September? Gone already? Almost end of week 1 of October? I haven't abandoned Pulp Serenade, or replaced it with a new love. Instead, I've fallen into that black hole known as "Graduate School." I am at NYU pursuing my Master's Degree in Cinema Studies. I certainly appreciate the opportunity I have been given, but it hasn't been an easy transition - and the voluminous amount of assigned readings hasn't helped any, either. Last month I didn't pick up a novel or short story to read at all. I read lots and lots about narratology, though my understanding of it is still very vague. I think it is time to leave well enough alone. (Something tells me it will pop up again next semester in Film Theory, however.)Then one day I received a package in the mail from Jed Ayres over at Hardboiled Wonderland. I won a contest, which I was super psyched about, becaues I can't remember the last time I won something, and definitely nothing as cool as a hardcover of James Ellroy's Destination: Morgue! Inside the book was a handwritten letter, reprinted above (hope you are ok with this, Jed), with four important words:
"Remember your priorities, dammit."
Well, I'm starting to remember.
Also, many thanks to Patti Abbott for checking in with me via email, it was very sweet of her: I am still alive, and am trying to reorganize my life so I still have time for crime fiction and blogging. Two things I miss very much.
A couple of finished interviews coming to you later this week. Also, in the middle of Stark House Press' new collection of W.R. Burnett novels, which is astounding thus far. (Is there any way I can convince my film professors to let me study films written by Burnett??? If any of my teachers are reading this, hint hint...) Plus, this weekend I am taking a break from the academic life and heading to the Hampton's International Film Festival. If I see anything good that is crime-related, I will certainly pass on recommendations.
Ok --- back to work.
You've been missed, Cullen. But damn, grad school is a killer. Update when you can and can't wait for the new interviews
ReplyDeleteIf you can find the time to remember to remember :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the film festival!
Good to know you're alive and kicking, mate!
ReplyDeleteHappy to see you back!!
ReplyDeleteI knew you had started grad school so i figured your blog would be more sporadic, as it should be with the time drain that school can be. Glad to hear you are well.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are doing OK. I remember grad school well. Perhaps too well.
ReplyDeleteI was starting to wonder where you wandered off to. Good to hear you are still in the mix.
ReplyDeleteI failed handwriting in school. Seriously.
ReplyDelete