Mid-Summer Malaise

While the days start getting shorter, my book queue grows longer. Just can’t get into reading the novels I’ve started (Ghosts, by César Aira and Desperate Characters, by Paula Fox). Haven’t thought much about adding to this blog lately. The novel I’m currently writing has been on hold over the past few weeks as I filter critique comments, consider revising the first few chapters before moving forward, and finishing up a couple other writing projects I’ve started.

Even the DVDs I’ve been watching haven’t been very thrilling. I take that back: I just started watching Steven Soderbergh's The Limey, and it’s much better than I remember—great simple story of a British man who travels to L.A. to find his daughter’s killer. Well told in an overlapping, elliptical style that compliments the story. Nice to see old-timers Barry Newman, Terence Stamp, and Peter Fonda looking dapper. Good nasty fun.

But Friday I’m heading out of town to Martha’s Vineyard for a week. I’m packing books, a manuscript a friend just sent for me to read, and my laptop loaded with my writing. While away, between lounging on the beach, enjoying great food, and trying out the local watering holes, I plan to get my creative mojo back. And if not, I’ve plenty to keep me busy.

In the meantime, check out the trailer for The Limey: