books

A List of Weird Things I Researched For This Latest Book: Flickers

Flickers will be released tomorrow! Get the pre-order goodies if you're so inclined (it's the last day). Here's a list of all the weird and sundry things I researched.

1. The History of Lethbridge, AB

2. Why do people float on water when dead but sink when they are alive?

3. Slang of the 1920s.

4. Fashionable 1920s Swimwear:

6. Early Movie Make-up

7. Hearst Castle

8. The first horror film.

9. The Awesome Buster Keaton

10. How to Start a Model T Ford

And somehow it all turned into a novel called Flickers!

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Funny Answers to Odd Writerly Questions

20110825-104631.jpgThese are inspired by a few questions I've been asked...

Q: Arthor, I read your book DUST. Tell me the symbolism in it. I have a paper due tomorrow so I need to know now. A: I will tell you the symbolism. But first I'd like you to cut my lawn. It needs to be cut now. I'm waiting.

Q: I have an idea for a book that you should write. It's my life story. Some really interesting things happened, so far. I can't tell them to you because you might steal the ideas. I'm too busy to write it. A: I'm not busy at all! Would love to sacrifice a year of my life writing your book. Is 2071 too soon?

Q: Why does your book suck so much? A: This may seem hard to believe but writing a book that sucks takes years of work. First I take anything that is remotely interesting or exciting out of the book. Then I add all the boring characters and have them sit around doing nothing. Finally, I inject suckiness into the prose using a special method taught to me by a suckiness master. It's like becoming a kung fu master, without the exercise. Glad to know my hard work has paid off.

Q: Really, I'm not joking, what is the symbolism in your book? I need to know. I got an extension. A: My lawn still needs cutting.

Q: I have some really great ideas. How do I stop people from stealing them? A: I don't want you to feel paranoid, but I'm reading your mind right now. Those are amazing ideas. If you want to prevent others from stealing your ideas wear a tinfoil hat.

Anyone else have questions? Post them below...

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