Caleb J Ross The World's First Author Blog

Free print copy of As a Machine and Parts. You wants?

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:04:36 +0000

Goodreads Book Giveaway As a Machine and Parts by Caleb J. Ross Giveaway ends February 15, 2012. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win

Booked Podcast. Noir at the Bar. The Velvet Podcast.

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:17:42 +0000

I’ve been non-stop busy the past few weeks. I feel as though I’ve done nothing, as my to-do list never shrinks. But somehow, as I look back, all that I felt never happened, is done. Here’s a few things: The wonderful Robb Olson and Livius Nedin at Booked Podcast did a full episode about my work, splitting time with my two newest books, I Didn’t Mean to be Kevin and As a Machine and Parts. The things these guys say, … →

Family Guy’s Brian runs over Dean Koontz

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:44:48 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) Though the episode is quite old, I caught this reference to Stephen King and Dean Koontz in the episode called “Brian in Love” from season 2 of Family Guy. On the surface, the gag speaks simply to the poor man’s Stephen King perception of Dean Koontz. But, when you consider the real life car accident that Stephen King suffered in 1999 the gag gets way gaggier.

What is Domestic Grotesque Fiction and Why Do I Write It?

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:21:04 +0000

I’ve called myself a writer of grotesque family fiction, but what does that term really mean? I give a brief definition of grotesque domestic fiction, or grotesque family fiction, by way of example, in an earlier blog post: Take a family situation—usually some sort of broken family dynamic—mix in something grotesque—possibly morbid but not necessarily—and you’ve probably got domestic grotesque. But I don’t know if that fully captures it. Up front, I have to say that I’ve always been the … →

Am I Jaded? Are Unexpected Literary References Everywhere?

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:59:48 +0000

I love cartoons. I love books. I love when these two vices come together. Since June 2010, when I noticed a Shirley Jackson nod in an episode of South Park, I’ve become sensitive to other literary references in pop-culture, specifically cartoons. These past few months have been strong for my Unexpected Literary References series. South Park, American Dad, Looney Tunes, Conan O’Brien, and The Simpsons all delivered. But what makes this blog post worthy is a comment on a recent-ish … →

I Didn’t Mean to be Kevin is here!!!

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:52:34 +0000

How the hell did I not post about this already? Things have been busy around here, in all good ways, I assure you. But that’s no excuse. You should have known much earlier than now that I Didn’t Mean to be Kevin is officially here! For now, it’s available in the Kindle store and will be going live in other stores, both electronic and print, in the coming days. Get it now.

They Know Your Name, but They Aren’t the Ones You Want. Directional Marketing for Authors

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:15:35 +0000

Back in November I wrote a blog post about standardizing your name for search engines. One of the most common responses I received from this post was from authors with unique pen names who cited their unique names as a reason to exempt them from the post’s advice. Basically, their ideas went that a writer with an uncommon name—we’ll use Maximus Pandroistien for this example—should not be worried about being outranked by other websites in a search results page because … →

“As a Machine and Parts: LOVING IT! So sharp, so sharp…”

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:43:12 +0000

As a Machine and Parts is getting some love: “As a Machine and Parts: LOVING IT! So sharp, so sharp…” -Mr. Sean P. Ferguson “Fucking insane” -Mr. Chester Pane “This book is fantastic. I think you guys are going to love it. Very inventive but it doesn’t crumble under its own weight and devolve into merely clever.” -Mr. Nik Korpon So, if you are easily swayed by the words of people you might not know, then rush out to get … →

99 cents, now through January 17th, Charactered Pieces and Murmurs.

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:13:03 +0000

All eBook versions of either Charactered Pieces or Murmurs: Gathered Stories Vol. One are only $0.99 from now through January 17th. Why January 17th? Because that is the official release date for my newest novel, I Didn’t Mean to be Kevin. Just click a link below to go either directly to the Amazon Kindle store or to the Smashwords pages where other formats can be purchased (including NOOK, Sony, Kobo, iBooks, etc.) Please, spread the word if you are willing … →

Bookstores can get ebook readers into their stores. Here’s how:

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:28:07 +0000

The slow eBook adoption of many publishers, and especially of bookstores, is not surprising. For the publishers, monetizing an eBook, with the lack of overhead and reduced production costs, makes justifying print book sticker prices tough. For bookstores, well, it’s pretty obvious why they wouldn’t jump on the eBook wagon. But there has to be a way to keep bookstores alive, right? Bookstores aren’t like traditional commerce storefronts, in that they represent a mindset, a way of life, and the best ones … →

Why I Write What I Write When I Write it: The Cymbal Analogy

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:40:43 +0000

Picture a drum cymbal, delicately balanced upon a point, say, a pencil tip. This represents my general mental stability. Without any external force, the cymbal remains unmoving. This is me in a vacuum, a sensory deprivation chamber of sorts, without anything to shift my head in any way. But of course, I don’t live in a vacuum. Instead, I live in a world constantly shifting and changing, and with those shifts, my head shifts. Writing is a way to help … →

UpgradeToEbook.Amazon.com. Exchange Print for eBooks. It could work.

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:50:20 +0000

It could work. An online used book selling site, that also manufactures an eReader device, such as Barnes and Noble or the Amazon Marketplace, partners with publishers to provide kickbacks on used book sales in exchange for distribution rights of eBooks. Let’s call it UpgradeToEbook.Amazon.com. It would work like this: Here’s an example: Let’s say Bookseller_675 has a print copy of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. But he’d like to read it on his Kindle. It’s not … →

For all those crime and forensics science writers out there, a bloodstain pattern infographic. You’re welcome.

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:16:03 +0000

Christmas is almost over, but Christmas hookers work late.

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 04:11:18 +0000

As a Machine and Parts is the official January 2012 Book Club pick at LitReactor

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:35:33 +0000

For those of you not in the know, LitReactor is a writer-focus site spawned by the minds behind ChuckPalahniuk.net, the official Chuck Palahniuk site. The site has received some high-praise not only from the writers who’ve come together to make up the blood of the community, but even Huffington Post has come out to offer a few kind words. Having my new novella, As a Machine and Parts, as the January Book Club pick for LitReactor feels a bit like … →

It’s official. I Didn’t Mean to be Kevin releases January 17, 2012. Preorders start December 19th.

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 21:08:44 +0000

Preorder details for my new novel, I Didn’t Mean to be Kevin are forthcoming. Until then, get all excited with this synopsis. Tis the season for Caleb, more Caleb, and a little bit of Jesus (if there’s time).

I lost $ 75.48 on a Facebook ad campaign, and you can too! -OR- Can Facebook ads sell books? Quick answer: no. Long answer: noooooooooooooooo.

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:13:10 +0000

(part of my ongoing Search Engine Optimization for Authors series) Part of being a great author-marketer is knowing how to filter promotion time wastes from time worthwhiles. Some options are simple to filter. “Should I do a Goodreads.com giveaway to attract potential readers?” Yes (all it costs is the price of a few copies of a book to receive interest from hundreds of readers). “Should I rent a billboard for a month?” No (billboards offer either 1) travel-oriented products/services or … →

How can authors use Google Analytics Events Tracking to understand their readers?

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:49:46 +0000

How many times did readers download your sample chapters? How many times did readers view your new book trailer? How many times did your website visitors click a button to buy one of your books? How many times did someone click a link to read one of your stories posted at another website? All of these items can be tracked using Event Tracking in Google Analytics. What is Event Tracking? I’ll leave the details up to Google itself, but for … →

Choosing the right blogging platform for an author: it’s all about scripts and Google Analytics.

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:13:38 +0000

(Announcing a new post category: Search Engine Optimization for Authors. Well, it’s new in that I’ve finally given a name to it, but as you can see by clicking over to the category, there are a few past posts that fit within this category) If you’ve read Christina Katz’s fantastic Get Known Before the Book Deal, or have been at all concerned about building that illusive “platform” so many industry types talk about then either 1) you are an author … →

Bart Simpson and Little Women

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:48:50 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) Though the wonderful Pablo D’Stair recently called me out on the possible inaccuracy of calling this series “unexpected” literary references, I’m too far in to change the name (re: too lazy to change the name). And this latest find, from last week’s episode of The Simpsons, does not help defend any point I may have had about the unexpectedness of lit references in cartoons. Perhaps the series should be called “Great Unexpected Literary … →

UPDATE: I Didn’t Mean to be Kevin pushed back to January 2012

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 03:44:17 +0000

Just some last-minute tidying up that neither I nor the publisher wanted to rush.

[Guest Post] Compelling and Inspiring Short Fiction Writers by Nadia Jones

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:38:47 +0000

This is a guest post by Nadia Jones who blogs at accredited online colleges about education, college, student, teacher, money saving, movie related topics. You can reach her at nadia.jones5 @ gmail.com. I consider myself an indiscriminant and voracious consumer of fiction. While I mostly read novels, occasionally I find myself balking at the prospect of beginning yet another huge work of fiction, too exhausted by a previous book to dive into the new world of the next one. In these moments of reader … →

A selection of my strangest gifts ever given

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 02:24:05 +0000

I write domestic grotesque fiction, which is a term I think I made up, but is quite suiting to the themes and content of my stories and books. The most famous short story that I think would fit into the domestic grotesque genre is “Good Country People” by Flannery O’Conner (visualized quite creepily in this short film from the 1960s and quite cheesily in this student clip). Take a family situation—usually some sort of broken family dynamic—mix in something grotesque—possibly … →

Episode 012: November is NaNoWriNo. December is UhOhWriLess.

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:35:29 +0000

NaNoWriMo is a month-long event in which writers of all experience levels attempt to write a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. Sounds good, right? There is a sense of accomplishment for accomplishment’s sake with vomiting so many words, with setting and meeting a goal. However, I’m not so couch-therapy optimistic about it. Send any comments on this episode, or any writing and publishing related questions to caleb [at] calebjross.com. I will answer them in a future episode. … →

Preorders are now being accepted for As a Machine and Parts. Preorders will be SIGNED.

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:16:21 +0000

I am so incredibly thrilled to announce that my newest book, As a Machine and Parts, is now available for preorder. Simply click over to the Aqueous Books website to order. ALL PREORDERS WILL BE SIGNED. Unfortunately, they will be signed by me. I tried to reanimate Christopher Reeves or get Stephen Hawking here to do the signing–as that would not only be incredible, but would play nicely into the man/machine hybrid themes of the book–but for some reason I … →

Neil Gaiman on The Simpsons, tween lit lovers rejoice and/or get depressed

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:53:21 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) Yesterday (11-20-2011) The Simpsons continued its legacy of literary references with an episode featuring Neil Gaiman, author of American Gods, Anansi Boys, and many others . The episode, “The Book Job” (season 23, episode 6), explores the culture of tween lit, specifically stories featuring vampires and magicians, using an Ocean’s Eleven-style heist as the plot backdrop. Though the episode speaks primarily to the idea that tween lit may be hugely factory produced for market … →

The Tale of Scrotie McBoogerballs vs. The Catcher in the Rye

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:39:58 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) I briefly mentioned this Unexpected Literary Reference way back on the first official post of this series, but this one certainly deserves some special attention. The Tale of Scrotie McBoogerballs (Season 14, Episode 2) is an episode of South Park that speaks directly to the idea that historically banned books, placed in the context of modern media, simply don’t have the power that they once may have. The is called out for being a … →

Two Looney Tunes literary references (well, one literary and one drama)

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:57:56 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) It has been quite a number of years since I woke early to watch Saturday morning cartoons. People of my age (late 20s) will remember that Saturday morning was often reserved for a solid 3-4 hour block of cartoon watching. But since the introduction of all-cartoon networks like Cartoon Network and even Nick Jr. (as a stand-alone network, not as a day-time block on Nickelodeon), the idea that cartoons are something to … →

American Dad says The Hunt for Red October is boring

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:00:16 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) Another Unexpected Literary Reference spotting, this one from Season 9, Episode 4 (“Stan Time”) of the amazing series American Dad. the screenshots below don’t translate the humor very well, so if you can find a full version of the episode online. Basically, Stan has been trying to read The Hunt for Red October for years, but is never able to get past the first paragraph. In this sequence, he still doesn’t make it.

Episode 011: Where your work goes when you die OR Long Live Everything!

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 03:25:50 +0000

I’ll start by saying that the recording for this episode cut off prematurely due to dying batteries. I was going to re-record, but the considering the content of the episode, dying off seems especially relevant. Though short, I think this episode addresses some important ideas. What happens to our work when we die? And, more importantly, should we even care? How much should we try to control our future reputation? These questions, and more, will be asked in this episode … →

Solarcide interviews me, one of the most interesting interviews yet: The Digital Age of Domestic Grotesque

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:30:22 +0000

Nathan Pettigrew, one of the two minds behind the lit site Solarcide, asked me for an interview a few days ago. This guy knows how to ask questions, ones that not only evoke my own passion for the subject matter but also make it easy for me to answer in a way that is hopefully entertaining for readers. Head over to Solarcide now. Read the interview. Learn of my greatness. Here’s a taste of Nathan’s humbling intro: He’s one of … →

Stranger Will Tour Stop #75: Big Other, CALEB HAS LEFT THE BLOGOSPHERE!

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:51:45 +0000

75 blog posts. Seven-five. It’s hard to believe that I started this marathon blog tour back in March. I’ve had some good times promoting my novels, and it’s fitting that I can revisit and summarize some of those good times at the Big Other blog, which was the second stop on my tour all those months ago. Click here to read the final guest post of the Stranger Will Tour for Strange blog tour. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest … →

The Conan O’Brien Always Has Obscure Show Titles

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:45:19 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) The title of the November 14th episode of Conan is adapted from the James M. Cain novel The Postman Always Rings Twice. This is a bit of a ballsy move, as reading does not seem to be a primary cultural referent these days (even though The Postman is one of the more famous novels out there).Then again, I may give TV too much credit here; the Conan title references are notoriously obscure. I’m … →

Kind words from Ken Wohlrob, author of The Love Book: “Ross writes the macabre better than most”

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 16:20:25 +0000

Ken Wohlrob, author of The Love Book and Songs of Vagabonds, Misfits, and Sinners made this early morning a bit more bearable by offering a very humbling, very nice review of Stranger Will over at his official site. Here’s a few snippets: “It’s been a while since I have read a solid, eerie tale of actual human depravity — let’s face it, most writers are too zombie and vampire obsessed these days — but Stranger Will hits the mark perfectly. The plot, … →

Stranger Will Tour Stop #74: Shaking Like a Mountain – I own way too many domains

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:27:04 +0000

I have a problem with purchasing domains and never using them. In all I have about 20, all but 5 or so go unused. Many of the domains are literature themed. Today at Shaking Like a Mountain, I offer possible uses for these domains. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff.

Stranger Will Tour Stop #73: Dan Donche’s blog – a reaction video to Donche’s website

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:16:24 +0000

I’ve been making a few videos lately. They aren’t well-produced by any means, but hopefully they bring a smile to 80% of people who watch them (for the other 20% I hope for frowns; got to maintain my street cred, right?). Today my blog tour brings me to Dan Donche’s blog where I offer a reaction video of me watching content on his website. It’s meta. Click here to watch the guest post video. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest … →

[Guest Post] The importance bringing people together through fiction by Jane Smith

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:42:38 +0000

This is a guest post by Jane Smith. Jane Smith is a freelance writer and blogger. She writes about free background checks for Backgroundcheck.org. Questions and comments can be sent to: janesmth161 @ gmail.com If you’re reading this, you’d likely agree that nothing delivers the same intellectual delight as reading a compelling work of fiction. Generations of writers and casual readers alike have sought shelter in the sheer joy of reading as a means of escape or as a landscape by which to … →

How to standardize your author name for search engines

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:37:59 +0000

The always wonderful Jane Friedman recently posted and responded to a question from a writer about the standardization of an author name and how search engines interpret (or cannot interpret) the various spellings of a single author’s name. I won’t post Jan O’Hara’s entire question here, but definitely check it out. A representative excerpt follows: Depending upon the blogging platform I’m using, it variously codes my name as OHara, O’Hara, O\Hara, or Hara…While some search engines or bookselling sites prompt … →

Stranger Will Tour Stop #72: Bukowski’s Basement – Writing in Weird Places

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:16:02 +0000

I drop by Bukowski’s Basement today to offer a few words on the romance of writing to unique locales. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff.

A short list of books I own, are currently within reaching distance, but have not yet been read

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Not enough time. The forever growing stack of to-reads will never be tamed due to this one simple fact. Though I read every day, sometimes for hours at a time, I’m never able to get to all of the books I feel deserve to be read. With that, I bring you this short list of to-reads that I own already but have, embarrassingly, not had the chance to read. Why this post? Perhaps to keep me honest. Or, perhaps a way … →

Stranger Will Tour Stop #71: Tom Williams’ blog – In Defense of Concept Fiction

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:51:47 +0000

For this post, so graciously hosted by Tom Williams, author of the incredible The Mimic’s Own Voice, I was going to take the title of his book literally and write something verbatim from one of Tom’s previous posts. But then I realized that such a thing would be stupid. Instead I write about something that I feel I am always defending, so I figure it’s time I write a post about it. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that … →

Stranger Will Tour Stop #70: Chris Deal’s blog – more comics created using author bio pictures

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:30:45 +0000

Author bio photos often seem to me as stuffy, strangely manicured posturing that is supposed to be a way to connect the reader to the author (and drive sales), but do they work? I’m not sure. However, they are good for displaying humorous captions. Check some out today at Chris Deal’s blog. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff.

Stranger Will Tour Stop #69: xTx’s blog and why the hell must I (try to) be so funny all the time

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:17:19 +0000

I’ve been awful about posting notices here telling all you lovely people when I have a new blog tour post go live. And today’s (yesterday’s) failure on my part is especially effed up, as the infamous and aesthetically mysterious xTx has allowed me a day on her blog. See if I ever get invited back. I write about my inherent, and unnecessary, need to turn everything I say into something potentially humorous. Success or no, I’m addicted. Click here to read the guest … →

Stranger Will Tour Stop #68: Le Salon Annex (Kristin Fouquet’s blog), Cleaning Up Death is Becoming Popular

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:55:15 +0000

The wonderfully talented Kristin Fouquet offers some space at her blog today where I write a bit about how dead body clean up has become more and more popular over the last few years. Thanks for Kristin for letting me stop by! Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff.

Stranger Will Tour Stop #67: Eject! Jason Kane’s blog and Steve Urkel/Stephan Urquelle

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:53:14 +0000

Steve Urkel. I need not say more. But I will. Steve Urkel = nerd. Stephan Urquelle = smooth, respected, man. What’s the difference? Looks. And what does this have to do with fiction writing? Head over to the Eject! blog to find out. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff.

Stranger Will tour stop #66: Bradley sands’ blog – the funniest quotes from a sex robot documentary

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:41:41 +0000

I can’t believe I failed to notify everyone about this new Blog Tour post that went live on Bradely Sands’ site a couple of days ago. I should be killed. I try to be open to hilarity everywhere in life. Sometimes, I don’t have to look far. At Bradley Sands’ blog today I provide a list of quotes, take verbatim, from a documentary on the Discovery channel called, simply, Sex Robot. Here’s a taste: Delosian: “You know that…Snow White, singing about … →

How do readers choose books? [Poll Results]

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 03:32:49 +0000

I’m a data nerd. I’m a spreadsheet and chart nerd. Therefore, I could have made this lede a bit shorter and simply said “I’m a nerd.” Recently, I conducted a very unscientific poll on Twitter and Facebook, asking a general group of readers how they decide what to read when choosing a book. While this is an admittedly small poll with a slight slant toward people I know, even if tangentially (they are connected to me via Facebook and Twitter … →

Episode 010: Twitter and the author. A novel with 140 characters, bad. An author with 140 characters, good.

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 03:27:00 +0000

What good is Twitter, really? How do authors use it? How should authors use it? How can readers use it? How can readers and authors use it together? How many more questions can I type here that essentially ask the same thing? In this episode I talk about how I, as an author and reader, use Twitter. But most importantly, I address its limitations. Enjoy. Send any writing and publishing related questions to caleb [at] calebjross.com. I will answer them … →

Stranger Will tour stop #65: Richard Thomas’ blog, we argue the merits (or non-) of an MFA

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:03:00 +0000

Today marks a special stop on my blog tour. Richard Thomas and I have it out a new installment of his dueling columns series which essentially pits two writers against one another to voice their individuals takes on a hot-button issue of the day. Our issue: to MFA or not to MFA. I’ve posted both of our write-ups below, which can also be seen at Richard Thomas’ site. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, … →

Episode 009: Do writers really need a writing room?

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:00:20 +0000

Virginia Woolf was an advocate of a writer having a dedicated place to write, as examined in her famous essay “A Room of One’s Own.” I know, the essay speaks specifically to women and how their treatment as lesser citizens prevented them from potential as serious writers. Hence, having the financial and social freedom afforded (or perhaps implied) by having a room of one’s own would be what makes the writer as woman a more accepted presence in the world … →

If you’ve read Stranger Will, you will definitely want to see this!

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 21:00:12 +0000

During the preorder phase of Stranger Will (around January(ish) of 2011) I decided to do something special, as I try to do with all of my book preorders. With Stranger Will, the temptation to integrate the preorder extras into the thematic content of the book itself was obvious and too persistent to ignore. A large part of the book deals with the trade of messenger pigeon messages between a woman named Mrs. Rose and to-be parents who are, shall we say, less … →

Spinetingler Magazine reviews Click-Clack from Warmed and Bound: “This vignette is a song masquerading as short story. It achieves this with a brilliance as flawless as any modern masterpiece of music.”

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:44:56 +0000

“Click-Clack” is a favorite of my stories. It has a rhythm and a focus that I am particularly proud of. So, it makes me all warm and bound to read Matthew C. Funk‘s review of the story at Spinetinger Magazine. Spinetingler, for whatever beautiful reason, has decided to review a handful of stories from the recent Warmed and Bound anthology, in which my story, along with 37 others, appear for your reading pleasure. Rather than blather on, I’ll just post a few of Mr. Funk’s … →

Caleb J. Ross Answers Reader Questions about his novel Stranger Will

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:00:01 +0000

Sometimes I get bored. When I get bored I tend to pretend there is a camera in front of me. This time, I pretended…FOR REAL! I rather like making promotional videos for my books. Perhaps I will continue. But then again, the new season of Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time finally started so boredom may be a thing of the past.

Stranger Will tour stop #64: Nascent Novelist blog – Don’t let your stories disappoint you

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:44:26 +0000

Today at Martine Svanevik’s Nascent Novelist blog I talk a bit about my very first non-academic publication, years ago at Dogmatika.com (may it rest in peace). The lesson: I’m so glad one of my earlier tries at fiction writing didn’t get out there for everyone else to see. I’m as proud of this first story now as I was then. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free … →

Stranger Will tour stop #63: American Typo blog – Write. Don’t “have written.”

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:09:51 +0000

Today at the American Typo blog, I talk about some sound wisdom from a source I’ve long forgotten: too many writers don’t want to write, they want to have written. It’s hard to remember this at times (which may be indicative of the “writers” lack of reason for being a writer in the first place). I want to be the author performer. I want to be the author on display. But do I want to be the author, alone, in … →

Stranger Will is not a manifesto on overpopulation or bad parenting, but infographics on the subject are still fun.

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 02:55:12 +0000

Stranger Will is not a novel meant to be read as a personal manifesto. Definitely not. Stranger Will contains some direct (and no so direct) anti-parenting and overpopulation problem content, sure, but the author is not always the book. Or as Freud might say, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. But that being said, I will forever be interested in data and trends regarding pregnancy. Hell, I’m nerdy enough to be interested in data and trends regarding anything. But … →

Source of story ideas: Infographics

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 02:49:24 +0000

A question many writers get is “where do you get your ideas?” This question often originates from one of two sources: 1) a desire for a new writer to find that secret arterial idea spring, or 2) a reassurance that the author isn’t insane (I assure you that the idea to embed fingernails into The Bible was not based on an actual event in my life). The truth is they come from everywhere. A mis-heard conversation, a sudden obsession with … →

Stranger Will tour stop #62: UnRonic – A “very true” history of me from @UnRonic, and a stupid author comic I made

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:34:49 +0000

Stephen Krauska, over at the UnRonic blog, posted one of my author comics as part of this blog tour. Not only that, but he also provided a handy bulleted list of my life’s highlights. Thank you sir. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff.

Stranger Will tour stop #61: Folded Word blog – an expression of love for the handmade book

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:29:13 +0000

The handmade book is special. The signed book is special. Anything that strengthens the bond between reader and writer is special. I discuss this and more today at the Folded Word blog. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff.

Stranger Will tour stop #60: Dark Sky Magazine – Denis Johnson Almost Drank My Pee

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:40:49 +0000

Before I say too much about this guest post, it is important that I stress the ALMOST part of “Denis Johnson Almost Drank My Pee.” He did not actually drink any bodily fluids of mine at all. It’s just that in a particularly drunken state, I thought that perhaps I could get Denis Johnson to almost drink my pee when I attended the Tin House Writer’s Workshop in 2004. Also, I recently had the privlidge of reading this non-fiction piece … →

Stranger Will tour stop #59: Impose Magazine – Caleb Ross from The Tribe vs. Caleb J. Ross from the books

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 05:37:45 +0000

I still get monthly emails from fans of Caleb Ross. Usually, I respond with a quick note about the incorrect identity. So to avoid further confusion, I’ve offered a post at Impose Magazine to help lessen the disappoint from fans of the famous Caleb Ross when they find out they have actually contacted the sit-on-the-couch-and-eat-Doritos Caleb Ross. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff.

Episode 008: ESU Visiting Writers Series with Caleb J. Ross (or at least 15 minutes of it)

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 07:55:06 +0000

A few days ago I had the pleasure of being the first writer to participate in the 2011-12 ESU Visiting Writers Series. This was an enormous honor for me, as my time at ESU, those many years ago, was a formative (and formidable) time in my life both as a writer and as a person. Unfortunately, those times did not serve my tech savvy side well, as I failed to change the batteries in my audio recorder and thus came away … →

Ben Tanzer and Brandon Tietz get This Podcasted, and I’m there by association

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:25:16 +0000

de Tietz: “Caleb J.Ross writes like “if Jonathan Franzen did way too many barbiturates and got into a downward spiral.” As always, Ben Tanzer moderates a fantastic episode of This Podcast Will Change Your Life. This episode brings with it Brandon Tietz, author of Out of Touch. He talks about his next book, Vanity, his work at The Cult, his contribution to Warmed and Bound, and much, much more. Subscribe to This Podcast Will Change Your Life. Never miss an … →

Stranger Will tour stop #58: Metazen

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:14:39 +0000

Music and creative writing have always coexisted for me. Not only do I write to music and edit to music, but now, music has been written to me. Confused? Be confused no more. Today at the Metazen blog I compare my story “My Family’s Rule” to the song, “Saint Thomas,” by the Tulsa, OK band Cecada. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff.

Episode 007: En-route to being a bad influence at ESU

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:48:22 +0000

That blog post title, she jests. In fact, this episode contains a few minutes of me talking to myself in preparation for being a good influence at ESU. ESU approached me a few weeks ago to be the first of their authors to participate in the Fall 2011 Visiting Writers Series. I was and still am honored. Click the download button above to hear me fill some time in my car alone with a few words about the then … →

Stranger Will tour stop #57: MudLuscious Facebook Page

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 03:45:10 +0000

In leiu of an actual blog post (due to the lack of an actual blog) ja tyler over at MudLuscious kindly allowed me to do a guest Facebook status at the MudLuscious Facebook page. I could post the entire status update here, as it comes in at around 400 characters in length, but I want you to get your clicking finger all sweaty. Click here to read the guest status update. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, … →

According to exclusive fake photos, celebrities love Stranger Will

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 00:59:57 +0000

Stranger Will tour stop #56: We Who Are About to Die/Breed

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:03:54 +0000

Though today’s post over at the We Who Are About to Die blog isn’t an officially scheduled stop on my blog tour, it is still a guest post and it went live during my tour, so there! I talk about what it’s like to be a daddy author, as a contribution to We Who Are About to Die’s We Who Are About to Breed series. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog … →

I’m still alive, and plan to be for another couple years at least

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:30:28 +0000

Way back in June 2011 when I started this podcast, my goal was to post a new episode each week. For those of you who look forward to weekly episodes I apologize for the absence as of late. I have good reason. But I’ll be back soon enough. So, what the hell have I been up to? Submitting my final I Didn’t Mean to be Kevin edits before submitting the final manuscript to Black Coffee Press Completing a 6,000 word … →

Stranger Will tour stop #55: PANK blog

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:46:11 +0000

Authors and booze go together like authors and self-destructive tendencies. Also, apparently like poorly articulated analogies. A great book on the subject is A Drinking Companion: Alcohol and Writers’ Lives. A great blog post on the subject of alcohol and authors is today’s tour stop at the PANK blog. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #54: Power is a State of Mind (Matt Tuckey’s blog)

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:25:02 +0000

Today brings me to the site of an apparently data kindred. Matt Tuckey’s blog dabbles in talk of data and analytics, which is right where my head is at most of the day. I love data. And as a natural point of embarrassment, I have no friends (probably because I proudly announce that I love data). Over at Tuckey’s blog, I highlight a few data trends using my own Google Analytics data. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget … →

[Guest Post] An excerpt from Pablo D’Stair’s upcoming novel VHS…lucky you!

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:00:21 +0000

The following is an excerpt from VHS, a literary novel by Pablo D’Stair being released in various e-formats, absolutely free-of-charge (and in limited edition print-editions-by-part through giveaways). Information on the project, including links to what is currently available, can be found at www.vhsbook.wordpress.com. “Drain” There was a distinct moaning coming from the sink drain in the bathroom of my basement—it didn’t start as distinct, in fact I hardly even heard it at first, had just ducked in to the bathroom to … →

Stranger Will tour stop #53: Shome Dasgupta’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:11:11 +0000

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c Borders Goes Out of Business www.thedailyshow.com Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog The Daily Show on Facebook I’ve been writing a lot about the live author reading lately. Maybe because I’m heavy into promoting two books, and the live reading has become more and more common for me. Or because I think the live reading is a swell time and others should share in … →

Stranger Will tour stop #52: The Little Sleep (Paul Tremblay’s blog)

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:20:44 +0000

Today I am honored to have a bit of page space at Paul Tremblay’s blog. Paul’s collection, In the Meantime, was one of my absolute favorite reads of 2010. He’s a frequent poster over at The Velvet, and an all around nice guy. He even recorded an episode of The Velvet Podcast with me, but tech complications made the episode unfortunately unusable. Damn shame, too. Maybe I’ll get him to let me try again in the future. Click here to read … →

Episode 006: A live reading at Czar Bar in Kansas City, MO

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:42:11 +0000

I’ve noticed that this podcast is slowly becoming less a weekly self-discussion platform for me to ramble on about crap and more a database where I can store audio snippets of my various non-self-discussion rambling ons about crap. You’re welcome. With that in mind, this “episode” is a recording of a live reading at Czar Bar in Kansas City, MO on August 7th. The event was a huge load of fun. The roster consisted of myself, Brandon Tietz, Michael Gomez … →

Stranger Will tour stop #51: Red Puffin Tobacco (Mlaz Corbier’s blog)

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:30:53 +0000

For those of you out there fortunate enough to know Mlaz Corbier, you’ll know that he’s a bit of nut (in the best possible way), which makes me wish I would have written a crazier post for his blog during my Stranger Will Tour for Strange. Though, I think Mlaz would say that me admitting to liking The DaVinci Code (in terms of story, not writing) is plenty crazy. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment … →

Stranger Will tour stop #50: Cannoli Pie Magazine; I am the August editor

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 14:55:38 +0000

Cannoli Pie editor Stephen Krauska (@cannolipie or @unRonic or UnRonic) asked me to be a guest editor at Cannoli Pie for the August issue. Amazing man; I ask for a tour stop on his blog and he offers an entire guest house for a month. I’m honored. I reached out to a few writers I know whom I believe represent various aspects of an aesthetic I’ve been slowly coming to understand over the last few years as being desirable both as a reader and a … →

Stranger Will tour stop #49: Obscuradrome (Bob Pastorella’s blog)

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:16:53 +0000

Today I stop by Bob Pastorella’s blog, Obscuradrome, where I talk about my love of book-related podcasts. I spend plenty of time whoring out other people’s podcasts, so if you have one, and you know me, chances are I mention you. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Episode 005: Reading Live, Dying Live

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 05:56:38 +0000

How do authors prepare for live readings? What is the draw of a live reading? In this episode I talk about how I approach live readings, set within the context of my upcoming reading in Kansas City with authors Brandon Tietz and Jesus Angel Garcia. Spoiler alert: I agree with you, live author readings tend to be kinda boring. And I agree with you too that the boring angle should be exiled. Show notes and mentions: The Czar Bar reading … →

Stranger Will tour stop #48: Justin Holt’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:15:44 +0000

Today I stop at Justin Holt’s blog. I was first introduced to Justin’s work back in 2005-ish, I think, during one of the earliest incarnations of Write Club. What stuck with me even more than his writing was his obsession with music. This guy is a true lover. He’s not a hipster elitist at all (which is the assumption with most people who preach a love of much). No, Justin is an equal opportunity lover. Check is blog archive for … →

Hey Chicago-ers: Chicago Publisher ‘CCLaP’ Holds Quadruple Book Release Party, August 10th

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:00:41 +0000

(This post is cross-posted from the Outsider Writers site) From CCLaP The Chicago Center for Literature and Photography, or CCLaP, is proud to announce their latest local live event, a large-scale party to celebrate the release of their first four paper books this summer. An electronic publisher since 2007, CCLaP has been quietly releasing new special-edition, handmade “Hypermodern” paper editions of its four titles throughout the summer; and on August 10th the group will be gathering at the popular Beauty Bar in the Bucktown neighborhood for drinks, … →

Stranger Will tour stop #47: Ryan W. Bradley’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:16:36 +0000

Today I stop by Ryan W. Bradley’s blog (publisher at Artistically Declined Press and future Black Coffee Press label-mate; his Code for Failure comes out in 2012, shortly after my I Didn’t Mean to be Kevin later this year). I offer a few words on my humility as a writer and the idea that being humble is way different than being self-depreciating (the latter of which my dumb ass tends to do). Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget … →

[Guest Post] Character and Plot – One and The Same Thing..?: A guest post from David Baboulene

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:00:01 +0000

Following is a guest post from David Baboulene, author of The Story Book. He is currently preparing to defend his Ph.D. thesis at Brighton University that subtext is the defining substance of story, and by measuring subtext presence, depth and extent, he can tell you in advance how successful a story is likely to be. If you are like me, you are unlikely to understand the next two paragraphs, but by the end of this article we will visit them again and hopefully … →

Warmed and Bound reaches #3 in Barnes & Noble paperback bestsellers

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 05:03:04 +0000

By now, most of you know that I have a story in this amazing noir short fiction anthology called Warmed and Bound. What some of you may not yet know is just how successful the book has been already. Go here for purchase information. Don’t be left out.

Interviewed at Booked Podcast about the Warmed and Bound collection

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 19:33:14 +0000

The wonderful guys at Booked Podcast are conducting a marathon series of interviews with the contributors to Warmed and Bound story collection. I am lucky enough to have appeared at their podcast once before, so coming back feels more like a stop back to hang out than an actual interview in which I am trying to sell a book. They’ve got an enormous number of authors lined up, so please check back there often for more Warmed and Bound-ery.

Get Warmed, Get Bound Today

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:15:32 +0000

The day of attrition is upon us. Also, coincidentally, the day that Warmed and Bound is released is also upon us. For those of you not yet in the know, prepare to be baptized. Warmed and Bound is an anthology of short stories stitched together by the people at The Velvet and edited by the beautiful and talented Pela Via. I’ve stated already the huge amount of talent crammed inside this amazing noir collection, so I won’t do that again. For those with an tendency … →

Stranger Will tour stop #46: Monkeybicycle (again)

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:38:15 +0000

Today I squeeze into the (rightfully) crowded seats of Monkeybicycle once again, this time to express my sadness that I never truly got to experience the wonder that likely was the Penny Universities. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Six Personal Investigations of the Act of Reading: Caleb J. Ross’ Stranger Will at the Sri Lanka Sunday Observer

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 15:42:46 +0000

Pablo D’Stair returns with his second installment of his Six Personal Investigations of the Act of Reading, this time with my novel, Stranger Will, as the article’s referent object (with a focus on Genre). I simply could not be more delighted. He’s already tackled Stephen Graham Jones’ The Bird is Gone: a manifesto and is prepping investigations of Goodloe Byron’s The Wraith (which I am currently reading), Amelia Gray’s, AM/PM, D. Harlan Wilson’s Peckinpah: an ultraviolent romance, and Brian Olu’s … →

Stranger Will tour stop #45: The Write Place (Simon West-Bulford’s blog)

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:53:40 +0000

Today I stop by Simon West-Bulford’s blog to drop a bit of humbling knowledge on would-be authors about the real life cycle of a novel. Click here to read the guest post, The process of Stranger Will: from done, to done, to really done, to seriously done, to “I’ve got to write another one?!”. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

More love from Orange Alert, Stranger Will gets Watched…

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 01:49:14 +0000

How could you not love Jason at Orange Alert? For the second day in a row I get a bit of love from that lovely soul. This time, in the from of a mention on his weekly The Watch List segment for my Stranger Will book trailer.

A rest from the road to read at Orange Alert Podcast, episode 70

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:06:32 +0000

Literature lover and good natured promoter of all things indy, Jason Behrends offers up his newest episode of the Orange Alert Podcast with lovely side dish of yours truly. He has included my reading of the first chapter of As a Machine and Parts (from a March reading at Method in Kansas City) in this newest episode. Jason was one of the earliest supporters of As a Machine and Parts, so it means a lot to have him include me. … →

Why’d You Go and Do That, Caleb? Pablo D’Stair asks and I ask Pablo.

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 03:44:13 +0000

Pablo D’Stair simply doesn’t stop. He has recently begun yet another project. His Why’d You Go and Do That? series asks authors to confess to a long hidden secret, and subsequently answer a few questions about how that secret may have forged the author’s thematic sensibilities. This guy has so much going on that he’s basically become his own Guide to Online Schools. Though I hope this trend of uncomfortable confession doesn’t take over his entire curriculum; someone will likely … →

Stranger Will tour stop #44: Pela Via’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:47:23 +0000

What follows is a conversation between myself and writer and Warmed and Bound editor, Pela Via. Why? We like chatting about ourselves. Or, read a much prettier version at Pela’s blog. Pela Via: Thanks for talking to me again, Caleb. You are one of the hardest workers in contemporary fiction; I always love a chance to corner you into a long, stifling conversation. Are you as prolific as you seem? Caleb J. Ross: Prolific is a term that seems appropriate … →

Stranger Will tour stop #43: Monkeybicycle

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:56:42 +0000

The wonderful bl pawelek has invited me to participate in his Ten Everywhere questions series at Monkeybicycle. Click here to read the question series. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Quoted for Tattooed Truth

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:13:19 +0000

This entire post is pulled from the Warmed & Bound book site, written by editor Pela Via. If she didn’t already have the words, I swear this could have come from my fingers verbatim (though with less Caleb Ross praise; I try to subdue the ego as much as I can): It was this time last year I sent out the first anthology emails. If I remember right, first to JR Harlan, begging for his story “Love,” and to Craig … →

Episode 004: Fictional Money OR The Whore Part II

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:49:51 +0000

Yes, another episode about the role of the whore personality among the writer’s many bank of guises. This time, I approach the idea that perhaps an author shouldn’t take the largest advance offered to him. What does such a gesture mean in terms of the author’s career? When is it okay to take whatever money you’ve been given and run? Show Notes and Mentions: Paris and the Hiltons, and project mastermind Phil Jourdan The other contributors: Gordon Highland, Richard Thomas, … →

Stranger Will tour stop #42: NOO Journal blog

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 18:35:48 +0000

Today , NOO Journal is kind enough to post an interview that author Nik Korpon did with me a few weeks back. NOO is too good to me. Click here to read the interview. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

An extremely stupid book trailer for Stranger Will. Share the stupidness.

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:33:27 +0000

Disclaimer: I actually really love each of the three aristocratic representative books in the above trailer. In fact, Freedom was definitely one of my favorites from last year. It’s just fun to chip away at pillars.

$0.99 for Stranger Will and others, through July 7th only!

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:53:54 +0000

You don’t want to hang out with family this July 4th weekend anyway, right? For a limited time, through July 7th to be exact, Otherworld Publications is offering all five titles from their “Brat Pack” authors at $0.99 each. That’s one penny for every moment of regret you’ll have reading this rubbish. Stranger Will by Caleb J. Ross $0.99 Kindle Nook Smashwords Stay God by Nik Korpon $0.99 Kindle Smashwords Out of Touch by Brandon Tietz $0.99 Kindle Smashwords Transubstantiate … →

Stranger Will gets the Pablo D’Stair treatment: Six investigations of the act of reading

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 02:16:48 +0000

Pablo D’Stair is easily the hardest working man in independent literature. The guy has operated his own publishing press (Brown Paper Publishing) for a few years now, he continuously produces his own amazing fiction (he’s authored about 43,000 books, I think), he’s innovative with his means of extracting meaningful dialog between author and reader (see: The Predicate Dialogues, and Norman Court for his latest projects in this space) and he works tirelessly to apply critical analysis to fiction in a … →

Warmed & Bound, a collection of Velvet Noir. You will be different after this.

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:34:08 +0000

You will be hearing about this a lot in the coming weeks. I sense a paradigm shift. Enter: Velvet Noir. Website: warmedandbound.com Twitter: @WarmedAndBound Facebook: Warmed and Bound Facebook (The Velvet): The Velvet

Stranger Will tour stop #41: Gordon Highland’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:56:39 +0000

Today I stop by Gordon Highland’s blog to deliver a quick list of author dos and don’ts. Gone is the blurry line between maybe and possibly. These are hard and fast rules for authors. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Episode 003: Technology and the Author Whore

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 04:13:08 +0000

This week I talk about the necessary entrepreneurial spirit of the contemporary author. I know; “boooooooooo” you say. Me too. But the fact is that publishers, even (perhaps especially) independent and small press publishers are relying more and more on the marketing savvy of the author. Is this fair? Probably not. Is it the reality? Definitely yes. Show Notes and Mentions: Ebooks: the latest frontier for spam (via The Guardian) E singles by Axel Taiari and Richard Thomas Broadcastr Photo … →

Stranger Will tour stop #40: The Outlet (Electric Literature’s blog)

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:55:44 +0000

Today’s post is an interview I did with Gil Reavill, author of Aftermath, Inc.: Cleaning Up After CSI Goes Home. The book was incredibly helpful for me when writing Stranger Will, as it offers some brilliant perspective on the world of human remains removal. The interview, posted today at The Outlet (Electric Literature‘s blog component), is a shortened version of the original interview. I plan to post the full interview here at my homepage within the next few weeks or … →

Episode 002: Attention, Author Promotion! One Night Only!

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:23:40 +0000

Authors, you have to promote yourself. You can’t avoid it. But you can reinterpret what “promotion” means. Gone should be the negative connotations and skewed associations. Promotion should be embraced. At its core, promotion is simply a way to get readers to you books. As an author, you want people to read your books, right? No. Oh. Then go write a diary and quit muddying the waters for the rest of us! Show Notes and Mentions: Outsider Writers Collective Goodreads.com … →

Stranger Will tour stop #39: Craig Wallwork’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 05:09:42 +0000

This is a special stop. For the next 24 hours Craig Wallwork has given me free range at his blog. My early apologies to him and his accumulated blog following. Click here to read the interview. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

@BenTanzer says “With As a Machine & Parts Caleb J. Ross continues to stake his claim as his generation’s Watcher”

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:30:19 +0000

Apparently there are a couple of Advance Reader Copies of my forthcoming book, As a Machine and Parts floating around out there, giving bad names to bookshelves across the country. One landed in Ben Tanzer’s filthy mitts (creepy refection in the image above is actually Nik Korpon, however). Having the man behind You Can Make Him Like You and My Father’s House say such nice things about my book makes me all crazy inside. His words, as he might say, … →

Stranger Will tour stop #38: WhoHub Interview

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:54:31 +0000

To be honest, I don’t really know what the WhoHub site is good for. But even the biggest of rockstars have to play an unfamiliar city. Click here to read the interview. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Episode 001: Rent-to-Own Your Landscape

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 20:46:43 +0000

Fresh from episode zero comes episode one. See, I’m good at math. Here I talk a bit about the importance of a writer to claim ownership of his/her location. Too many writers, especially newer writers, still equate capital-P Publishing with the East coast (in the US, anyway). The problem with limiting scope to the coast is that it doesn’t allow writers to understand their existing context. In fact, I would say that it takes a better writer to leech from … →

Stranger Will tour stop #37: Ferg’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 05:24:51 +0000

Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Episode 000: Do I Really Need Three Numerical Placeholders for this Podcast?

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:55:42 +0000

Welcome to the world’s first blog post of the world’s first episode of The World’s First Author Podcast. For those who have somehow found your way here via anything other than my homepage, let me introduce myself. My name is Caleb J. Ross. I am an author of fiction, a bit of non-fiction, a couple of novels (Stranger Will, I Didn’t Mean to be Kevin), and perhaps one day a manifesto of some sort. I’m thinking I might go with … →

Stranger Will tour stop #36: Undie Press

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:21:16 +0000

This is a post I have been meaning to write for a few years. Until this blog tour, I simply wasn’t sure how to write it. But with Undie Press and their recurring “Scars” segment, I knew I had found my motivation. I plan to build upon this piece to make it a full-length non-fiction essay, but until then, enjoy this pre-version. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog … →

Stranger Will tour stop #35: an interview at Booked Podcast

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 16:06:14 +0000

Though this interview at Booked Podcast was not a pre-planned stop on my blog tour, the diversion is a welcomed one and certainly deserving of an official blog post. All in all, I had a great time with these guys. Robb and Livius are true book fans and were incredibly easy to talk with. I only hope my many asides did not make editing a nightmare for them. Click here to listen to the interview. Also, don’t forget that if … →

Stranger Will tour stop #34: Words for Guns (Matt DeBenedictis’ blog)

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:23:49 +0000

Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #33: A Bitter Look (Georgina Kamsika’s blog)

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:03:58 +0000

It’s true, rejection saved my writing career. How? Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

The lovely Kristin Fouquet reviews Stranger Will

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 30 May 2011 22:38:21 +0000

Kristin Fouquet, author of Twenty Stories, which I loved, has written a very nice review of Stranger Will. But the center of her review shouldn’t be the review itself. She offers a snippet of her own life, one which shares thematic similarities to Stranger Will. From the review: With ease, Ross seems to dare you to turn the page. Chapter Eighteen is gut-wrenching. It reminded me of footage of Shias parading while flogging themselves. The children used soft, harmless cat-o-nine … →

Stranger Will tour stop #32: Eye Brains (Mel Bosworth’s blog)

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 30 May 2011 22:18:23 +0000

Should you pursue the small press route or the large press route? Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will gets the Booked Podcast treatment; praise ensues

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 29 May 2011 22:44:56 +0000

A few weeks ago I was turned on to Booked Podcast via their review of Christopher Dwyer’s novel When October Falls. I am always looking for more literature podcasts, and I’ve been a fan and friend of Dwyer’s for a long time, so when the two came together I did not hesitate to jump in. Livius Nedin and Robb Olson have not been doing Booked Podcast to very long yet, but they approach the format liked seasoned connoisseurs. It is … →

Stranger Will tour stop #31: Alluringly Short (Erica Mena’s blog)

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 29 May 2011 18:49:07 +0000

I am a little late posting this tour stop; I have been off the internet grid for the last few days (enjoying a few days at the lake). Though, if I were smart I would play off the late post as a simple mis-translation of the date. That would be fitting to the topic of this newest post, all about translation in literature. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest … →

Charactered Pieces gets Ben Tanzered

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:13:34 +0000

I have long known that Ben Tanzer is a fan of my story “An Optimist is the Human Personification of Spring” from my Charactered Pieces chapbook. Ben has been kind enough to tell me that very fact, saying to me that it is one of the most affecting stories he has read recently (even telling the world on his podcast). Simply stated, he likes the story, and his enthusiasm and praise is exactly the reason I write. So, when he posted some … →

Stranger Will tour stop #30: Phil Jourdan’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 21 May 2011 00:02:09 +0000

For the big three-ohhhh post on this blog tour I stop by Phil Jourdan’s blog. Phil is best known, to me at least, as the crazy smart philosophy guy and mastermind of the band Paris and the Hiltons. He’s a guy worth knowing now, because one day everyone will know him. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #29: Used Furniture Review (stop #2 of 2)

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 18 May 2011 19:04:45 +0000

Today is my second of two (shed tear) stops at the always amazing Used Furniture Review. I love this site, so it’s an honor to be a part of it twice. Today I write a bit about how book clubs have changed in our web 2.0 culture. I also use the post to highlight my own recent (and ongoing through May) experience with one of the cooler book clubs around, the Chuck Palahniuk fan site book club. Click here to … →

Stranger Will tour stop #28: Ben Tanzer’s This Podcast Will Change Your Life

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 16 May 2011 21:08:20 +0000

I have been a big, big fan of Ben Tanzer’s podcast, This Podcast Will Change Your Life, for a long time. In fact, the podcast may be where I first discovered Mr. Tanzer. I can’t remember; the beautiful memories just blur together sometimes. Mr. Tanzer was kind enough to talk with me for his podcast. This episode is unique in that we conducted the discussion over the phone. Usually his podcast episodes are done life, with a few beers involved. … →

Stranger Will tour stop #27: Big Northern Girl Goes Down

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 14 May 2011 18:34:54 +0000

Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #26: Marie Schutt’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:06:00 +0000

Today is a two-fer. After my earlier post at Gloom Cupboard, here comes another, this one at Marie Schutt’s blog. I write about a topic I’ve long pondered, the idea of a pinnacle medium for every creative idea. Mainly: is there a pinnacle medium? Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #25: Gloom Cupboard

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 12 May 2011 16:03:32 +0000

Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #24: The Nervous Breakdown

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 11 May 2011 15:08:11 +0000

Update: My article on defending my novel, Stranger Will, is now live. But because I love the image below so much, I am going to keep it up. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #23: Used Furniture Review (stop #1 of 2)

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 09 May 2011 01:39:34 +0000

Today’s post is something special. About a month ago I read with Brandon Tietz and Michael Sonbert as part of Brandon’s Super Sexy 100% Classy Author Reading. While the event was great fun, I approached the night more as a tourist than a participant. And as a tourist, I had to nerd-up the event as much as I could. That’s why I video recorded my reading so I could study it like I’m some kinda’ football player. Today’s post is … →

Stranger Will tour stop #22: Anthony David Jacques’ blog

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 08 May 2011 01:41:41 +0000

I’ve been so damn busy lately. So busy, in fact, that I completely failed to post about my newest blog tour stop. I’m a fool. I deserve a slow death. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #21: Adam Robinson’s Publishing Genius Blog

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:32:35 +0000

Writers can be pretentious. That’s why it is important for us to counter that stereotype whenever possible. I offer some ways to do just at today at Adam Robinson’s Publishing Genius blog. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #20: ChuckPalahniuk.net BOOK CLUB!!!!

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 01 May 2011 23:28:57 +0000

This stop is a big one for me. Oft visitors will know that I am a big Chuck Palahniuk fan (I even defend Tell-All and Snuff). And in being so, it goes without saying that I frequent the official Chuck Palahniuk fan site, The Cult, quite often (I’m thirstygerbil over there). So, when Stranger Will was chosen as the May 2011 official book club pick, I danced a bit. If you’ve read Stranger Will, please head over to the forums … →

Stranger Will tour stop #19: Slushpile Hero (S. S. Michaels’ blog)

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 13:45:30 +0000

What makes a writer a writer? The ability to give context to the seemingly innocuous. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #18: Stephen Graham Jones’ blog

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:10:30 +0000

What makes an autographed book valuable? I bastardize this question and many more today at Stephen Graham Jones’ blog. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

810 people have entered to get one of 4 copies of Stranger Will, via Goodreads.com

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:48:11 +0000

I’m touched and honored. 810 seems like a big number. It makes me wish I had 806 more copies to give away. Thank you to everyone who has entered. There’s still a couple more hours to try for a copy. Of course, there is always buying a copy, too.

Stranger Will tour stop #17: decomP Magazine

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:15:05 +0000

Reading is as important to writers as writing. Simple. Which is why I love when stories stick with me long after reading; it makes me dream that my work will have the same effect. Today at the decomP Magazing blog, I write about three pieces that still work on me, even these many months after originally reading them. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get … →

Stranger Will tour stop #16: Lit Drift

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:19:41 +0000

Today at Lit Drift I write about one of my favorite topics: the intersection of cultural intelligence and cartoons. I love cartoons. I love feigning intelligence. I love combining these loves. I hope you love reading about the combination of these loves. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

The Velvet presents Warmed and Bound, a collection of stories that will pre-crap your pants for you

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 01:56:42 +0000

I would normally hold off on announcing a publication until the publication in question has been, well, published. But Warmed and Bound is different. Warmed and Bound is a story collection many, many years in the making. Honestly, since the start of The Velvet forums, the idea of a collected story collection has been tossed around. And finally, with talent figuratively forcing apart the forum seams, it’s about time the group warmth is bound for all to read. What makes … →

Stranger Will tour stop #15: BL Pawelek’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:51:25 +0000

Today, at BL Pawelek’s blog I write about the overlap of visual arts concepts and creative writing concepts. This post is all a call to action for anyone with additional insight into the overlap to post in the blog comments. I am trying to gather some resources for a possible larger project for the future.. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See … →

Stranger Will tour stop #14: Matt Bell’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:14:32 +0000

Matt Bell’s fiction originally captivated me the way most lasting fiction captivates me: grotesque imagery. Today, at Matt Bell’s blog I write about why the grotesque is such an arresting form. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Wow. Wowy wow wow. Stranger Will love from Bob Pastorella

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 01:44:52 +0000

Bob Pastorella, keeper of the enviably-titled Obscuradrome blog, just posted a pants-tinglingly beautiful review of Stranger Will. Some excerpts: Saying Stranger Will is compelling is the understatement of the year. Quality fiction is both compelling and unpredictable. It’s also dangerous, which is why we read it. Ross writes with all of these factors in mind. From the first pages, he takes you by the hand, leading you down dark corridors where you really don’t want to go, but you’re unable to … →

Stranger Will tour stop #13: BULL Men’s Fiction blog

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:03:04 +0000

BULL Men’s Fiction was kind to post this letter I wrote to Drew Estate. My intention was to get the cigar company, maker of my favorite, ACID cigars, to sponsor me as a writer in return for free cigars. So far, it hasn’t worked. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #12: >Kill Author blog

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:30:33 +0000

I almost completely failed to post about this >Kill Author tour stop. >Kill Author does something damn cool; they ask contributors to write blog posts about other stories from the site. As soon as I read Brian Hurley’s “The North” I felt compelled to offer a word or two. Recommended reading for everyone. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour … →

Stranger Will tour stop #11: The Stooge’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 02:18:37 +0000

Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #10: Jay Slayton-Joslin’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:09:06 +0000

Today, Jay Slayton-Joslin has posted an interview he conducted wherein I discuss the idealogical differences between myself and the characters of Stranger Will. Which, I assure you, is a necessary distinction to make. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. See all tour stops here

Stranger Will tour stop #9: Artjerk

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 18:45:25 +0000

Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. About the Stranger Will Tour for Strange: My goal is to post at a different blog every few days beginning with the release of his novel Stranger Will in March 2011 to the release of my second novel, I Didn’t Mean to Be Kevin in November 2011. If you have connections to a lit blog of … →

Like Brian Evenson? > Kill Author has published my short story homage to the man

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:40:48 +0000

I have been reading > Kill Author for quite some time. The fiction they publish rarely disappoints, the editors are anonymous, and the layout of the site makes reading super-dooper easy. So when they accepted my story Evenson’s Tongue for publication, I felt truly unworthy. Readers of this blog will know that I am a fan of Brian Evenon’s work. He is consistently impressive. His work does things with the grotesque that many writers try yet few accomplish. So, a … →

The real questions authors need to ask when deciding between self-publishing and traditional publishing

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 04:08:05 +0000

With the news of sudden-star Amanda Hocking circumnavigating – and established-star Barry Eisler eschewing - traditional publishing in favor of self publishing, I thought it important to collect my thoughts on the topic from the perspective of aspiring authors. Getting a book published is easy. Anyone with $5 and a Lulu account can do it (or for a bit more can go through Createspace, direct to Lightning Source, or any other PoD route). So the discussion for authors must change … →

Stranger Will tour stop #8: Nik Korpon’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:06:42 +0000

Stranger Will tour stop #7: Thunderdome (again!)

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:48:50 +0000

Stranger Will tour stop #6: HTMLGiant

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 16:12:32 +0000

Stranger Will tour stop #5: The Velvet Podcast

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:00:49 +0000

Today’s post is a special audio interview over at The Velvet Podcast. Click here to go to the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. About the Stranger Will Tour for Strange: My goal is to post at a different blog every few days beginning with the release of his novel Stranger Will in March 2011 to the release of my second novel, I Didn’t Mean to Be … →

Stranger Will tour stop #4: Thunderdome

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:11:54 +0000

Stranger Will tour stop #3: Gregory Frye’s blog

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:58:38 +0000

Click here to read the guest post. About the Stranger Will Tour for Strange: My goal is to post at a different blog every few days beginning with the release of his novel Stranger Will in March 2011 to the release of my second novel, I Didn’t Mean to Be Kevin in November 2011. If you have connections to a lit blog of any type, professional journal or personal site, please contact me. I would love to compromise your integrity … →

Stranger Will tour stop #2: Big Other (you can win an STD textbook!)

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:12:11 +0000

Stranger Will tour stop #1: Outsider Writers Collective

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:00:21 +0000

It’s already strange in here…it’s about to get Stranger…

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:00:14 +0000

Buy Direct from Publisher: Click here for Paperback Click here for Hardcover From Amazon: Click here to buy from Amazon But you don’t have to take my word for it (click) . Advance Praise “As someone who teaches, edits and reads for a living, I’m always looking for the scene, the character, the story I haven’t read a thousand times over and over. Something with the spark of originality and the courage to be different. When I see that something … →

Looks like Chuck Palahniuk fans are the target market for loving babies

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 23:00:47 +0000

I don’t talk much about my son on this blog. Mostly because I am disappointed in him. I mean, damn, he’s two…get a fucking job! I jest. But you know what isn’t funny? Premature birth (see what I did there? I zig and I zag). My son was born 6 weeks early, which in the grand scheme of premature births isn’t quite the devastation that many new parents suffer. Jameson is perfect now, despite his early birth, thanks in part … →

Talking the author performance with 4 other writers who know how to perform

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:00:52 +0000

Fresh from our own live readings, me, Ben Tanzer (You Can Make Him Like You), Ryan W. Bradley (publisher, Artistically Declined Press), Nik Korpon (Stay God), and Brandon Tietz (Out of Touch) have a sit down at Bourbon in Washington DC to discuss the hows and whys of author performance. Performance is part of the author’s life. Many of us may prefer the romance of the hermit writer to the reality of the performing writing, but as the culture shifts … →

Tuesday’s Twitter follower spotlight: @amoyal

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:28:57 +0000

This week’s “Person you should Stalk 2.0: @amoyal. Why? Look at that Dick Tracy style hat. Just look at it! Bio:Brand engagement strategist for hire. Speaker/trainer. Love hugs, geosocial & interconnecting business, people & solutions for a sustainable, empowered society. Website: http://ariemoyal.com/ Good tweets as of late:

Live Reading TONIGHT (again). Free Beer (again).

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:00:17 +0000

Saturday, March 5 6:00pm – 10:00pm Method. 1529 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO

Live reading, TONIGHT. Free Beer.

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:00:32 +0000

Friday, March 4 · 6:00pm – 11:00pm Slap n Tickle Gallery 504 E. 18th St Kansas City, MO

Pre-orders for Stranger Will are now open. Be cool before being cool gets cool.

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:12:23 +0000

Stranger Will is officially available for pre-order. What does that mean to you? Lots. You know that tingly, nether-region feeling you get when you’ve got amazing leftovers in your refrigerator ready for the next day’s lunch? You can have that feeling now with just a few mouse clicks. Feel like the hipster component of the upcoming Stranger Will Tour for Strange, like when you know the opening band’s catalog and will take every opportunity to tell fellow concert-goers how much … →

The Velvet Podcast, interview with Jane Friedman, social media expert

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 01:00:33 +0000

Over the past few weeks, Jane Friedman and I have gotten to know each other almost entirely by way of Twitter. With online social media playing such an important role in our introduction and ultimate in-person meeting it made sense that we should take a few moments during the recent AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Projects) conference in Washington DC to discuss the role of social media in the author’s life. Jane’s passion for the world of e-media is … →

Tuesday’s Twitter follower spotlight: @Zanna85

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:00:51 +0000

I am going to start posting weekly (hopefully) spotlights on random Twitter followers. Why? Why not? This week’s “Person you should Stalk 2.0: @Zanna85 Bio:Sexually: All Over The Map Sock it to me, baby. SOCK IT TO ME. Website: http://zmacabre.tumblr.com/ Good tweets as of late:

Life in 100 Words or Less

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:00:32 +0000

I was recently approached to write a short piece for a project called Life in 100 Words or Less. A quick perusal through the aptly named Life in 100 Words or Less blog revealed some very interesting takes on this morbid, though inspiring, topic. A deeper dive left me feeling dirty, but not so much that I didn’t decide to offer my own few words. Read mine here. Read the rest here.

I talk the role of social media in the author’s career (then I tweet, blog, Facebook, etc. about it)

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:00:32 +0000

Recently, I was kindly invited to participate in a panel on social media during the 2011 AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) conference in Washington DC. Joined by Tanya Egan Gibson, Dan Blank, Bethanne Patrick, Christina Katz, and moderator Jane Friedman, the panel succeeded in opening up and emphasizing both the possibilities and importance of social media in developing an author’s platform. Having never before participated in an AWP panel (though I have attended many), I was initiated only … →

Guess who paid to be one of 65 authors included in No Colony’s Pushcorpse project.

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:00:01 +0000

A single story? 65 authors? Yes. Who? These: Shya Scanlon, Christian Ochoa, Brian Spears, David Erlewine, Christopher Higgs, Alan Horn, Jason Cook, Matt Kirkpatrick, Amy Letter, Gene Morgan, Vaughan Simons, David Peak, Brian Carr, Claire Kohne, Caleb J. Ross, Michael Jauchen, Alec Niedenthal, Christopher Heavener, Jac Jemc, Peter Rawlings, Joseph Goosey, Darby Larson, Nathan Tyree, Michael Inscoe, Roxane Gay, Jonny Kelly, Alan S. Carl, Aaron Gilbreath, Travis Kurowski, Caitlyn Dibble, Jackie Corley, J.A. Tyler, Andrew Borgstrom, Christopher Newgent, Phoebe North, … →

The Velvet reads at the appropriately named The Velvet Lounge in Washington D.C

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 20:31:41 +0000

Only one day back from Washington DC and already I miss it. The city was wonderful, of course, but what really impressed me was how nice the citizens were. Everyone from CVS counter workers to street repair people went out of their way to smile and offer a hello. And I definitely don’t project a aura of respectability, so these people couldn’t have feared I was in a position to fire them. One of the high points for me was … →

Blogging, Tweeting, and YouTubing from AWP all this week

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:00:49 +0000

Between February 2nd and 5th I will be attending the AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) Conference in Washington DC. During this time I’ll be temporarily relocated. Check often at the following places, where I (and a team of writers) will be reporting on the happenings at the conference all week. Be sure to subscribe to the blog, YouTube channel, and Podcast feed, and follow the Twitter stream. My AWP Blog (www.calebjross.com/awpblog) Expect summaries of panels and daily roundups … →

Treat every book like The Bible

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:14:41 +0000

Can you talk about a single book for one hour every week? Ministers/Priests/Pastors/Reverends/Etc. do. Why shouldn’t more books get the attention that religion texts do? Okay, most books don’t have a centuries-long history, a following (even a lukewarm one), or a cultivated lifestyle (excluding the Twilights and Harry Potters). What most books do have in common with religion texts is an industry infrastructure built to support their messages and the text itself; compelling narrative for the ultimate goal of better … →

David Mamet get bleeped on The Simpsons, and maybe Chuck Palahniuk is there too

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:00:01 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) More Unexpected Literary references from The Simpsons. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Okay, The Simpsons, time to step aside and let some other cartoon be the smarty-pants lit reference show. You’ve been the hipster long enough. Your gags are disproportionately literary-based, and for that The Simpsons, I would appreciate more fart jokes. By now you are probably thinking, “wait, I thought you loved lit references in cartoons.” Good call you. Playwright David Mamet makes … →

Validating the three publishing options: Traditional, Small/Independent, DIY

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 03:07:02 +0000

Honestly, when in the company of commercial press authors, defending my place as independent press author can be difficult. To those who have “made it” into the commercial presses, I would assume my defense comes across not nearly as articulately and convincingly as I would hope. Afterall, the examples of small press authors immigrating into the world of commercial presses far outweighs the number of commercial authors willing to emigrate to the small press world. The commercial press gatekeeper is … →

Social media is a natural fit for authors. Tip your readers!

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:28:53 +0000

When I’m not authoring mind explosions, I spend part of my time professionally involved with social media. One of the items my company stresses with our clients is that social media is not about pushing a message of product, product, product. It’s about engaging with customers and potential customers on a personal level. This means breaking the traditional advertising bullhorn approach of “BUY THIS NOW” with quips about the weather or TV shows, for example (though perhaps still tangentially related … →

American Dad fandangles Dr. Seuss’ red fish typewriter blue fish

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 03:54:01 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) Season 1, episode 15 (“Star Trek”), of the always entertaining “American Dad” plots the sudden rise of Steve Smith as a children’s book author. This premise, of course, is perfect for literary nods. Strange, though, that I only caught two. See the entire episode here: Additional hilarious photo (I paused the embedded video at just the right/wrong time):

As a Machine and Parts: a novella (12/2011)

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 22:55:08 +0000

Mitchell, a twenty-something Cougar Cub with Marsha, his midlife girlfriend, wakes each morning, living an ever-thinning line between human and machine. As his literal condition progresses he looses his capacity for human emotion, and potentially with it, Marsha. As a Machine and Parts is a story of Mitchell’s struggle to discover which assembly line he belongs to.

Literary critics aren’t dying, but they are threatening suicide…again.

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:49:21 +0000

The December 31st, 2010 episode of the New York Times Review of Books podcast focused on a conversation on the relevance of professional literary criticism, especially in respects to the ‘everyone does it’ mentality associated with Amazon book reviews, Facebook statuses, and amateur lit crit blogs. Though the entire conversation was extremely interesting, the following point was especially intriguing. Said Katie Roiphe, a professor at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University, about the current position of … →

The top 5 most popular blog posts of 2010

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 03:11:22 +0000

During 2010 I went from a seldom-posting recluse to an annoying gnat. But apparently some people like being bothered by insects, because a few of my posts actually rose out of the white noise to become respectable accidental meant-to-search-for-porn landing pages. #1 | Great Unexpected Literary References (posted in June) Top entrance keywords: literary references, literature references in family guy, south park literary references, simpsons literary references, family guy brian great expectations reference #2 | Peter Griffin does porn and … →

Ideas I’ve had (probably while drinking): bottle stories

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 03:00:34 +0000

The beer bottle label is grossly misappropriated real estate. When sold as a six- or twelve-pack, the bottle label is hidden by the outside packaging. And nobody buys a single bottle of beer. So why not use the label for something more than null-advertising? We drink for the morning after stories over greasy breakfast, so why not pull those stories back by a few hours and give them when drinking? The content of the stories could be anything from true … →

Kansas City Reading Coves – Outlaw Cigar (south)

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:56:45 +0000

I bring you #5 of a hopefully long-lived series: Kansas City Reading Coves. When I can, I like my coves like my vaginas: humid and labyrinthine. Today’s cove: Outlaw Cigar (south) – 13700 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66223 I’ve avoided this place for two reasons: 1) it’s a 30 minute or so drive from my house, and 2) the cigars are crazy expensive. The only time I came in here prior to today’s visit was a few months ago. That … →

My fancy new mobile site is now live. Expect fanciness.

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 04:29:40 +0000

The fancy new mobile version of this website is now live. Take your fancy fingers and click over to the aptly earlier described fancy site by using this fancy link. (Hint: for maximum fanciness, view on a fancy mobile device, such as one pictured above).

Top five of oh ten

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:46:29 +0000

It’s that time of year again, when it is acceptable for elitists to boast of their hipster cred. Of course, I am referring to the Top (number) Lists of the year. I’m going to squeeze into my skinny jeans, wrap a scarf around my non-coated body, and crack open a PBR while I compile my best books of 2010 list. The top five Rationale: these are my five favorite books that were published in 2010. Of course, disclaimers apply; I … →

Coming in the future: As a Machine and Parts, a novella that will blow your robot brain

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:00:59 +0000

In the next few years I’m going to be pushing more paper on you than the schoolyard drug dealer’s less popular friend, the Zig Zag dealer. My novella, As a Machine and Parts, will be published by Aqueous Books sometime in the future. Yes, I could qualify any of my unpublished books with such a loose time frame. But I mean it. The contract has been signed. The Zig Zags have been distributed. The party probably won’t happen until 2012 … →

The Simpsons creates a market for messenger pigeons; Oddities a market for oddities

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:52:34 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) Last night’s The Simpsons struck me as especially coincidental. Not only have I posted about the show twice in the past week (11/26/10 and 11/24/10), but the episode shares subject matter with my upcoming novel, Stranger Will. Of all things, messenger pigeons. Random. What makes it even stranger (no pun intended…unless you laughed; then, pun intended) is that literally ten minutes before the episode aired, I was doing some messenger pigeon related research … →

Rémi Carreiro makes the important part of books

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:00:24 +0000

Most of you have liars for parents. Most of you were probably given the stork spiel when asked age-inappropriate questions about the origins of things. Some of you may have been told the truth, in graphic detail, from honest, though morally disinterested, parents. I’m here to tell you the truth. Birds and bees have nothing to do with it. Rémi Carreiro is responsible. Rémi Carreiro gives birth to book covers. Also, he may have some kids; I don’t know. When … →

Weekdays with The Simpsons Literary References

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:11:34 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) I caught a rerun of The Simpsons a few days ago, one in which the author of Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom, makes a cameo. I wish for less popular books and authors to get The Simpsons treatment, but I say that only because I am a less popular author with a less popular book. Hint, hint, The Simpsons. Trust me, Matt Groening, you’ll need my mediocre grasp of pop culture and my … →

“Simpsons did it,” The Simpsons says to Stephen King

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:00:37 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) In yet another The Simpsons (un)expected literary reference, Stephen King’s novel, Under the Dome is called out for its similarities to the 2007 The Simpsons Movie, both stories incorporating a town-sized dome to seal people off from the outside world. The overt commentary may be a further play on the South Park episode, “The Simpsons Already Did it,” which explores the degree to which The Simpsons has embedded itself into our collective consciousness. … →

The real reason authors get paid nil: content saturation.

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:00:05 +0000

Another Roxane Gay® observation gets the Caleb jumping-on-board treatment. In her post over at HTML Giant, Gay talks about the James Frey writing factory, and how its existence speaks to the strange desperation of writers (particularly MFA-pursuing writers) to be published, even when facing little to no financial or celebrity gain. The following line caught me, and while powerful in its own right, my mis-reading is what really got me thinking. Brackets: MINE ( I had to insert something of … →

The Velvet Podcast, Episode 009: Does This Novel Make Me Look Fat?

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:00:13 +0000

Episode #009 of The Velvet Podcast is now live! Authors Gordon Highland (Major Inversions), Brandon Tietz (Out of Touch), and Caleb J Ross (Stranger Will) have a spirited conversation about self- and vanity-publishing, debating its legitimacy, logistics, and financial aspects, as well as insights from their own experiences in this oft-scorned segment of the industry. Please, give it a listen. Subscribe via Feedburner, Podcast Alley, or iTunes.

Prematurity affects more than just you and your spouse

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:00:37 +0000

My wife told me that today was prematurity awareness day. Alright, alright, I get it. You could have been a little more subtle with the suggestion, but I get it. Hey, this problem is no picnic for me either… …what? Whoops. What I mean is, boooooo premature birth. My boy was five weeks premature. He had a few health issues, but he’s perfect now. He’s one of the lucky ones. Nobody knows why so many babies are born premature, but … →

Author Photo Comics. Baer. Jones

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:04:06 +0000

Put a cover on that book! Nobody wants to see that.

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:00:46 +0000

Thanks to everyone who voted for the cover of Stranger Will. The winner is… I won’t lie; this isn’t the cover I was pulling for. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t really, really like it. Hell, I really, really liked them all.

Author Photo Comics. Borges.

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 13:45:48 +0000

Author Photo Comics. Palahniuk.

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:04:15 +0000

I’m open for suggestions on a better name than “Author Photo Comics.”

This post brought to you by Roxane Gay®

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 01:02:49 +0000

Roxane Gay comes clean about her approval of dirty money over at HTML Giant. She forces me to ask similar questions of my own moral aversion to sponsorship dollars. Historically, when presented with the opportunity to accept money by way of advertising, sponsorship, etc. I’ve justified the decision by passing the dollars along to those who I feel it rightfully belongs to (authors, editors, etc.). I’ve never kept any for myself. But Gay makes me ask: why not? For me, … →

Twitter Review: In the Mean Time by Paul Tremblay

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:31:29 +0000

Jason Behrends over at Orange Alert once frequently posted what he called Tweet Reviews, which are basically collections of <=140 character reviews of each track on a single album. Really cool idea. I don’t think he ever actually tweeting the reviews though. So, I am going to steal/borrow…sterrow…his idea, and take it to the logical next level. I’ll be focusing on books, specifically books which are organized in a way conducive to individual tweets. This would be short story collections, … →

Oprah Read This to be taken down on November 27th! Hurry Oprah; read this!

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 03:57:59 +0000

Hard to believe that the Oprah Read This site has been live for almost a full year. Harder to believe that in just 29 days it will be gone forever. Check out the site now, or you’ll forever be denied such wonder stories as… Bleaching Bills with Henry Miller, Jockey Extraordinaire by Mel Bosworth Chinaski’s Nirvana by Chris Deal I Fucked Jane Austen by Christopher Dwyer Is That You, Kurt Vonnegut? by Paul Eckert Untitled Stephenie Meyer Novel by Gordon … →

My night with Edgar Allan Poe and screaming teenagers

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:00:57 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) Last night I went with a few friends to the Chambers of Edgar Allan Poe Haunted House in the 12th street West Bottoms area of Kansas City. This has become a bit of a tradition for us, going to the haunted houses, which many people consider to be the best in the nation. Being the literary nerd that I am, the Chambers of Edgar Allan Poe house was especially intriguing to me. This … →

Stranger Will popping up in strange places

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 13:13:18 +0000

News aggregator sites collect information in strange ways. Ever since Otherworld Publications went public with their 2011 book lineup, many unrelated aggregator sites have picked up the story. Usually, even with the seemingly unrelated, there is something within the text of a press release that would cause aggregators to jump on board. Let’s see if we can find those reasons. First, here’s the release in full: Otherworld Publications is Excited To Announce the 2011 Publication Line-up 04/10/2010 Otherworld Publications Louisville, … →

Read Mel Bosworth’s Grease Stains, Kismet, and Maternal Wisdom

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 01:31:02 +0000

Grease Stains, Kismet, and Maternal Wisdom by Mel Bosworth My rating: 5 of 5 stars Mel Bosworth’s second bound book, Grease Stains, Kismet, and Maternal Wisdom, reads like a sequel to the recently released i am here And You Are Gone by Shome Dasgupta. The two books share simplistic linguistic style and an explored relationship that is both as awkward and beautiful as the characters themselves. The hook with this novella, if the somewhat commercial term like “hook” can be … →

You decide what I wear; voting for the STRANGER WILL cover

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 02:32:37 +0000

VOTING HAS ENDED. You get to choose the cover of my forthcoming novel! Go to the Otherworld Publications voting page and vote for your favorite Stranger Will cover. Seriously, the winner is the winner. No Florida re-counts here (dated reference, I know). I do like one more than the others. But which one, I won’t say. The novel is set to be released on March 18th, 2010. Voting ends on November 30th. That means if I don’t get the cover … →

Slaughterhouse-Five means delicious BBQ

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:00:14 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) Historically, with these Unexpected Literary References, I have focused on cartoons. But today, when I made my rare trip just a few miles north to Oklahoma Joes Barbecue on 47th street I was reminded of one of the strangest literary references I’ve encountered. The name of the barbecue team which birthed this amazing restaurant/gas station is Slaughterhouse-Five. Yep. Nothing says “let’s eat meat” more than images of dying war prisoners.

Will you lend me a virtual couch?

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:36:53 +0000

In late 2009 I embarked on a the Blog Orgy Tour in support of Charactered Pieces: stories which took me all the way from my living room to the Javanaut coffeehouse on 39th street and everywhere in between with wireless internet access. Oh, the groupies. But that’s for another post. As some of you may know, my novel Stranger Will is set to be released in March 2011 by Otherworld Publications. I miss the road (which remains unmoving just outside … →

My book rating methodology

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:04:39 +0000

I’ve been asked a few times lately why I give so many 4-5 star ratings at online book sites like Goodreads and Amazon. “Surely,” goes the thinking, “not all books I read can be ranked among the top 80% of all books.” Well, actually they can. Here’s how. Getting rid of the 1 star possibilities: If a book disappoints me withing the first 50 pages or so, I won’t finish it. And by not finishing it, I don’t feel as … →

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Authors

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 14:00:28 +0000

During a recent discussion on NPR, Heather Fain, marketing director for the publisher Little, Brown and Co. said that “the greatest marketing tool we have in publishing — and probably will never change — is word of mouth.” This means not only literal friend-to-friend and bookseller-to-buyer hand selling, but also online forums, reviews, blog comments, and social network discussion. For the most part, authors have little control over this. One aspect authors can control: the old fashioned website. Optimizing a … →

Stay God by Nik Korpon is available for preorder

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:00:34 +0000

Stop reading this and order the book, dammit! Preorder now. Releases December 16th. Hard Cover: $26.95 Paperback: $14.95

My spine has more girth than yours!

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 13:11:38 +0000

In the land of The Kindle, we all have the same size wiener.

The Velvet Podcast, Episode 008: Don’t Pull My Hair Unless You Mean It

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 13:00:41 +0000

Episode #008 of The Velvet Podcast is now live! You don’t have my handsome voice to fluff your ear chubs this time, but I promise you won’t be disappointed by the talent here. Featuring three brand new voices to The Velvet Podcast. Make them feel welcome. Writers Richard Thomas (Transubstantiate), Nik Korpon (Stay God), Pela Via and Nic Young grind out the topic of sex and violence in fiction and their complex relationship to sadistic bedfellows, love and shock.. Please, … →

Jonathan Franzen: “The whole culture of selling has become personalized”

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:00:08 +0000

Mr. Gordon Highland and I took in a Jonathan Franzen reading this evening at the Kansas City Unity Temple (presented by Rainy Day Books). Franzen read from the same stage on which I met (re: awkwardly shook hands with) Chuck Palahniuk a few years ago. I bring these two authors together here not just because of their temporal-turned-spacial bond, but because the association allowed me to ponder their very different approaches to the live author reading. Via a video posted … →

Meta-fiction for babies.

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 13:00:03 +0000

Or is it meta-non-fiction? Is all non-fiction meta? Are there any examples of non-meta-non-fiction? If we were introduced to an author who wrote a historical account of Indian bread and Greek cheese that constantly pulled from the text to state bluntly, “I am no expert. This history is just my opinion,” would we have met a non-meta-feta-naan-non-fiction author? Okay, that last one was dumb.

Undie Press relaunch

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:00:19 +0000

It has been a long time coming, but one well worth the wait. Tim Hall’s book press-turned-lit mag is now live and looking amazing. I respect Tim Hall, both as a writer and a person, at a level that few others have been able to reach. Not that I’m picky about whom I worship, but of all the gods in my life, Tim is one of the platinums. I met Tim through the Outsider Writers Collective a couple years ago. … →

I know the street value of authors

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:00:59 +0000

Quick, before they are outlawed. Inhale, inject, and/or read these recently-legalized vices el pronto: A Mel Bosworth is worth a follow-up story chapbook called Grease Stains, Kismet, and Maternal Wisdom. Street date of NOW! Mine is on my way. Based on Mel’s previous work, I can expect some glorious toilet time in the near future. 1 Ben Tanzer will run you 99 Problems (that was an easy conversion). This book is a collection of essays about running. I’m no runner. … →

Mind effed: Serpent Box says written poetry can suck it

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:32:12 +0000

Baxter once said that a man in the woods was about the purest thing there was in the world, and the closest he could come to knowing God. A man can never buy with money this thing that the Lord gave him for free, he said. That sense of awe and respect one derives from the trees and the earth and all things that dwell in between them. He told Jacob that poetry was all around him, in the grass … →

EXCLUSIVE: Mix-a-Lot flip flops stance on badonkadonk

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:02:23 +0000

I present part two of my however-many-it-takes part series to get a book deal based on my amazing, 100(ish)% true exploits as a hobbyist blame-taker. However, instead of being only an instigator in big news, I want to report it. Below is my first official Blame Caleb Exclusive! (BCE)–Gluteal aficionado reverses his long-held controversial stance on large asses. Says Mr. A-Lot: “They just aren’t exotic anymore.” Sir Mix-A-Lot became famous after the 1992 release of his pro-butt cheek manifesto, “Baby … →

White covers and isolated imagery: Why the trend?

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:00:11 +0000

I have noticed that over the past decade readers have been subjected to a trend in non-fiction book cover design. I am referring to the use of a white background to frame a single, striking element. For example: I understand the appeal from a marketing perspective. As online book buying grows in popularity, the book spine is becoming less important to shoppers. Instead, the idea with white-framed covers is to create as much visual distance and isolation with a … →

Coming early 2011: Stranger Will (the book, not the creepy old man)

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:30:41 +0000

Just when you thought you had over a year before getting offended by a book from me (I Didn’t Mean to Be Kevin, November 2011), I go and do something crazy like sign with another publisher to release a novel in March 2011. Stranger Will, a noir story of apathy and abortion, is coming early next year from Otherworld Publications. Otherworld Publications is a young publisher, but one with an impressive drive to promote its authors. This fact is not … →

Fry eReads; should I too?

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:25:29 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) The newest episode of Futurama featured a suspiciously eReader-esque device, which got me thinking, yet again, about my inevitable adoption of an eReader. I’ve held off so far for two main reasons: I simply like having books. Yes, possibly just to show off for my two friends who would be impressed by a bookshelf, but also because I feel that the nurtured associations of a book–the smell, the feel of the pages, the … →

The future of burning books

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:40:03 +0000

Below is the list of the top ten most frequently challenged books of 2009 as gathered from the American Library Association website. I completely understand the low priority some place upon books compared to other forms of media. However, I don’t understand why books would need to be burned. Think of it this way, if I had two children, I would probably like one more than the other. That doesn’t mean I should burn one (I’ll let the sun do … →

Kansas City Reading Coves – Cigar & Tabac, Ltd.

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:30:39 +0000

I bring you #4 of a hopefully long-lived series: Kansas City Reading Coves. When I can, I like my coves like my burning crosses: smokey and offensive to most. Today’s cove: Cigar & Tabac, Ltd – 6898 West 105th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212-1801 I have purchased many a cigar in this place over the last year or so, each time bypassing the giant leather couches for the equally giant walk-in humidor stationed along this small shop’s north wall. I … →

This Day In (Made) History

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:38:49 +0000

Today is my birthday. I’m not much of a celebrator of this, or any, traditionally celebrated day. I’m not a scrooge, a prude, or a buzkill. I’m just lazy. But my dis-affection hasn’t stopped others from wishing me all the best on this day. From family, to Facebook, to forums, virtual and physical friends alike have been fantastic. Below is an especially warming well-wish: This day in history (courtesy of Mr. Nic Young) 1775 The Spanish establish a presidio (fort) … →

Coming late 2011: I Didn’t Mean to Be Kevin (the book, not the apology)

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:00:45 +0000

It’s official. Negotiations have been negotiated. Signatures have been signed. Bells have been sleighed. I Didn’t Mean to Be Kevin will be published in late 2011 by Black Coffee Press. I’ll keep this announcement short and tidy; there is plenty of time for me to drone on about how proud I am of this book. For now, just make sure your nutting pants are clean. Perhaps not coincidentally, I do drink my coffee black. Black Coffee Press has a quite … →

It’s about TIME I got a fake TIME cover

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 04:36:51 +0000

It has been 10 years since a living novelist has appeared on the cover of Time (since Stephen King in 2000). So why does Jonathan Franzen get to right this wrong? Why not me? “Because you’ve never had a novel published,” you say. True. Though smell on the street is that travesty will soon to be rectified….more to come on that lovely bit of teasery a bit later. Until then, come on, you be the judge. I make a damn … →

Peter Griffin does porn and literature

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:00:09 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) In my continuing hunt for literary references in cartoons, I sometimes forget those that have been with me for years. I’ve long been a fan of Family Guy, and the episode “Peterotica” features some delightfully tacky parodies of contemporary classic novels used as the titles for Peter Griffin’s erotica writings. Enjoy. If you feel so inclined, watch the full episode here. Angela’s Asses by Peter Griffin Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt Shaved New … →

Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” mentioned in The Simpsons

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 13:51:14 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) Ever since I made my first “Great Unexpected Literary References” post, I seem to have grown keen to book mentions in cartoons. And to be honestly, none has surprised me more than Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” a short story that I assumed was only known among the academic literary cliques. But no. Unless of course Matt Groening, Trey Parker, and Matt Stone were all at one time part of a literary clique. I … →

Mind effed: Jose Saramago hates on wisdom nuggets, bitches

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:00:16 +0000

Authoritarian, paralyzing, circular, occasionally elliptical stock phrases, also jocularly referred to as nuggets of wisdom, are a malignant plague, one of the very worst ever to ravage the earth. We say to the confused, Know thyself, as if knowing yourself was not the fifth and most difficult of human arithmetical operations, we say to the apathetic, Where there’s a will, there’s a way, as if the brute realities of the world did not amuse themselves each day by turning that … →

The Velvet Podcast, Episode 007: INTERVIEW with Blake Butler

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:00:33 +0000

Episode #007 of The Velvet Podcast is now live! “If I made it I might as well destroy it by eating it” – Blake Butler In this interview episode of The Velvet Podcast, I interview Blake Butler, author of Ever (Calamari Press), Scorch Atlas (Featherproof Books) and the forthcoming There is no Year (Harper Perennial). Blake and Caleb discuss the impact of eReaders on visual-dependent literature, the novels vs. movies fallacy, and the importance of humility in a predominantly stuffy … →

Many Clockwork Oranges

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:00:11 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) I was watching an episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force the other day (yes, I spend my time wisely), and for the first time I made the connection between the data-injection scene in the “Super Trivia” the infamous video scene in Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation of Anthony Burgess’s novel A Clockwork Orange (yes, I said “for the first time” implying that I’ve seen this episode many times. Like I said, I spend my … →

Mind effed: Jose Saramago karate-chops the 4th wall and drops knowledge about lazy novelists

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:00:51 +0000

The journey was uneventful, that’s what novelists in a hurry always say when they think that, in the ten minutes or ten hours they are about to eliminate, nothing has taken place that would warrant any special mention. Strictly speaking, it would be much more correct and honest to put it like this, As in all journeys whatever their duration and length, there have been a thousand incidents, words and thoughts, and for a thousand you could read ten thousand, … →

Blame Caleb for the BP Oil Leak

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:00:15 +0000

It seems book deals are overwhelmingly the result of celebrity. But because I have never madamed a gubernatorial knob gobbling session, didn’t shoot to national fame by positioning my condescension to gullible suckers as empathy for “the real America,” and unfortunately wasn’t smart enough to fool Oprah first, my current celeb-cred holds steady at terror alert level negative green. In fact, I barely warrant an obituary, let alone a book. But if controversy is what the industry wants, then controversy … →

Transubstantiate, the first novel from Richard Thomas, is now available

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 13:00:31 +0000

July will forever forward be known not as the month in which America celebrates its independence, but instead as the month that witnessed the release of Richard Thomas’s debut novel, Transubstantiate. This novel has been a long time coming, and I urge everyone to grab a copy as soon as possible. And as you do that, get involved with some of the discussion and live readings surrounding the novel, including a July 19 live Q&A at Bitten By Books (Time … →

Another Great Unexpected “Literary” Reference

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:50:20 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) Last night, a new episode of Futurama featured another novel reference. “The Duh-Vinci Code” appropriately features a reference to Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code. See the full clip here. The clip is actually quite funny, though isn’t this turd of a book a bit of an easy target? Yes, the quotations in the post title around Literary are intentional. I can’t bring myself to call The DaVinci Code literary at all. But, still … →

Mind effed: Jose Saramago fucks with the encyclopedia’s self-esteem

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:00:56 +0000

The encyclopedia that father and daughter have just opened on the kitchen table was considered the best of its kind at the time of publication, whereas today its only use would be to find out about areas of knowledge no longer considered useful or which, at the time, were still only articulating their first, hesitant syllables. Placed in a line, one after another, the encyclopedias of today, yesterday, and the-day-before-the-day-before-yesterday represent successive images of frozen worlds, interrupted gestures, words in … →

Lessons from a nobody – writing has two anchors

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 13:00:25 +0000

I can’t claim to be a master o’ the written word, but I can pretend to be one. With that in mind, I am compelled to push forward any writing-related knowledge I may have in hopes that you too can promote a false sense of superiority. Today’s lesson: Writing has two ways to keep you grounded in your story, or “anchors,” as I will call them. The words you’ve already put down The words you have yet to put down … →

Mind effed: Jose Saramago on Reading

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:00:04 +0000

The same method doesn’t work for everyone, each person has to invent his or her own, whichever suits them best, some people spend their entire lives reading but never get beyond reading the words on the page, they don’t understand that the words are merely stepping stones placed across a fast-flowing river, and the reason they’re there is so that we can reach the farther shore, it’s the other side that matters, Unless, Unless what, Unless those rivers don’t have … →

My Tom Waits inspired non-fiction piece is now live in the first issue of Cannoli Pie Magazine

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:38:52 +0000

Back in February during the AWP Conference in Denver, CO, I read a non-fiction piece called “The Author Who Gets Free Drinks: a (Hopefully) True Story.” Fine man extraordinaire Stephen Krauska was in the audience. After the reading, I spoke with him for a bit, and got the (eventually proven true) impression that he’s an all around damn nice guy. So nice in fact that for the first issue of his (and co-editor Claire Suellentrop‘s) Cannoli Pie Magazine he asked … →

The Velvet Podcast, Episode 006: Jennifer’s Lost Overboard Body: Cinemuck Boogaloo

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:23:59 +0000

Episode #006 of The Velvet Podcastjust went live a few hours ago. Gordon Highland, Jesse Lawrence, Logan Frost, and Stephen Graham Jones talk about: Discussion of other mediums like film and television has always been an important aspect of The Velvet, because we find that our shared tastes in books translates well to art and entertainment in general. Inspired by one of our most popular forums, this episode features three Velvet staffers and author Stephen Graham Jones waxing about the … →

The Fringe Detriments of Writing Fiction

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:02:15 +0000

In response to Mr. Highland’s challenge to come up with a counter point to my list of the fringe benefits of writing, I offer to you, the fringe detriments of writing: Not enough people worship me. Jesus had a whole pool of suckers to write for him. Am I comparing myself to Jesus? Yes. Which brings me to… An inflated ego brings nothing but misery. But on someone as awesome as me, misery looks damn good. Something can easily take … →

Kansas City Reading Coves – my hammock

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:07:34 +0000

I bring you #3 of a hopefully long-lived series: Kansas City Reading Coves. When I can, I like my coves like my Republican nudists: free swinging and white. Today’s cove: my hammock – my house Simply put, my hammock is the greatest reading cozerie since the 70′s invented bean bag chairs. I could sit here for hours, and often I do, reading, smoking cigars, drinking beer, and swinging only as much as the wind wants me to. The hammock is … →

Great Unexpected Literary References

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 13:00:59 +0000

(part of my ongoing Unexpected Literary References series) When watching a rerun of the “Britney’s New Look” episode of South Park a few nights ago, I caught an allusion to the famous short story, “The Lottery,” by Shirley Jackson (minute 16:36 in the clip here). Which makes me wonder, in what other unexpected places do literary references and allusions appear? Staying in the South Park world, there is the “A Dickens Classic” episode, which is an overt retelling of Charles Dickens’ … →

Artifice Magazine likes me

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 03:06:07 +0000

And I like you, Artifice Magazine. A bit more praise here for the Oprah Read This >> Oprah, Read This project.

Resurrecting the Author Career, Returning to Whisky and Words

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:00:30 +0000

Disclaimer: I am far from a career author. I’ve made enough money to buy a few fifths of whisky and some diapers for my baby, so needless to say I’ve got a long way to go. The following plan reflects this outsider (re: possibly ignorant) perspective. The idealized author spends his time alone, churning out typewritten manuscripts to meet constant deadlines. He drinks. Probably smokes. He’s respected. He vacations in tropical seclusion, but still, even with the changed view, he … →

Results of 5,000 words for Father’s Day

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:00:53 +0000

As far as meeting this goal, I failed. I did not reach 5,000 print-quality words in one day. However, I did learn something very important. I am simply not meant to write all day. I am glad that I can no longer blame my non-productivity on time constraints. In fact, I actually work better given 2-3 hour windows. As you can see by the time-line below, the day started off quite well. 10:08a (1 word) first word (The), first cup … →

5,000 words for Father’s Day

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:51:21 +0000

When my lovely wife asked what I wanted for Father’s Day, I replied quite simply: a day to myself. Fearing that the request may imply that my primary desire was to spend the day away from my family, I quickly explained that I wanted the day to write. I’ve been spoiled by the frantic life of parenthood, being able to blame my lack of productivity on the burdens of being a father. “Why haven’t you finished the first draft of … →

Jose Saramago, my latest literary love, has died at age 87

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:12:00 +0000

Jose Saramago, who quickly became one of my favorite authors after I read Blindness just last year, has died. But damn, he had a fine run, producing some of the most amazing novels I’ve ever read. There truly is no writing like Saramago writing. I am lucky enough, however, to still have a robust back catalog of his work to dive into. In fact, just yesterday, I started The Stone Raft, and already, just 10 pages in, I’m hooked. Even … →

Best-selling doesn’t mean best writing

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:08:35 +0000

(this is more of a rant than a cohesive post. Also not a cohesive post: an ionic neutral road sign…oh, I went there, sirs and mams) When I say that best-selling doesn’t mean best writing I understand the hipster ditch I dig. It sounds whiny and pretentious, all the more so when one realizes that nothing of mine is even close to best-selling. I’m not sure the word “best” could be put in front of any word and used to … →

Cigars and Writing

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:00:45 +0000

I’ve been asked a few times lately about my infatuation with cigars, specifically regarding my pairing them with reading and writing. Though I will likely be forced to continue defending my obsession, I feel laying it out in a blog post may curb the questions. Or it may rouse a group of like-minded gourmets, in which case, Welcome, Friends! I have never been a cigarette smoker. In fact, growing up, I routinely took a dramatic exit when my mother lit … →

“The human race is on the brink of extinction. Bunny fights for them”: an interview with Alan Kelly

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 13:00:07 +0000

(This interview is cross-posted at Outsider Writers Collective) Full disclosure: I’m writing this intro after having imbibed a few pints of Guinness at a downtown KC Irish pub called O’Dowds, which, as a nod to authenticity, has been given my grandmother-in-law’s seal of approval, all the way from Ballyshannon, Ireland. The inebriation is all the more fitting, considering Alan Kelly’s Dublin area connections. Alan first contacted me, years ago, by the invitation in one of my first publication author bios: … →

Kansas City Reading Coves – Homer’s Coffee House

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:00:22 +0000

I bring you #2 (heh) of a hopefully long-lived series: Kansas City Reading Coves. When I can, I like my reading retreats like my collection of chained basement mimes: varied and quiet. Today’s cove: Homer’s Coffee House – 7126 West 80th Street, Overland Park, KS 66204 Homer’s keeps bringing me back, yet rationally, it should not. The black coffee only is okay; the coffee drinks are adequate at best (they have a powdery, grainy texture); the pastries taste like grandma’s…if … →

Have you heard about the new fake James Patterson book?*

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:45:55 +0000

*neither James Patterson nor Stephenie Meyer wrote this book** **Thank fucking God*** ***though I wouldn’t mind their sales. Get to it, asterisks readers.

The Velvet Podcast, Episode 005: INTERVIEW with Matt Bell

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 13:23:09 +0000

Episode #005 of The Velvet Podcast is now live! In this interview episode I talk with Matt Bell, author of The Collectors (Caketrain Press), Wolf Parts and the forthcoming How They Were Found, both from Keyhole Press. Matt’s short fiction has been published and anthologized just about everywhere and is forthcoming to Ninth Letter, the ML Press chapbook series, and Kill Author. We talk about live-writing with an audience over at Everyday Genius, editing for The Collagist, teaching writing to … →

Signed Book Nerd

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:15:27 +0000

Most of you probably don’t know this, but secretly, I am not the cunning stallion that I appear to be. Sure, I am a sexy reader, I can do the robot worm electric slide, and I dress in the finest clothes straight from snazzy street (Snazzy and 14th Avenue is where the local Salvation Army clothing depot is located; they always have the hippest fanny packs). But underneath all of this slathered-upon cool, I carry a potentially social-life threatening secret. … →

Kansas City Reading Coves – Javanaut

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:44:48 +0000

My living room couch is nice. My bed is comfy and relaxing. But the outside world is a too-neglected source of reading coves. A book can be influenced by its context. In the same way a vacation is as much about the promise of temporary joblessness as it is about the destination environment, reading is as much about the book as it is about the break from the normal domestic setting. With that, I bring you the first installment of … →

The Fringe Benefits of Writing Fiction

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 30 May 2010 03:06:04 +0000

Writing fiction is not a rich man’s game. Though some authors are able to attain and sustain luxury by writing novels, that club is quite exclusive. In fact, most of the authors whose books you see even in national bookstore chains (Barnes & Noble, Borders, etc.) have day jobs. Fiction is usually a supplement their better life decisions. Did you know Jim Lehrer has published 17 novels? No, you didn’t. John Lithgow, Alan Arkin, Jimmy Buffet, Wes Craven, and so … →

The Velvet Podcast, Episode 004: “Why can’t I write,” I write OR Inventing Trans Fat

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 27 May 2010 04:35:29 +0000

Episode #004 of The Velvet Podcastjust went live a few hours ago. Me, Rob Parker, and Mark Jaskowski talk about: Most writers, whether hobbyists or professionals, would defend that writing is a compulsion. Yet despite this apparent need, writers find a lot a lot of ways to procrastinate (creating this podcast being one). In this episode, three Velvet members discuss why writing is so necessary, what keeps us from writing when we know we should, what keeps us writing once … →

The Master’s Program as a Trade School

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:26:09 +0000

I’ve been accused of being a bit of a literary snob. Mostly by best-seller groupies who smell like trade paperbacks and poverty. Why don’t you go save a few dimes at a used blog store, and leave the shiny new posts to those of us with taste! /UNDESERVED SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT My justification for being a literary snob (literob?) always has been that if a book is best-selling and intellectually easily accessible, then it likely isn’t confronting dangerous (i.e., important) … →

What brings you back?

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:46:35 +0000

Things need to change. I need to blog more. I need to have interesting things to say. Yes, that is the correct order for those last two items. Blogs, generally, are dumb. So many of them tend to be self-infatuated messes. The argument that this egotism is their exact purpose stands, true. So perhaps my contempt is like me at an orgy: so many people doing it must mean it’s fun, but every time I try one, I leave with … →

Google Stories – “Charactered Pieces” and “Stranger Will”

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:47:49 +0000

More about Charactered Pieces, here. More about Stranger Will, here.

Caleb’s SNIPPETS OF TOMORROW (04/25/10)

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:44:58 +0000

@ UnRonic, Stephen Krauska offers some truly amazing words about Charactered Pieces. There’s so much more than I deserve in the full review, so I urge you to click over the UnRonic to read everything. But here’s a snippet: Between his spectacular characters, interesting stories, excellent metaphors all held together with great imagery and vivid description, Ross is a must read. He’s young, fresh and down to earth enough to admittedly “steal” lyrics and write an “Acknowledgment” section that sounds … →

Back from the AWP Conference in Denver, CO

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:50:11 +0000

So, I’m back, after four short days of writing-related debauchery. All-in-all, a great time. The highlight, of course, was the OW Press The Velvet reading, which took place on Friday, April 9th at Leela European Cafe. Fourteen readers came together to read current works, works-in-progress, or never-to-be-published works. A damn fine time. I managed to meet a lot of people I’ve only communicated with over the Internet, which made the trip both surreal and important. Go to The Velvet Podcast … →

The Velvet Podcast, Episode 003: INTERVIEW with Brian Evenson

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:53:30 +0000

A very special Episode #003 of The Velvet Podcast just went live a few hours ago. I interview one of my very favorite authors, Brian Evenson about his upcoming AWP Conference panel, Crime, Horror, Sci‐Fi, and Fantasy… Seriously.Extract below: (Anthony Smith, Brian Evenson, Stephen Graham Jones, Tod Goldberg, Mark Smith, Seth Harwood) Six writers of genre fiction who also teach and/or have graduated from university creative writing programs discuss how they approach genre fiction as a serious literary pursuit rather … →

The Velvet Podcast, Episode 002: Hey, is that a copy of Kiss Me Judas on your desk, Professor Meriweather?

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:23:06 +0000

Episode #002 of The Velvet Podcastjust went live a few hours ago. Me, Chris Deal, Bob Pastorella, and Chris Bodenstein talk about: Why the disparity between genre fiction and literary fiction? Why are these two modes so often thought of as mutually exclusive? Though genre fiction (the big ones: mystery, sci-fi, horror) are taught at the university level, there is a palatable disinterest among much of academia. In this episode, four The Velvet members discuss these questions and more. I … →

Our Guy is your guy at the Orange Alert Podcast

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 20:38:56 +0000

Professional Orange Alert kind gent, Jason Behrends, invited me to contribute to his weekly arts and literature podcast. I’ve been dabbling in podcasting lately (contributing to The Velvet Podcast and getting things in line for next week’s AWP Conference, where I’ll have an audio feed to document the event), so to have this additional swath of experience is nice. For this week’s episode, I read my story “Our Guy” which originally appeared at Word Riot. I’m really happy to be … →

Dialogue with Pablo D’Stair for Predicate #1

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:46:22 +0000

Someone needs to murder Pablo D’Stair. He’s making all of us, who for so long have relied on passion as a vehicle for discussing literature, look like asses. I’ve never met a person more in love with books (possibly more in love with the idea of- and the ideas within- books than the books themselves). This guy makes me imagine a beautiful world of quiet dive bars and smokey conversation. He recently asked me to be a part of the … →

Interviewed on Blog Talk Radio

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:53 +0000

Yesterday I appeared on ASNYCNOW’s Blog Talk Radio where I discussed my book, my role as an editor at the Outsider Writers Collective, my future publications, The Velvet, my upcoming AWP reading, and on top of all that self-promotion, I was inundated with compliments from the unbelievably nice Vicki S. Nikolaidis. Though technical issues had me cutting in and out through much of the discussion, and my voice had a space echo, all in all I had a great time. … →

The Velvet Podcast, Episode #001: Of Members and Horse Nostrils

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:25:11 +0000

I’ve been a member of The Velvet for a few years. During that time, I’ve come to respect the pool of talent over there not just for their writing chops, but for their reading tastes as well. They are my taste-makers. I am glad to now be able to share that camaraderie with you. Episode #001 of The Velvet Podcast just went live a few hours ago. Me, Gordon Highland, and Rob Parker talk about a few things writing, specifically … →

A reader, too?! What a double threat!

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:07:38 +0000

Jim Gaffigan is right (and is the source of this post’s title). We admire beauty above most else in this country (this world?), despite all that’s been taught by teachers (probably ugly teachers) and parents. Beauty shouldn’t be all that matters. As ethical beings, we should be able to look beyond physical appeal when evaluating our various options. But the one outlet that has for so long stood strong against the ravages of superficiality has come under attack as of … →

Caleb’s SNIPPETS OF TOMORROW (03/04/10)

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:53:11 +0000

@ Blinding Loud, Sean P. Ferguson gives some great words about Charactered Pieces: The stories don’t change you because they cause you to rethink how you’re living in some great respect. You’re not forced on with issues that want you to decide whether or not to have an abortion, or pick a side when it comes to same sex marriage. They don’t beat down your door demanding that you give all of your belongings to charity. You’re presented with life … →

A Stolen Interview with Tim Hall

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:29:28 +0000

Right away, let me say that this interview is fake. For the real, and much more interesting interview between Tim Hall and Scott McClanahan, click here. Why fake an interview with Tim Hall? I’m procrastinating work on my current novel. Tim Hall (TH): Your book is built around my two favorite themes of creative writing: autobiographical fiction mixed with a geographical/sociological postcard of a place. It’s like a portrait of the artist in the “staycation” from hell. What made you … →

They say to read to your child…

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:31:37 +0000

…but they don’t say what should be read.

Not a loud lesbian nor a story of masturbation; how will I succeed?

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:53:27 +0000

As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ll be one of a great group of writers to read at Leela European Café on April 9th in Denver. I’ve done a few readings in the past, despite the live aspect being something writers don’t often get to experience. I’ve been lucky, I guess. I am perhaps more excited to see and meet these people more than I am to actually read some of my own work. That’s natural. I’m humble by … →

Otherworld Publications makes a couple smart moves

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:36:22 +0000

I probably don’t do enough promoting other writers here. I don’t know why. Perhaps I fear that any writers I mention will feel obligated to reciprocate kind words, while not necessarily having justification for such. So, for all the writers I mention here, you are free to slander my name without fear of any hostilities on my part. Richard Thomas, throbbing heart heart throb and master of duct tape Though too early really to benefit my good man Richard Thomas … →

9 April 2010, Denver, Colorado

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:14:32 +0000

I’m still doing stuff, see…

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:35:30 +0000

I read somewhere (or maybe I didn’t; reading is for suckers) that the author/promoter divide is a 70/30 ratio. I’d go further, and flip those numbers, giving the promoter hat a 70% weight. If I’ve learned anything with pushing Charactered Pieces these last few months it’s this: writing is a dirty, dirty game. The dream of churning out books, leaving the advertising and promotion to the publisher, is more a point of Norman Rockwell Nostalgia than a truth. Or at … →

De Kameel uit Marokko door Caleb J Ross (en vertaald door Mlaz Corbier)

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:24:29 +0000

Mlaz Corbier, well-read crazy man and all-around glorious inbastard, offered to translate my story, “The Camel of Morocco,” into Dutch (mainly for a university class, but I like to pretend my work is so captivating that it demands translation). I don’t read Dutch, so it is entirely possible that Mlaz may have turned this story into a space operatic porn, and if so, I would be equally as impressed and grateful. And considering Mr. Corbier’s reputation, one of wise-crackery, I … →

One for the good guys…right? Lauren Conrad reads Clevenger

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:09:56 +0000

Lauren Conrad, of The Hills fame, is reading Craig Clevenger’s The Contortionist’s Handbook. Let me repeat…no, just read that sentence again; this is text, not audio, you lazy bastard. What does this mean to those of us who have long been in the know about Clevenger’s amazing writing? The optimist in me says, “great, maybe good literature will catch on to the reality TV addicted masses.” The pessimist in me, one admittedly self-interested, says, “there goes my dirty little hipster … →

A preview of AS A MACHINE AND PARTS at Lobster Cult

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:28:25 +0000

A couple fellow Cutlies (www.chuckpalahniuk.net members are called Culties, the site is called The Cult; I’m not at risk of drinking tainted Kool-Aid, I promise) very recently started a new online lit mag site called Lobster Cult. It’s too early to tell what sort of material will become their foundation, but if my personal knowledge of these guys, Phil Jourdan and Jack Joslin, is an indicator, stories will be transgressive, brutal, dark, with bits of humor tossed in. The “bits … →

Caleb’s SNIPPETS OF TOMORROW (01/26/10)

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:40:34 +0000

@ What to Wear During an Orange Alert, my story “Sarah Palin, 12 Strikes for Workers” is on the Watch List. You should read, too (Note: I know, taking a shot at Sarah Palin is easy…maybe that’s why I did it.) @ Deckfight Mel Bosworth names Charactered Pieces as one of the five best things he’s read recently. I share the list with Ben Tanzer, not bad company at all. @ Goodreads and Amazon the positive reviews of Charactered Pieces … →

Blog Orgy Tour: a hangover post with Monkeywright

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:10:27 +0000

Though the official Blog Orgy Tour has sadly passed, I’m still shaking off the effects. Today, I introduce the hangover post, a guest post that could have been part of the Blog Orgy Tour if only I weren’t so busy with groupies and drugs (truth: books and dominoes). Today, at Michael Paul Gonzalez’s blog, I talk a bit about the true purpose of a blog. My post acts as a ribbon-cutting ceremony of sorts, as this is the first post … →

Yeah, I wrote a vampire story…I’d be embarrassed if it wasn’t so good.

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:52:28 +0000

Disclaimer: I’ve never read/seen any part of the Twilight franchise. The last vampire movie I saw was The Lost Boys. I’m not a fan of the vampire genre and probably never will be. So, why the hell did I write a vampire story for the new Eternal Night: a Vampire Anthology? Two reasons: 1) the concept of the anthology is to combat traditional vampire cliches, and 2) I was asked to by a friend to contribute, and it seemed like … →

Add my book at GoodReads, and get it for $5

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:39:39 +0000

Simple. Just add my book, Charactered Pieces, to your “to read” list over at GoodReads.com and I’ll send you a super secret crazy spy-esque link to get a signed copy straight from me for only $5 (unsigned, ego-free copies available, too; just tell me which you want). The regular price of this collection is $7. That’s a…don’t tell me…$2 savings. The link will come via a Friend Request. You don’t even have to accept the request. How’s that for noncommittal? … →

3AM Magazine is my bitch (I love you, 3AM).

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:43:32 +0000

EDIT: Instead of new posts each day, I figure I’ll just keep a running list here of the Buzzwords posts: Brought to you by Caleb J Ross. The first name in durability. The last name in class (posted 1/11/2010): this is my welcome post Part one in a one part series of cartoons based on blog posts I recently read (posted 1/12/2010): Someone at HTML Giant commented about the impossibility of music influencing literature. This is my rebuttal. Dear 3:AM … →

Five questions for Black Coffee Press, Scott C. Rogers

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:48:49 +0000

Today, as one of the final stops on my Blog Orgy Tour, my 3AM Magazine Buzzwords blog takeover continues, this time with a short, five question series for Black Coffee Press founder, Scott C. Rogers. I ask him, among other things, why he started this press and why people should care. This is hard-hitting journalism.

A love letter to 3AM Magazine

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:59:02 +0000

Today, as part of my week-long stint at the 3AM Magazine blog I offer a love letter to my beautiful host. You should join in; she’s open to multiple partners. And as always, I urge you to check out my past Blog Orgy Tour stops here.

Caleb’s SNIPPETS OF TOMORROW (01/10/10)

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:03:16 +0000

@ Goodreads.com, Ben Tanzer, author of Most Likely You’ll Go Your Way and I’ll Go Mine (Orange Alert Press) said this amazing bit about Charactered Pieces: While there is weirdness in these stories, not to mention biblical allegories and tales of suicide and the holocaust, what lingers is an underlying thread about the impact parents, fathers in particular, have on our lives whether through their presence or more often their absence. Ultimately, the stories are like a collective punch to … →

Tim Hall’s One Damn Thing After Another, preorder open

Caleb J Ross — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:02:30 +0000

I’ve been a fan of Tim Hall’s since first coming on board with Outsider Writer’s Collective over a year ago. His articles were always great (his Open Letter to Oprah Winfrey as part of his Naked Opinion column is especially good), the email and forum exchanges I had with him consistently proved his dedication to both his writing and the writing community at large. His four books, published through his own Undie Press label, are all quite good. So, of … →

Blog Orgy Tour stop #20: Friday Five The 5 Best Things Caleb J Ross Has Read Recently

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:02:21 +0000

I learned about Deckfight when Josh, the guru over there, approached me about doing one of their “5 Best Things” segments. I’m ashamed that I didn’t know of the site before this. I’ve since perused their archives, and I can honestly say, they do some great things over there. So, after you pretend to care what I think by reading my “5 Best Things” post, be sure to scour the rest of the site. And don’t forget, A FULL WEEK … →

Blog Orgy Tour stop #19: Used Books, the Origin of the Book Networking Circle

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:16:10 +0000

Today, as part of my Blog Orgy Tour in support of my fiction chapbook, Charactered Pieces (OW Press) I head over to Lit Drift to offer a few words on what I think could be the origin of the book networking circle that we know today. See the rest of my stops, both past and future, here.

My 2010 Lit Midget list of forthcoming small press books

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:22:04 +0000

The Millions recently posted a list of 2010 books forthcoming from literary giants. I’m looking forward to quite a few on that list. But, I think we are due a list from literary midgets, too, right? So here they are (the ones I can think of right now, anyway. I reserve the right to add more): Sawako Nakayasu’s Texture Notes and Travis Nichols’s Iowa from Letter Machine Editions. I only recently heard about Letter Machine Editions, and, other than a … →

Blog Orgy Tour stop #18: Planing in the Workshop

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:49:03 +0000

Just a few more stops on this crazy marathon tour. This thing has been amazing. Today, I get a bit learn-y as I hit Gordon Highland’s (author of Major Inversions) Medialysis blog. In his words, regarding the purpose of Medialysis: The idea is to share knowledge, identify and critique trends, stir the muse, and further our professional development. I advise from personal experience, offer tips, tricks, and quickie tutorials, link to items of interest, and just generally pimp stuff I … →

Blog Orgy Tour stop #17: The Story Junk Binder

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:40:46 +0000

Today, Jason Kane is kind enough to have me at his blog. I’ve known Jason for a few years, and have been consistently impressed with his writing. There’s not much of it out there to read, but here’s hoping, fingers crossed and all that, that he starts putting some more out there soon. I post over there a bit about my story creation process. There’s even scans from my “junk binder.” Not that said binder contains any secrets, but come … →

Blog Orgy Tour stop #16: this review will fuel me for years

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:08:43 +0000

Craig Wallwork, author of the aptly titled Craig Wallwork blog, takes over with this stop, letting me rest for a day. But lucky for you, you beautiful groupie, Craig’s post may just be better than all of mine combined. At least my ego thinks so. Click over to Craig’s blog to read a stunning review of Charactered Pieces. This thing make me blush every time I read it (and I read it more this is probably healthy). Here’s a taste … →

Caleb’s SNIPPETS OF TOMORROW (01/02/10)

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:00:32 +0000

@Fictionaut, I’ve started a profile. I’m still not entirely sure what the site is all about. But it has the word “fiction” in the url, and I like fiction. @JMWW I’m interviewed. We talk about fatherhood, stories, and the reasons behind my lack of manliness. @everywhere, all installments of my AUTHOR NOTES series have been posted. Click here for a full list. The AUTHOR NOTES are a series of posts that contain specific extra information about each of the stories … →

Blog Orgy Tour stop #15: a new story, my second about retarded kids

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:00:27 +0000

Today is a special day in the Blog Orgy Tour. Not only is this the first stop of the new decade, but it’s a unique stop in that I have a brand new story to offer. The story, “Legs Unwilling,” is one of the most disturbing stories I’ve ever written. And between this story and an older story, “Petty Injuries,” I might have the makings of a collection of stories built around mentally disabled children. How’s that for a feel-good … →

Oprah Read This > Oprah, Read This

Caleb J Ross — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The easiest characters are those with baggage included. OPRAH READ THIS > OPRAH, READ THIS is a collection of stories that each leverage the name-recognition of other writers to impart a meta-layer of interpretation. These are fictions. The writers are not. Here, we explore the overlap. This collection will be live for 11 months: January 2010-November 2010 Writers include: Mel Bosworth/Henry Miller Chris Deal/Chinaski/Charles Bukowski Christopher Dwyer/Jane Austen Paul Eckert/Kurt Vonnegut Gordon Highland/Stephenie Meyer Nik Korpon/Dexter Morgan Caleb J Ross/Sarah … →

Blog Orgy Tour stops #13 & #14: read “Refill,” and get drunk with Bukowski

Caleb J Ross — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:21:31 +0000

Today is another double-header, sending me from the literary and artistic haven for poets, writers and artists known as Troubadour21 to the subterranean bloke’s room populated by Bukowski, Kerouac, Carver, and Waits known as Bukowski’s Basement (I think Bukowski contributes more than is 1/4 of the rent to get his name on the sign). At Troubadour21, a full story from Charactered Pieces is posted. This one called “Refill,” which originally appeared in the now defunct Green Muse Review. This story … →

Blog Orgy Tour stop #12: Ren & Stimpy & Charactered Pieces

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:00:42 +0000

Today, I stop at Nicholas Karpuk’s blog, which consists of a series of posts tagged “Cartoon Hell,” that comment on a cartoon DVD from a $5 collection called “150 Cartoon Classics.” You have no idea how much this idea excited me when I first heard about it. So, to be able to add a bit of cartoon talk to his blog is an honor. There, I talk about how Ren & Stimpy inspired the cover design for Charactered Pieces. And … →

Blog Orgy Tour stop #11: Writing with a kid… writing when around a kid… when a kid is around… I’M TIRED!

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:00:32 +0000

Today’s Blog Orgy Tour stop drops me at Colin McKay Miller’s blog. I’m damn happy to be a part of his noble legacy. Click to read all about my fears of parenthood infringing on my god-given rights to waste time at a computer screen. See all the other Blog Orgy Tour dates, here. But don’t just see them…SEE THEM.

Caleb’s SNIPPETS OF TOMORROW (12/27/09)

Caleb J Ross — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 03:54:53 +0000

@ This Blog Will Change Your Life, kindness aficionado and author extraordinaire, Ben Tanzer notes his excitement about Charactered Pieces. I’m excited too for his book Most Likely You Go Your Way and I’ll Go Mine, which should be in the mail right now. People have good things to say. And I believe people. @ Oxyfication.net, each Charactered Pieces story is being discussed. I plan to offer the printed and bound discussions in the future to use as a giveaway. … →

You know you want it…

Caleb J Ross — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 04:17:29 +0000

The response to my free lit journal back issue offer has been beautiful. Thank you to all who have ordered a copy of Charactered Pieces, and thank you more for giving homes to those back issues sitting on my shelf. Originally, I intended to offer free back issues through the end of the year. But, because I have so many back issues and because I am in the middle of the Blog Orgy Tour, I figured, I might as well … →

Blog Orgy Tour stop #10: The Fives of ohohoh9

Caleb J Ross — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:30:42 +0000

Lists are all the rage for some reason. Some say the end of the year and/or decade has something to do with it. I blame scare tactics perpetrated by a pencil, paper, and bullet point-funded media. Today, I provide a few lists, my top five books, blogs, and cigars of oh9, over at Chris Deal’s blog. Note, these are items that I discovered in 2009; they are were not necessarily published, started, rolled in 2009. See all the other Blog … →

Blog Orgy Tour stop #9: Immersing in Setting

Caleb J Ross — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:24:07 +0000

Writers enjoy solitude, sure. But even a cat has to sniff around in a different bag every once-in-a-while. Terrible metaphor aside, stop #9 on the Blog Orgy Tour is at Richard Thomas’s What Does Not Kill Me blog, where I discuss what a writer’s physical setting can do for his work. See all the other Blog Orgy Tour dates, here. And as always, if you’d like to have me drop by, just let me know. Operators are standing by.