Update: Things continue to be extremely busy as I attempt to hold two careers. Many, if not all, of you know exactly what I'm talking about. I have previously discussed all that I have been up to this year, so I will not bore you with the details. I will only mention briefly that I continue to attempt to keep this blog active, write articles for a local on-line magazine, contribute as a staff member of Wicked Writers, and keep up with any and seemingly all social networks.
You'll do doubt notice that I made no mention of doing any fiction writing. Well, I am currently giving the sequel to my debut one last pass before sending it off to Vamplit Publishing. It is tentatively entitled, Dance on Fire: FlashPoint. Dance on Fire is an e-book, but is getting its paperback release this fall. My thanks to all who have either read the book or have taken an interest in it and/or me.
New Music: Earlier this summer I spent some time discussing new music that I had been listening to. I continue to listen to the latest offerings from Train, Corinne Bailey Rae, 30 Seconds To Mars, and Krokus. So far this fall my feelings have been mixed with regards to my opinion of some new releases.
With Maroon 5 I must say that I have been disappointed. Songs About Jane was a brilliant record. It was the proverbial breath of fresh air. The band toured for several years on that one record alone, and my wife and I continued to listen to it well after that. However, the last two efforts since then, to me, have been stale and seemingly the same formula, and no longer fresh. I was pleased to hear that they were planning on using the great Robert John "Mutt" Lange to produce the new CD. This guy's name was seemingly on every album I owned in the early eighties by AC/DC and Def Leppard. He was at the helm for Heartbeat City by The Cars and Foreigner 4. Unfortunately, with everything that I have heard so far, it seems that his talents have been wasted.
I fell in love with Sara Bareilles quite by accident last year. I had heard her song, "Love Song", but did not pay very much attention to it. It was only when I found her concert on cable that I gave her the time and respect that this amazing young woman deserves. She writes very good songs, and from what I have seen and heard from her, gives a mean live performance. I was a little unsure about her newest release until I had played it a few times, but now I am playing it regularly. Give her a chance. She's so much more than just a pretty face...
This next CD that I have been listening to was a bit of a surprise. I like The Goo Goo Dolls; however, I probably would neglect to name them as one of my favorite bands were you to ask me. Yet, I gave this new release of theirs a chance when I saw it advertise on iTunes and found that I could not stop myself from buying it. Originally, I only bought four songs. After I had listened to them enough times, I went back for the rest. There are a couple that I can do without, especially when someone other than John Rzeznik is singing, but for the most part, it is a strong effort and has become a favorite of mine this year.
Hopefully, as the year winds down there will be many more surprises when it comes to both music and my writing. I'm looking forward to the next My Chemical Romance release this November 22, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys. I hope to be celebrating my paperback release soon, followed early next year with news of the next book being published.Anyway, that's enough for now. Thanks so much for your time and your encouragement.
We'll talk soon.
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Hey James, so many things happening for you! It'll be so exciting to hold a paperback in your hands, and I'm super happy for you.
ReplyDeleteThis is too funny. I went out to my blog to write a post on my disconnect from music for the past 3 or 4 years, but thought I'd drop in and read a few other blogs before starting. And here I find you wrote all about music. So I will definitely check out some of your suggestions and let you know what I think.
ReplyDeleteHello, ladies. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteJulie, these things take time, so I'm trying not to spend too much time thinking about sleeping with that paperback beneath my pillow... *embarrassed grin* Sorry, that was supposed to be "holding the paperback". *giggle*
Wendy, I will be sending you a note about music. This is what you get for asking me!! Lol.
-Jimmy
Looking forward to it! I spent 5 hours this morning going through part of our CD collection. Music music everywhere it's amazing I've lived in silence for so many years.
ReplyDeleteYou know, it is said that we last a few weeks without food and three days without water...but I swear that I would only last a few hours without music. I sent you a long note on Facebook. I hope you get it.
ReplyDelete-Jimmy
I read your post and realized I, too, have been living in silence for a long long time. Only after reading Wendy's comments did I see I'm not alone!
ReplyDeleteI find it soothing at times and distracting at others. I do like to listen to a particular artist when writing from one of my male POV's in my second book. I found it helps me to get in the "guy" mentality. At least for this particular character.
Always making me think, Jimmy, always making me think...
You're doing a great job on all the various aspects of juggling the two careers. I'm going to tighten my circle (so to speak) when I do get back into the swing of things. Hopefully it will help me support people better and still maintain a focus in my work.
(Don't worry, you're in the circle ;-)
Thanks, C.J.
ReplyDeleteFor everything.
I like the circle...
Get well soon.
-Jimmy
Aren't you so excited about the paperback? Very cool.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the music picks.
Hello, My Captain. It is always good to talk to you (sitting up straight/double-checking grammar). Yes, I am getting rather anxious about this. I'm trying to stay even-keeled about things until the day actually arrives. When it does, rest assured that I will letting everyone know about it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
-Jimmy