tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80942446457614635362024-02-21T22:37:21.149-08:00Dennis Palumbo, writer and blogger"Mirror Image," a Daniel Rinaldi mystery from Poisoned Pen PressUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-21691757515540808752010-12-15T13:44:00.001-08:002019-02-02T11:44:11.000-08:00NEW! MIRROR IMAGE Review<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><b>Here's nice new review of my crime novel, <i>Mirror Image</i>, by mystery author Mike Orenduff:</b></span></div>
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">Dennis Palumbo is an established writer with a long line of impressive credits – staff writer for the TV series <i>Welcome Back, Kotter</i>; screenwriter for the film <i>My Favorite Year</i>; author of the fiction novel <i>City Wars</i> and the non-fiction book <i>Writing from the Inside Out</i>; and writer of numerous short stories, articles, and reviews for major newspapers, journals, and magazines. </span></div>
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">This impressive background is evident in his first Daniel Rinaldi Mystery, <i>Mirror Image</i>. Rinaldi is a character right out of central casting - tough, troubled, principled, and street smart. Sam Spade with a psychology degree. He may not have come from a script, but I'll wager he's headed for one. This is the stuff movies are made of. The plot is as twisted as the antagonist's mind. The book opens with Rinaldi in a therapy session with Kevin Merrick, a patient trying to deal with the after-affects of being a victim of armed assault who has started to dress like his therapist and copy his mannerisms. As Rinaldi is walking to his car after the session, he hears someone dash away and finds his patient Kevin stabbed and bleeding. The police figure Rinaldi was the intended victim since he was dressing and acting like him. Then they discover that Kevin Merrick was actually an alias. </span></div>
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">These are just the first two in a stream of surprises that keep you turning the pages. Mystery readers will have already guessed that Rinaldi soon goes from intended victim to suspect, receives death threats, and has to hunt down the killer himself. Did I mention there is another murder? Yet all these traditional elements have a different twist. Palumbo sets a great scene in Pittsburgh and peoples it with great characters, including the mentally tormented Noah and the <i>femme fatale </i>Casey Walters, right out of an SM dream. </span></div>
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><i>Mirror Image</i> is both thriller and mystery, reminiscent of Jonathan Kellerman but less artificially intellectual and more visceral. Perhaps along the lines of Andrew Vachss' <i>Flood</i>. <i>Mirror Image</i> is a solid, hard-hitting book, not recommended for the squeamish or faint of heart.</span></div>
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><b>As always, I'm grateful to those who've taken the time to read and review my first crime novel.</b></span></div>
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><b>Best,</b></span></div>
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;"><b>Dennis</b></span></div>
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-51998314100147005782010-11-28T21:20:00.001-08:002010-11-28T21:20:21.188-08:00Fun Photo of MIRROR IMAGE posted by CJ West<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>FYI...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Some nice comments and a cool photo posted by CJ West.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A href="http://jensbookthoughts.blogspot.com/2010/11/crime-writers-caught-recommending-crime_24.html">Click here: Jen's Book Thoughts: Crime Writers Caught Recommending Crime - Day 14</A> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Take care,</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Dennis</DIV> <DIV> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-1310881562528544132010-11-16T08:26:00.001-08:002010-11-16T08:26:33.861-08:00MIRROR IMAGE Review in ELLERY QUEEN'S MYSTERY MAGAZINE!<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV> <DIV> <DIV>FYI--</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Here's a review of <EM>Mirror Image</EM> just published in <EM>Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine</EM>, the largest-circulation mystery magazine in the world. Since the first fiction I ever published appeared in that magazine (in 1978!), it's a real thrill to have my first mystery novel reviewed there.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>(***...highest ranking)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>"A screenwriter turned psychotherapist draws on both areas of expertise in the first novel about Pittsburgh police consultant Dr. Daniel Rinaldi, one of whose crime-victim patients is murdered while dressed in imitation of his psychologist. The short-chapter, multi-reversal thriller offers much better prose, dialogue and characterization than many bestsellers' products and concludes with well-clued and deftly-executed finishing twists."</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>---Jon Breen, <EM>Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine</EM></DIV> <DIV><EM></EM> </DIV></DIV> <DIV>Thanks to all of you for your support...and indulgence!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Best,</DIV> <DIV> </DIV></DIV> <DIV>Dennis</DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-81440398914235180762010-11-12T13:50:00.000-08:002010-11-12T13:51:05.476-08:00NEW! MIRROR IMAGE Review<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>FYI...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Here's a nice new review of my crime novel, <EM>Mirror Image.</EM></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A href="http://www.litfestmagazine.com/litfest/SUSPENSE_LIT/Entries/2010/11/7_MIRROR_IMAGEBy_Dennis_Palumbo.html">http://www.litfestmagazine.com/litfest/SUSPENSE_LIT/Entries/2010/11/7_MIRROR_IMAGEBy_Dennis_Palumbo.html</A><BR><BR>Thanks!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Dennis</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"><A href="http://www.dennispalumbo.blogspot.com/">.</A></FONT></DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-78620836017810522732010-11-03T21:24:00.001-07:002010-11-03T21:24:43.276-07:00BETWEEN THE LINES Interview<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV> <DIV>FYI, here's a link to an interview I did for the PBS show <EM>Between the Lines</EM>. <DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Just go to the page and you'll see my episode listed first. Just click where it says "View video" and you can watch it.</DIV></DIV></DIV> <DIV> </DIV></DIV> <DIV><A href="http://www.la36.org/ch_artsculture.html">Click here: Arts & Culture</A> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Dennis</DIV> <DIV> </DIV></FONT></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-51318396095567547392010-10-13T09:52:00.000-07:002010-10-13T09:53:10.622-07:00Bouchercon Appearances This Weekend!<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV> <DIV>FYI, I'll be doing two events at this weekend's Bouchercon in San Francisco. Taking place at the Hyatt Regency, it's one of the premiere mystery conventions in the country. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>First, I'll be part of the Continuous Conversation on Saturday, Oct. 16th, from 11:30 AM till 12:30 PM, joining a group of terrific fellow mystery authors for spirited conversation about the field.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Later that day, at 3:30 PM, I'll be doing a "30 on the 30" mini-presentation called "Page Fright," addressing writers' block, procrastination, and other perils of the writer's life. As a licensed psychotherapist specializing in creative issues, I've worked with hundreds of writers over the years on such dilemmas.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Signings of my new crime novel, <EM>Mirror Image</EM>, follow both events.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>It's my first Bouchercon, and I'm pretty excited! </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10">Dennis <BR></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-2303944373794172102010-10-04T14:03:00.001-07:002010-10-04T14:03:42.616-07:00BOOKLIST Review of MIRROR IMAGE<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV> <DIV>FYI, here's a new review of <EM>Mirror Image</EM> from BookList. (And I didn't pay the guy--honest!)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><STRONG>Mirror Image</STRONG>.<BR>Palumbo, Dennis (Author)<BR>Aug 2010. 334 p. Poisoned Pen, hardcover, $24.95. (9781590587508). Poisoned Pen, softcover, $14.95. (9781590587522).<BR></DIV> <DIV>This debut novel from psychotherapist Palumbo features a psychologist, Daniel Rinaldi, whose client, a college student, is murdered. But here's the twist: the victim, for therapeutic reasons, has lately been imitating Rinaldi's appearance and manner of dress. So naturally Rinaldi believes that he, and not his client, was the intended victim. Wracked with guilt over the incident—he believes his encouragement of the victim's behavior got him killed—Rinaldi sets out to find the killer. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Palumbo, a screenwriter with credits as varied as <EM>Welcome Back, Kotter</EM> and the classic film <EM>My Favorite Year</EM>, does an excellent job of building suspense, and Rinaldi, who comes off as likable if a bit self-absorbed, makes a complex protagonist. A solid first novel, especially recommendable to fans of Jonathan Kellerman, Keith Ablow, and Meg Gardiner.<BR>— David Pitt</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-14623140569194416862010-09-18T16:49:00.001-07:002010-09-18T16:49:31.800-07:00FYI: My latest Huffington Post blog<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV> <DIV>To paraphrase Jack Nicholson in <EM>Terms of Endearment</EM>, "I don't know, something about the Tea Party brings out the devil in me..."</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A title=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dennis-palumbo/the-problem-with-the-worl_b_722160.html href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dennis-palumbo/the-problem-with-the-worl_b_722160.html">Click here: Dennis Palumbo: The Problem with the World...</A> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-40047807844833809902010-09-15T18:10:00.001-07:002010-09-15T18:10:54.897-07:00FYI: My latest Huffington Post blog<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>Alert the media! <EM>Two</EM> Huffington Post blogs, only a week apart! </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A title=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dennis-palumbo/gut-check-living-the-writ_b_718564.html href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dennis-palumbo/gut-check-living-the-writ_b_718564.html">Click here: Dennis Palumbo: GUT CHECK: Living the Writer's Life</A> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Seriously, I'm glad to be back in the swing of posting for Huff Po. Hope you like this one.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As always, if the mood strikes, please feel free to post a comment.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-54671475534822921442010-09-13T08:57:00.001-07:002010-09-13T08:57:20.751-07:00FYI: Another MIRROR IMAGE review<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>Here's another review, just posted, of my new crime novel. Let's hope it's part of a trend...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A href="http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/2010/09/sunday-salon-mirror-image-by-dennis.html">Click here: Lesa's Book Critiques: Sunday Salon - Mirror Image by Dennis Palumbo</A> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Take care...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Dennis</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-65742671682705213822010-09-10T08:37:00.001-07:002010-09-10T08:37:43.345-07:00FYI: NEW Huffington Post piece<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>I don't remember if I posted this here already (another sign of my rapidly dwindling brain cells!), but here's my latest Huff Po blog:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dennis-palumbo/mirror-image--reflections_b_702904.html">Click here: Dennis Palumbo: "MIRROR IMAGE"--Reflections on Fact and Fiction</A> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Dennis</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-90236804824192355532010-09-05T14:05:00.001-07:002010-09-05T14:05:59.540-07:00FYI: Nice new review of MIRROR IMAGE<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>Just saw this new review of my crime novel, <EM>Mirror Image</EM>, posted on a very cool site called Bookpleasures.com. In the name of shameless self-promotion, I thought I'd pass it along...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A href="http://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/2779/1/Mirror-Image-Reviewed-By-Lois-Henderson-of-Bookpleasurescom/Page1.html">Click here: Mirror Image Reviewed By Lois Henderson of Bookpleasures.com</A> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Dennis</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-36038893039069503162010-09-01T20:39:00.001-07:002010-09-01T20:39:34.116-07:00Here's my latest Huffington Post Blog<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>It's been a while, but here's my latest Huff Po piece...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dennis-palumbo/mirror-image--reflections_b_702904.html">Click here: Dennis Palumbo: "MIRROR IMAGE"--Reflections on Fact and Fiction</A> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Dennis</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-68993343312323219612010-08-26T08:52:00.001-07:002010-08-26T08:52:56.324-07:00New Review of MIRROR IMAGE in Pittsburgh Magazine<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>I just got back from Pittsburgh, my home town and the setting of my new crime novel, <EM>Mirror Image</EM>. Had a great time, saw some old friends, and signed some books at four different area stores. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>FYI, here's a nice review of the novel from <EM>Pittsburgh Magazine</EM>...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A href="http://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Pittsburgh-Magazine/August-2010/-039Mirror-Image-039/">Click here: 'Mirror Image' - Pittsburgh Magazine - August 2010 - Pittsburgh, PA</A> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-10950440907001426312010-08-12T13:36:00.001-07:002010-08-12T13:36:58.850-07:00"BETWEEN THE LINES" Appearance<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV> <DIV>FYI--</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'll be the guest on PBS' <EM>Between the Lines</EM> author interview show this Saturday, Aug.14th, at 8 PM. It's on KLCS-TV (which is channel 3 on my cable outfit). You can check klcs.org for schedule info.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Here's the press release they sent out:</SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">LOS ANGELES</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">KLCS-TV –</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> <A title=http://www.klcs.org/ href="http://www.klcs.org/"><B>www.klcs.org</B></A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Saturday Night, August 14, at 8:00 PM</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoHeader style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN style="COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Dennis Palumbo - <I>Writing from the Inside Out</I><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoHeader style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Breaking through creative barriers is what this episode is all about. Dennis Palumbo co-wrote the critically acclaimed, Oscar nominated film, <B><I>My Favorite Year</I></B> and just published his first mystery novel <B><I>Mirror Image</I></B>. But it is his years as a psychotherapist, specializing in the creative process, which brings him to our program. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoHeader style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoHeader style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">With his acclaimed book, <B><I>Writing from the Inside Out</I></B>, Dennis reveals that you already have everything you need within yourself to create your best work. Keep in mind that this book is not just for writers, but for anyone from artists to teachers and from lawyers to plumbers, who may get caught up fighting emotional wedges no matter what career or journey they are on. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoHeader style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoHeader style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">In <B><I>Writing from the Inside Out</I></B><I>,</I> Dennis shows how to transform those psychological blocks to free the creativity within us.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"></SPAN> </P></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Also, here's some info from the show about another way to watch it:</SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Remember, you can catch us<B> </B></SPAN><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">"On Demand"</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> by visiting <A title=http://www.la36.org/ href="http://www.la36.org/"><B><SPAN style="COLOR: purple">www.la36.org</SPAN></B></A><B>. </B> Once there, go to<B> <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ch.</st1:place></st1:country-region> 200</B>, the<B><I> Arts & Culture Channel</I></B>, then scroll down the right hand side until you find the<B><I> Between the Lines</I></B> episode you'd like to see. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P></DIV> <DIV>Hope you get a chance to see it (or Tivo it, or what-have-you).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Dennis</DIV> <DIV> </DIV></DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-53340584879539752922010-08-01T14:32:00.001-07:002010-08-01T14:32:14.838-07:00My Appearance on "Suspense Your Disbelief"<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>FYI, here's a short biographical essay I was asked to do for Jenny Milchman's website. Thanks to Jenny for giving me the forum!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A href="http://www.jennymilchman.com/blog/?p=888">Click here: Suspense Your Disbelief » Made It Moment: Dennis Palumbo</A> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Meanwhile, I'm gearing up for the release of my new crime novel, <EM>Mirror Image</EM>, next week...which includes books signings in Pittsburgh (my home town, and the setting of the novel) and a number of appearances at book stores and conferences here in Southern California. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As the blatant self-promoting PR machines chugs along...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>All best,</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Dennis</DIV> <DIV> </DIV></FONT></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-77499400431436162442010-07-29T17:00:00.001-07:002010-07-29T17:00:34.907-07:00MIRROR IMAGE On Sale Next Week!<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>I've been so busy these past few weeks, I haven't had a chance to post anything on this pathetic excuse for a blog. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>That said, I'm naturally doing so now in the name of shameless self-promotion!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>My new crime novel, <EM><STRONG>Mirror Image</STRONG></EM>, goes on sale next week. It's the first in a new series featuring psychologist Daniel Rinaldi, a trauma expert who consults with the Pittsburgh Police. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The publisher is Poisoned Pen Press, and I think they've done a wonderful job with the book. It's available in hardcover, trade paperback and as an audio book.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Moreover, I've been extremely gratified by the advance blurbs the novel has received.</DIV> <DIV>For example:</DIV> <DIV><STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></STRONG></DIV> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">"Dennis Palumbo establishes himself as a master story-teller with his first crime novel, <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Mirror Image</I>. Using his background as a licensed psychotherapist to good advantage, Palumbo infuses his fast-moving, suspenseful story with fascinating texture, interesting characters, and the twists, turns and surprises of a mind-bending mystery. Very impressive."</SPAN></STRONG><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">---Stephen J. Cannell (writer/creator of <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">The Rockford Files</I>; <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">New York Times</I> best-selling mystery author)</SPAN></STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">"<I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Mirror Image </I>is a rich, complex thriller, built around a sizzling love affair. A compelling read, with surprising twists and characters that leap off the page."<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">---Bobby Moresco (Oscar-winning writer/producer of <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Crash </I>and <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Million Dollar Baby</I>)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></I></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></I></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">"Mirror Image </SPAN></I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">is a deviously plotted thriller with lots of shocks and surprises you won't see coming, and a smart, sympathetic hero-narrator who takes you along as he peels back layers of lies and wrong guesses to get closer to the truth."<BR><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">---Thomas Perry (Edgar-winning, <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">New York Times </I>best-selling crime novelist)<o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">"Dennis Palumbo's experience as a psychotherapist hasn't just helped him make his hero, therapist Dr. Daniel Rinaldi, authentic, human and a man in full, it's endowed him with the insight to craft a debut thriller filled with action, deduction and romance, expertly paced<A name=Editing></A> for maximum suspense."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">---Dick Lochte, award-winning author and critic<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"></SPAN> </P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"></SPAN> </P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">"Dennis Palumbo's novel is stark and disturbing but there's a humanity running through the core of it that makes this book special. Maybe it's Palumbo's dual training – as a writer and as a psychotherapist – that allows him to plumb the depths and bring up not only darkness but those occasional diamonds of light that sparkle and illuminate and make a book worth reading."</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> ---T. Jefferson Parker (Edgar-winning, <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">New York Times </I>best-selling author of <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">The Renegades</I> and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on"><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Iron</I></st1:PlaceName><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">River</st1:PlaceType></I></st1:place>)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"></SPAN> </P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">"<I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Mirror Image</I> is a standout mind-bender! A wonderfully constructed novel that has you seeing double---and all through the eyes of an intriguingly fresh character: a psychologist. Dennis Palumbo knows his craft. This guy can write."<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">---Ridley Pearson (<I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">New York Times</I> best-selling crime author)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">"A gripping thriller, chock full of the desired twists and cliffhangers, with the added layer and intriguing access of a therapist narrator/detective. A page turner!" <BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">---Aimee Bender (<I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">New York Times</I> best-selling author of <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">An Invisible Sign of My Own</I>) <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Again, the book launches next week. I hope you'll check it out---and if you do, please let me know what you think.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></FONT></FONT></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-7368664703118873892010-06-24T18:05:00.000-07:002010-06-24T18:08:05.760-07:00My Latest Column for "In Cold Blog"<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>Been a while since I've posted, but I've been back-logged with work.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>However, FYI, here's my latest column for the true-crime site "In Cold Blog."</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A href="http://incoldblogger.blogspot.com/2010/06/deadline-dread.html">Click here: In Cold Blog: Deadline Dread</A></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hope everyone's having a good summer. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-53303145799803168582010-05-27T08:12:00.001-07:002010-05-27T08:12:42.330-07:00Simple, But Not Easy<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>I know it's been a while since I've posted here on my blog, but I've been swamped.</DIV> <DIV>My practice, writing deadlines, planning the PR push for my upcoming crime novel, <EM>Mirror Image.</EM> The usual suspects.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Anyway, FYI, here's my latest essay for the really cool true-crime site, <EM>In Cold Blog</EM>:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A href="http://networkedblogs.com/4dviM">Click here: TheWrite Mind: Simple, but not easy</A></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hope you enjoy it!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-66437601212593421452010-04-27T08:49:00.001-07:002010-04-27T08:49:33.075-07:00Writing is Easy!<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>FYI, here's the link to the first in a series of columns I'm doing for <EM>In Cold Blog</EM>, a terrific true-crime site:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A href="http://networkedblogs.com/3h6rB">Click here: The Write Mind: Real Life and Writing. Easy, Right?</A></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Please feel free to forward to your friends, families, colleagues, mortal enemies, etc.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>And, as always, love to hear your thoughts... </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-42368458514928618762010-04-22T20:48:00.001-07:002010-04-22T20:48:51.053-07:00New Zealand Interview<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>To my pleasant surprise, I was invited to do an interview for<EM> Crime Watch</EM>, a fascinating mystery-oriented website out of New Zealand. I hope you find it interesting.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A title=http://kiwicrime.blogspot.com/2010/04/9mm-interview-with-dennis-palumbo.html href="http://kiwicrime.blogspot.com/2010/04/9mm-interview-with-dennis-palumbo.html">http://kiwicrime.blogspot.com/2010/04/9mm-interview-with-dennis-palumbo.html</A></DIV> <DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=529191500-23042010></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV>As always, I welcome your comments, questions, rants, etc.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-81892808191086037742010-04-21T14:28:00.001-07:002010-04-21T14:28:17.588-07:00The Joke That Wouldn't Die!<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>FYI, here's my latest blog for the Huffington Post....</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A title=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dennis-palumbo/the-joke-that-wouldnt-die_b_546734.html href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dennis-palumbo/the-joke-that-wouldnt-die_b_546734.html">Click here: Dennis Palumbo: The Joke That Wouldn't Die</A> </DIV> <DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></FONT> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-20953937912234286222010-04-20T13:09:00.001-07:002010-04-20T17:38:47.905-07:00Better Late Than Never!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When it first came out two years ago, I was gratified by the reviews my collection of mystery short stories, </span><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">From Crime to Crime</span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, received at the time.<br />
<br />
However, to my pleasant surprise, this review of the book just appeared. If anyone's interested, here's the link:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> <a href="http://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/2367/1/From-Crime-to-Crime-Mind-boggling-Tales-of-Mystery-and-Murder-Reviewed-By-Lois-Henderson-of-Bookpleasurescom/Page1.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Click here: From Crime to Crime: Mind-boggling Tales of Mystery and Murder Reviewed By Lois Henderson of Bookpleasures.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
I also want to thank those of you who attended my mystery-writing workshop this past Saturday afternoon at Vroman's Bookstore. As always, I was struck by the thoughtful, perceptive questions the attendees asked. Really made it a great experience.<br />
<br />
And,of course, I'll keep you posted about the next one...</span> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-22954607050887510792010-04-09T13:26:00.001-07:002010-04-09T13:26:44.390-07:00Taking the Mystery Out of Writing Mysteries<FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2> <DIV>As some of you may know, I'll be presenting a FREE WRITING WORKSHOP at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena next Saturday, April 17, at 3 PM. It's called "Taking the Mystery Out of Writing Mysteries."</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In anticipation of that event, here's a link to an article of the same title that I did a few years back for The Writer's Store newsletter. Whether you're interested in classic whodunnits, crime thrillers or police procedurals, I hope you'll find it helpful.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> <DIV><A href="http://www.writersstore.com/article.php?articles_id=951">Click here: Writers Store: Taking the Mystery Out of Writing Mysteries by Dennis Palumbo</A> </DIV></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>BTW, if you'd like some info about the writing workshop, here's a link to the Vroman's Bookstore Events page, offering a description of the event, as well as the store's address and contact info:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> <DIV><A href="http://vromansbookstore.com/mystery-workshop">Click here: Free Writing Workshop: Taking the Mystery Out of Writing Mysteries! | Vroman's Bookstore</A> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hope to see some of you there! </DIV> <DIV> </DIV></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094244645761463536.post-32293032881987212272010-04-06T11:07:00.000-07:002010-04-06T15:15:04.358-07:00My Favorite Quote<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a growth industry--the hundreds of books, tapes and videos available on the craft of writing; the multitudes of conferences, seminars and workshops (some of which I've taught myself over the years); the teachers and coaches and gurus promising to reveal the secrets of the "can't-miss" premise, the "never-fails" plot structure, the "you-can't-help-but-love-'em" lead characters.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But in the cacophony of instruction and inspiration competing for the writer's ear, it seems to me a quote from Ray Bradbury emerges from the din. "There is only one type of story in the world--your story."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In all the writing classes I've ever taught, it was always the first quote I put on the blackboard. And now, as a therapist, the essence of that quote is what underlies my support for creative patients struggling to write out of the depths of their own particular truths, no matter how painful or contradictory.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recall an incident, years ago, when I was Screenwriter-In-Residence at San Francisco State University. I was working with a group of young writers-to-be, one of whom had just read a scene from his script, a political thriller, to the rest of the class. Unfortunately, the scene--in which the hero is trapped by bad guys in a dingy back alley--was flat and uninvolving, though the writer clearly had talent. Moreover, the writing itself seemed tentative...careful, somehow.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I asked the writer what would happen if, instead of his hero, he himself were the guy trapped in that alley. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"You mean, if that were me?" He suddenly became quite animated, as he described the sequence of scary, funny incidents that would befall him. A scene that was unique and particular to a very specific sort of individual--a guy like himself. A human being.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"But this guy's gotta be a hero," he said afterwards. "Like in the movies."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"He is," I replied. "Your hero."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The problem with this student's scene was his attempt to portray what a hero "should" be like. The writing seemed tentative as a result of the tension within him caused by the effort to exclude his own feelings, doubts, and impulses, as though they were inappropriate for a movie hero.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The irony--and the point of Bradbury's quote--is that all writing is autobiographical. Even the student's attempt to write a hero "like in the movies" revealed an aspect of his autobiography, namely, his belief about how a hero needed to behave.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like it or not, our writing reveals who we are. The story doesn't matter. The genre doesn't matter. Even if you're writing a pirate movie, taking place two hundred years ago, your autobiography informs that script: your own attitude toward heroics, vague memories of some pirate movie you saw as a kid, your fantasies about the "freedom of the seas" or whatever. Even your concern about whether or not your pirate movie is commercial is part of your experience writing it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the plus side, it's one of the paradoxes of writing that the more particular and personal a detail in character or story, the more powerfully its impact generalizes out to the audience.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(The specifics of Rocky Balboa's life in the first Rocky film were shared by few in the audience, I'm sure, but everyone understood what he meant by "going the distance." Nor did the reader of Frank McCourt's memoir Angela's Ashes have to grow up in the slums of Dublin to relate to that family's struggle with poverty. Nor did the viewers of the recent film The Blind Side need to have had any life experiences similar to those of the young black athlete to identify with the yearning for someone to appear who believes in you, even when you don't.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I repeat: All writing is autobiographical. The more you can accept and acknowledge this, the greater the extent to which you can mine your own feelings and experiences to give shape and texture to your work.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, to write from this place, the core of who we are, is damned hard. Often the results are just painful, ambiguous, unformed. Maybe there's something wrong with me, the writer thinks. Maybe I'm not enough...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's why writing seminars and workshops flourish; why "how-to" books on writing are perennial sellers. Intentionally or not, they validate our belief in some "key" or technique that ensures success; some thing outside of ourselves that we need to learn, or to become.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, yes, every writer needs to learn story construction, needs to develop craft. But the most important thing a writer needs is the awareness that he or she is enough. That one's feelings, enthusiasms, regrets, hopes, doubts, yearnings, loves and hates are in fact, the raw materials of one's writing talent.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"There is only one type of story in the world--your story." Which means only you can tell it, no matter what form--thriller, romantic comedy, sci-fi adventure--it takes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It reminds me of another quote I like, from Ralph Waldo Emerson, a pretty fair writer himself. He said, "To believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for everyone--that is genius."</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2