul D. Brazill! Now I know how Moses felt when God reached down and touched off the burning bush... Sorry to be sacriligious... well, no, I'm not... maybe a little... but we're talking about PAUL D. BRAZILL!
You can see it here http://pdbrazill.blogspot.com/
I also know how Scarlett O'Hara felt when she got the vapors. I've got 'em right now.
This has got to be the best Christmas present I've ever received!
Thank you, Mr. Brazill!
Blue skies,
Les
I am beside myself. Speechless. Humbled. Hugely honored. Did I mention speechless?
The reason is, noir master Paul D. Brazill just named THE BITCH as one of his choices for the top crime novels of 2011. We're racing to get it out and it should be out within a week.
But... Paul D. Brazill! Now I know how Moses felt when God reached down and touched off the burning bush... Sorry to be sacriligious... well, no, I'm not... maybe a little... but we're talking about PAUL D. BRAZILL!
You can see it here http://pdbrazill.blogspot.com/
I also know how Scarlett O'Hara felt when she got the vapors. I've got 'em right now.
This has got to be the best Christmas present I've ever received!
Thank you, Mr. Brazill!
Blue skies,
Les
Thursday, December 15, 2011
TWO HUGE HONORS!
Hi folks,
I had to go back and edit the original post I just placed on here. I had originally talked about being honored by noir god Paul D. Brazill when he picked one of my short stories as on of the best of the year... and, then I stumbled upon another huge honor I wasn't even aware of--Luca Veste had named my new novel, THE BITCH as one his picks for top novels of the year! I don't know how I missed that! Anyway, the write-up is over at Luca's blog at http://www.lucaveste.com/
I am just in seventh heaven! Thank you so, so much, Luca and Paul!
Death by Killing: Five You Can't Miss: Paul D. Brazill: Paul D. Brazill is a funny guy, a great writer, and one of the best promoters in the biz. He's responsible for the Drunk on the Moon series ...
THIS WAS JUST POSTED IN CHRIS RHATIGAN'S BLOG, DEATH BY KILLING.
Hi folks,
I had to sit down when I read this blog and catch my breath. Seriously. In it, Paul D. Brazill names my short story, "Pit Stop" which appeared in Noir Nation, as one of his picks for The Top Five Short Stories of 2011."
From PAUL D. BRAZILL! Those of you who know me know I consider Paul one of the true gods of noir. To have him honor me in this way means more to me than winning just about any award out there. I am totally speechless and beside myself.
Thank you, Mr. Brazill!
Blue skies,
Les
I had to go back and edit the original post I just placed on here. I had originally talked about being honored by noir god Paul D. Brazill when he picked one of my short stories as on of the best of the year... and, then I stumbled upon another huge honor I wasn't even aware of--Luca Veste had named my new novel, THE BITCH as one his picks for top novels of the year! I don't know how I missed that! Anyway, the write-up is over at Luca's blog at http://www.lucaveste.com/
I am just in seventh heaven! Thank you so, so much, Luca and Paul!
Death by Killing: Five You Can't Miss: Paul D. Brazill: Paul D. Brazill is a funny guy, a great writer, and one of the best promoters in the biz. He's responsible for the Drunk on the Moon series ...
THIS WAS JUST POSTED IN CHRIS RHATIGAN'S BLOG, DEATH BY KILLING.
Hi folks,
I had to sit down when I read this blog and catch my breath. Seriously. In it, Paul D. Brazill names my short story, "Pit Stop" which appeared in Noir Nation, as one of his picks for The Top Five Short Stories of 2011."
From PAUL D. BRAZILL! Those of you who know me know I consider Paul one of the true gods of noir. To have him honor me in this way means more to me than winning just about any award out there. I am totally speechless and beside myself.
Thank you, Mr. Brazill!
Blue skies,
Les
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
RADIO SHOW--GIOVANNI GELATI'S THE G-SPOT
HI folks,
Didn't have time to send out an alert, but just participated in an interview on Gio Gelati's radio blog, The G-Spot, along with author B.R. Stateham. If interested in hearing my dulcet tones, go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2011/12/14/two-best-selling-authorsbrstateham-paul-d-brazill
Paul D. Brazill was scheduled to appear, but he had problems connecting with his phone from his home in Poland. (I'll let an amateur handle any Polish jokes... I have far too much respect to do something like that...)
Anyway, we had a cool conversation about writing and publishing you may enjoy. B.R. Stateham writes some kick-butt novels and has a wealth of wisdom about writing and I try to supply the laughs...
Blue skies,
Les
Didn't have time to send out an alert, but just participated in an interview on Gio Gelati's radio blog, The G-Spot, along with author B.R. Stateham. If interested in hearing my dulcet tones, go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2011/12/14/two-best-selling-authorsbrstateham-paul-d-brazill
Paul D. Brazill was scheduled to appear, but he had problems connecting with his phone from his home in Poland. (I'll let an amateur handle any Polish jokes... I have far too much respect to do something like that...)
Anyway, we had a cool conversation about writing and publishing you may enjoy. B.R. Stateham writes some kick-butt novels and has a wealth of wisdom about writing and I try to supply the laughs...
Blue skies,
Les
Sunday, December 11, 2011
JUST LIKE THAT and THE PERFECT CRIME now in paperback!
Hi folks,
My latest two novels, JUST LIKE THAT and THE PERFECT CRIME from StoneGate Ink are now available in paperback. One quick source is to just go to my page on Amazon to order at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=les+edgerton&x=0&y=0
THE PERFECT CRIME is $13.97
JUST LIKE THAT is $12.97
I'm excited! Especially since they're available for Christmas presents just in time.
Blue skies,
Les
My latest two novels, JUST LIKE THAT and THE PERFECT CRIME from StoneGate Ink are now available in paperback. One quick source is to just go to my page on Amazon to order at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=les+edgerton&x=0&y=0
THE PERFECT CRIME is $13.97
JUST LIKE THAT is $12.97
I'm excited! Especially since they're available for Christmas presents just in time.
Blue skies,
Les
Friday, December 9, 2011
Coming soon...
The Bitch by Les Edgerton
The Bitch explores the dark choices that Jake, as a two-time offender faces to save both his life and his soul--life imprisonment if caught for the third time under the federal ha-bitch-ual criminal law--known to outlaws as "The Bitch." Choices that may cost him everything and everyone he loves. What are the limits of loyalty? What is the spiritual process by which a savvy hair designer deteriorates into a mass murderer? A work in the cold existentialist tradition of Sartre and Camus, and the transgressive fiction of Celine, The Bitch struggles for answers and, on finding them, a way out.
The author, Les Edgerton, is an ex-con who spent two years in prison for burglary at the Pendleton Reformatory in Indiana. Since his release, he has earned a B.A. from Indiana University and an MFA in Writing from Vermont College. This will be the thirteenth book he has published, with several more forthcoming later this year and next, including a short story collection, an existential noir novel, a new black comedy novel, and his memoir. His career for many years as an outlaw and criminal lend an air of rare verisimilitude to his crime novels.
The book cover was designed by Butterflies & Hurricanes in Prague. The novel was edited by Eddie Vega for Bare Knuckles Press.
The author, Les Edgerton, is an ex-con who spent two years in prison for burglary at the Pendleton Reformatory in Indiana. Since his release, he has earned a B.A. from Indiana University and an MFA in Writing from Vermont College. This will be the thirteenth book he has published, with several more forthcoming later this year and next, including a short story collection, an existential noir novel, a new black comedy novel, and his memoir. His career for many years as an outlaw and criminal lend an air of rare verisimilitude to his crime novels.
The book cover was designed by Butterflies & Hurricanes in Prague. The novel was edited by Eddie Vega for Bare Knuckles Press.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
ALERT! My publisher, Bare Knuckles Press, will be on the G-Spot Radio Show today at 4 pm EST
Hi folks,
Sorry for the lateness of this alert, but just learned that Eddie Vega, my publisher of THE BITCH and THE RAPIST will be on the Gio Gelati radio show in a few minutes. You can hear it live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop
If you miss it, it will be on the site and you can click on it at any time.
Blue skies,
Les
Sorry for the lateness of this alert, but just learned that Eddie Vega, my publisher of THE BITCH and THE RAPIST will be on the Gio Gelati radio show in a few minutes. You can hear it live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop
If you miss it, it will be on the site and you can click on it at any time.
Blue skies,
Les
Monday, November 28, 2011
How we came to write our stories for OFF THE RECORD
Hi folks,
Over at Patti Abbott's blog, you'll find a series of posts from the writers who contributed stories to Luca Veste's anthology, OFF THE RECORD. Today, I'm one of the writers up, along with
Benoit Lelievre. Check it out at: http://pattinase.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-i-came-to-write-this-story-benoit.html
Enjoy!
Blue skies,
Les
Over at Patti Abbott's blog, you'll find a series of posts from the writers who contributed stories to Luca Veste's anthology, OFF THE RECORD. Today, I'm one of the writers up, along with
Benoit Lelievre. Check it out at: http://pattinase.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-i-came-to-write-this-story-benoit.htmlEnjoy!
Blue skies,
Les
Sunday, November 27, 2011
OFF THE RECORD available now!
Hi folks,
This is an exciting day! A book which I am sure will become an instant classic has just been released. Notable noir writer Luca Veste came up with the idea a few months ago to invite a bunch of noir writers from both Europe and the U.S. to submit short stories for a collection he was assembling where he asked the writers to write a story based on a classic tune. The result is OFF THE RECORD and it’s available as of today through Amazon. A print version will also become available soon. The proceeds will benefit two charities on both sides of the Atlantic. Check it out at these links:
It will benefit these two charities:
In the UK, National Literacy Trust. (http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/)
In the US, Children's Literacy Initiative. (http://www.cliontheweb.org/)
I took one of my all-time favorite singers, Tom Waits, and selected my favorite of his songs, “Small Change” to create my story. I imagined sitting in one of my old haunts in New Orleans, The Dungeon, and imagined Waits walking in one day as I sat soused at the bar, looking for material for his music. Now, the “real” story of his classic song can be revealed…
In the US, Children's Literacy Initiative. (http://www.cliontheweb.org/)
I took one of my all-time favorite singers, Tom Waits, and selected my favorite of his songs, “Small Change” to create my story. I imagined sitting in one of my old haunts in New Orleans, The Dungeon, and imagined Waits walking in one day as I sat soused at the bar, looking for material for his music. Now, the “real” story of his classic song can be revealed…
Check out the selections on the juke box below.
1.Neil White - Stairway To Heaven
2.Col Bury – Respect
3.Steve Mosby – God Moving Over The Face Of Waters
4.Les Edgerton - Small Change
5.Heath Lowrance - I Wanna Be Your Dog
6.AJ Hayes - Light My Fire
7.Sean Patrick Reardon - Redemption Song
8.Ian Ayris - Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
9.Nick Triplow - A New England
10.Charlie Wade - Sheila Take A Bow
11.Iain Rowan - Purple Haze
12.Thomas Pluck - Free Bird
13.Matthew C. Funk - Venus In Furs
14.R Thomas Brown - Dock Of The Bay
15.Chris Rhatigan – Shadowboxer
16.Patti Abbott - Roll Me Away
17.Chad Rhorbacher - I Wanna Be Sedated
18.Court Merrigan - Back In Black
19.Paul D. Brazill - Life On Mars?
20.Nick Boldock – Superstition
21.Vic Watson - Bye Bye Baby
22.Benoit Lelievre - Blood On The Dancefloor
23.Ron Earl Phillips - American Pie
24.Chris La Tray – Detroit Rock City
25.Nigel Bird - Super Trouper
26.Pete Sortwell – So Low, So High
27.Julie Morrigan - Behind Blue Eyes
28.David Barber – Paranoid
29.McDroll - Nights In White Satin
30.Cath Bore - Be My Baby
31.Eric Beetner - California Dreamin'
32.Steve Weddle - A Day In The Life
33.Darren Sant - Karma Police
34.Simon Logan - Smells Like Teen Spirit
35.Luca Veste - Comfortably Numb
36.Nick Quantrill - Death Or Glory
37.Helen FitzGerald - Two Little Boys
38.Ray Banks - God Only Knows
With forewords from UK writer Matt Hilton, and US writer Anthony Neil Smith.
This is a rare opportunity to see what some of our deranged minds are creating these days.
Blue skies,
Les
P.S. One of the authors, Court Merrigan, has provided a soundtrack on YouTube with all the songs we chose. How cool is that! Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL38F4E2939555C333
P.S. One of the authors, Court Merrigan, has provided a soundtrack on YouTube with all the songs we chose. How cool is that! Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL38F4E2939555C333
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Review of Julia Madeleine's novel NO ONE TO HEAR YOU SCREAM
Hi folks,
The term “novel” means exactly that; something original, something new. And, each novel should be exactly that.
Precisely what Julia Madeleine’s novel, NO ONE TO HEAR YOU SCREAM is. An original work.
For starters, it takes us inside the mind of a brutal criminal. Madeleine isn’t the first novelist to do so, but unlike many who attempt to convey criminals to their readers, hers rings true. As a former criminal myself, I’m perhaps more sensitive to how writers portray outlaws, and to be honest, most get it wrong. Trust me--Julia doesn’t.
This is a brilliant character study on several levels. Involved is a teenager with mental issues, a father and stepmother with mental and emotional issues, a criminal with mental issues—in short, a typical dysfunctional family. Seriously, the insights delivered into these characters are brilliant and come on nearly every page.
NO ONE TO HEAR YOU SCREAM reminded me in a way of Charles Bukowski’s best story (imo), “The Fiend” in that it delivers a man who is presumably totally evil to most who might know him, but shows the spark of humanity that resides in all of us, even the worst among us.
If you like your fiction dark and original and to keep you up late at night turning the pages, this is the novel for you.
Blue skies,
Les
Check out Thomas Pluck's blog today!
Hi folks,
I am totally stoked, jazzed, pleased, honored, humbled... all of that... by what respected noir writer and commentator Thomas Pluck posted on his blog today. Thank you, sir!
Check it out at http://www.pluckyoutoo.com/2011/11/smooth-criminals.html#disqus_thread
I'm smiling so much I split my lip!
Blue skies,
Les
I am totally stoked, jazzed, pleased, honored, humbled... all of that... by what respected noir writer and commentator Thomas Pluck posted on his blog today. Thank you, sir!
Check it out at http://www.pluckyoutoo.com/2011/11/smooth-criminals.html#disqus_thread
I'm smiling so much I split my lip!
Blue skies,
Les
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Goodis acolytes read works at grave | Noir Nation: International Crime Fiction
Goodis acolytes read works at grave | Noir Nation: International Crime Fiction
Click on the link for a wonderful video of homage being paid to the late David Goodis. Inspiring!
Blue skies,
Les
Click on the link for a wonderful video of homage being paid to the late David Goodis. Inspiring!
Blue skies,
Les
Monday, November 21, 2011
Paul D Brazill's You Would Say That, Wouldn't You?: Out Now: 13 Shots Of Noir by Paul D Brazill
Hi folks,
Check out Paul D. Brazill's new collection, 13 SHOTS OF NOIR, by the master himself. I've read it and it's one of the best reads I've had in a long, long time. I'll be posting a review in a week or so--I'm kind of jammed up right now with books to review but promise I'll have it up within the next two weeks. In the meantime, do yourself a huge favor and check it out!
Paul D Brazill's You Would Say That, Wouldn't You?: Out Now: 13 Shots Of Noir by Paul D Brazill: English writer Paul D Brazill's 13 Shots Of Noi r is a collection of short stories in the vein of Roald Dahl, The Twilight Zone and Alf...
Check out Paul D. Brazill's new collection, 13 SHOTS OF NOIR, by the master himself. I've read it and it's one of the best reads I've had in a long, long time. I'll be posting a review in a week or so--I'm kind of jammed up right now with books to review but promise I'll have it up within the next two weeks. In the meantime, do yourself a huge favor and check it out!
Paul D Brazill's You Would Say That, Wouldn't You?: Out Now: 13 Shots Of Noir by Paul D Brazill: English writer Paul D Brazill's 13 Shots Of Noi r is a collection of short stories in the vein of Roald Dahl, The Twilight Zone and Alf...
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Two-fer reviews--THE DONOR and AMERICAN COUSINS
Hi folks,
I’m going to write a “two-fer” review today. I’m taking a look at Scottish novelist, Helen FitzGerald’s novel, The Donor, along with her screenwriter husband Sergio Casci’s film, AMERICAN COUSINS.
THE DONOR
What if you were the only parent of two children and it was within your power to save one of their lives, but not both? How is such a decision even possible? How would you live with yourself whichever child you decided should live? How would the child you decided to sacrifice view you before she died? How would the child you saved regard you?
How would you look at yourself, no matter what choice you made?
I’ve just finished reading Helen FitzGerald’s novel, The Donor, which poses this very same problem for Will Marion whose wife Cynthia left him years ago for her criminal boyfriend, leaving their twin daughters, Georgie and Kay for Will to raise.
Twin daughters who both develop kidney disease and need transplants to survive.
I can’t remark on the plot much because it has multiple twists and turns that the reader should discover for him- or herself. Suffice to say that this is a complicated, multi-layered story that surprises at every turn, the tension building until it’s excruciating. Any parent that reads it will be forced to consider their own children and wonder how they’d react—what they’d do in the same circumstance.
It’s a brilliant character study of the three main players—the father and his two daughters--as each work through the psychological minefield individually. FitzGerald has delivered a powerful drama, gorgeously writ with grace, black humor, and compassion, and is the kind of literature one seizes upon when encountering its like and proclaims to all who will listen: Read this book!
I’m drained.
Emotionally spent.
How did it affect me?
The instant I read the last page, I drove down to my local license bureau and changed my driver’s license so that it showed I’m an organ donor. That’s how powerful it was. As perhaps an interesting aside, in a conversation with Ms. FitzGerald, when I told her what I’d done she revealed that she’d done the same thing in the midst of writing the book. I think many readers will do the same thing. I don’t know of many novels that trigger this kind of action.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Donor-ebook/dp/B005685ELQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321728891&sr=1-1
…and then, I watched Helen’s screenwriter husband Sergio Casci’s film, AMERICAN COUSINS.
Twice.
The first time by myself and then my wife came home from work and I watched it again with her.
Simply put, this is what movies, as an art form, are all about. It had every single element a movie should have—intelligent and genuinely funny humor, crime drama, a riveting and thoroughly sweet romance, justice meted out, incredible obstacles, a fantastic character arc, incredible music and wonderful scenery. It made me want to immigrate to Scotland. This is a movie that resonated with me and keeps on resonating. It has a depth to it rarely seen in most films these days.
I’m not a fan of romantic comedies, but this one was different. In fact, when I was raving about it to my wife, she asked me if I was sure this was a romantic comedy. Are you sure it doesn’t have any helicopters in it or car chases, she asked, suspiciously. When I told her there wasn’t a single helicopter in it, she put her hand on my forehead to see if I was feverish…
I tried to explain to her that while, yes, it was a romantic comedy, it also had “guy” stuff in it. Although no ‘copter crashes there was an explosion… some shooting…
The movie is based on Casci’s own family story, when two cousins immigrate from Tuscany, one to America and the other to Scotland, each vowing to the other that whoever made his fortune first would then send for the other to join him.
Many years later, although each family has become firmly entrenched in his respective adopted country, they’ve remained in touch. When two of the American family, Gino and Settimo, now Mafiosi, find themselves on the run as a result of a criminal deal gone wrong with Ukrainian bad guys, they decide to take advantage of their family ties by flying to Scotland and laying low in their Scottish cousin Roberto’s home. They’ve assumed he’s cut from the same cloth as the American branch—a tough gangster—but they quickly find out he’s a gentle and peaceful man who, along with his grandfather, owns a fish and chips restaurant in Glasgow. From this fish out of water beginning, emerges a story that’s really got everything—the aforementioned elements—all delivered with elegant understatement. Nothing is over the top as is so often in films like this. The violence has a realistic edge, the romance is bittersweet and not syrupy, and just about everyone in the movie is believable. Many times these days, I’ll see the promo and then go to the movie and that’s the best part of the movie. With this film, they could have picked any part of the movie for a promo as the “best part” and would have been spot on. No weaknesses—it delivers throughout.
This is what more movies should be.
Since I’ve read Helen’s novel and seen Sergio’s movie, we’ve become long-distance friends and one time I asked them how they worked. Turns out, they work in the same room and often one turns to the other when he or she encounters a problem and consults with the other. That must be why I feel the same “heart” in each of their works. An amazing couple!
Presently, Sergio is working on developing the screenplay from Helen’s novel, The Donor. I can’t wait until it comes out!
Another “inside” bit of info I learned. Both artists are in the movie AMERICAN COUSINS. They are the windsurfing couple getting ready to launch their—whaddya call it? windsurfer boat?—in the scene at Loch Lomand. Before I’d seen the movie, I’d researched Sergio on the Internet and saw a handsome dude in the photos with his interviews. Just looked like your average successful movie dude—coifed and dressed ala Hollywood “success” style. Then, I saw the scene where he and Helen appeared… and nearly choked. He didn’t look like the photos I’d seen at all. In the movie scene, he was a bit… how should I say this?... a bit portly. When I mentioned my surprise, he laughed and said as soon as he saw the film, he began a diet immediately…
I’m a huge, huge fan of both Helen FitzGerald and Sergio Casci. Check out their work. You’ll be glad you did.
Blue skies,
Les
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
RADIO INTERVIEWS ALL OVER THE PLACE!
Hi folks,
Couple of things going on today you might want to check out.
First, I’d recommended my friend Lisa Lieberman Doctor to Jennifer Wilkov to be interviewed on her radio blog show on WomensRadio and it’s up! To listen to a truly brilliant writer and Hollywood executive who operated at the highest levels of filmland and television delivering useful information for both screenwriters and novelists, listen to her interview at http://www.womensradio.com/episodes/Your-Book-Is-Your-Hook!--Military-Wife-and-Author-Plus-A-Creative-Writing-Coach/10632.html
Second, I’ll be participating in my second interview today at 6 pm EST on Giovanni Gelati’s radio blog show The GZone. This should be like a fart in a skillet, as I suggested to Gio that instead of just interviewing me, he might consider some other folks as well, in a panel setting. So, it’ll be moi, plus Cort McMeel and Eddie Vega, founders of Bare Knuckle Press and Noir Nation Magazine, along with Sandra Ruttan and Brian Lindenmuth of Spinetingler Magazine and Snubnose Press. I’ve got stuff coming out from all of these guys, so it should be kind of interesting. Listen to us at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop. The interview goes live at 6, but if you miss it, it’ll be in the archives and readily available. I’m kind of excited about this and hope lots of you tune in.
Blue skies,
Les
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