Kevin Roderick of L.A. Observed covers the West Hollywood Book Fair

Kevin Roderick at LA Observed covers the WEst Hollywood Book FAir, and the Latinos in Lotusland panel.  Brief clip of me (right after Vincent Bugliosi signing "The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder.":

What Family Shall Endure: Black Snake Moan

Mom is dead.
Her rule has ended.
Her domain passed into new hands.
What family shall endure?

Had the book launch for Latinos in Lotusland: An Anthology of Contemporary Southern California Literature last night. It went well; will post pictures later. For now, an interlude:

Watched Black Snake Moan [HD DVD]on t.v. last night. It was so worth it. #1 I like Samuel L. Jackson in just about everything I've seen him in. If I don't like the movie, his performance is worth watching. This is an S.L.J. who is old, somewhat bitter; somewhat religious (his childhood friend is a minister). S.L.J. has a few gold teeth, and a wife who dumps him for his younger brother.

#2 Christina Ricci plays a nymphomaniac. There should be a special Oscar for nymphos and Ricci should win every year. She does this thing when sexual pangs hit her that goes beyond method acting. Are you listening, you-know-who? Plus, I like the music. S.L.J. performs and his story is hard. There's dirty, sweaty dancing; Ricci shows her lovely breasts often, and rightly so; and, did I mention the chain wrapped around Ricci's shredded trailer-park non-apparel?

Justin Timberlake is credible as a nervous wreck--- a decent guy convulsed with panic attacks --- who studdily manages to keep Ricci in tow, as long as he's there.

Out of their turmoil, a new family emerges.

A Brief Update on My Life

I'm off to give a break to my bro who has been caring for our elderly mother. She seems to be giving up, doesn't want to do much to help herself. It'd be just like her to die in my care. And right before Mother's Day.

On the upside, I have a story in the Latinos in Lotusland anthology, which Dan Olivas edited, and we're doing readings starting later this month.

I've lost ten pounds, and my arms and legs are quite shapely. Stomach is flat, but (the writer's lament) my ass is unwavering in dimension. Have not worked on my second novel much. But have started to feel at loose ends, which is a sign I need to get back to writing. Going public with it here.