Marty’s Oliver

My eldest son Marty is appearing in his first-ever play this weekend–the Kids Fun and Drama production of Oliver!–as Orphan/Urchin #1. He sings in the chorus and even has a few lines. As you might imagine, Ann and I are proud as can be.

If you’re in the area, the show is November 16—18 at 7 PM and November 19 at 2 PM, at the First Presbyterian Church (501 Prospect Street, Beloit, WI). Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids. Come join us!

Ellroy’s Murder by the Book

Tonight on Court TV, Murder by the Book premieres. This new show covers the true crimes that inspired some of the greatest living writers of crime fiction to start telling tales. The first episode features James Ellroy talking about his mother’s death, which inspired him to write The Black Dahlia.

Back when I was working on the original Mutant Chronicles RPG, Target Games’ managing editor Henrik Strandberg told me that to get the tone right I should read James Ellroy. I started with The Black Dahlia. No piece of fiction ever creeped me out that much or has done so since. The prose is boiled diamond-hard and leaves cuts more jagged than a rusty knife. If you like that sort of thing, read it. Devour it.

I’ve already set my ReplayTV.

The IAMTW and the Scribe Awards

Last year, Lee Goldberg and Max Allan Collins formed the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers (IAMTW). This year, the organization is giving out its first Scribe Awards for the best novels in this field.

If you’re a tie-in writer, you should check this out. I joined last year, just to support the organization and its aims. I also submitted books in two of the Scribes categories this year. You don’t have to join to join to take part in the free mailing list though. If you’re a tie-in writer who might be interested, contact me, and I’ll wrangle you an invitation.

You also don’t have to be a member of the IAMTW to submit novels for the Scribes (although it’s free if you are). The organization needs more submissions, especially in certain categories, as you can see from the latest list of entries. If you have such a book, or know someone who does, please get involved. Thanks!

White Wolf and CCP Merge

According to White Wolf‘s website, the company just merged with CCP, the developers of the EVE Online RPG and tabletop CCG. That’s some big news.

Although I had no inside knowledge of this, I’m not surprised at all. I saw members of the two companies spending an awful lot of time together at Gen Con this summer. Also, the EVE booth featured a full, staffed bar in its upper level, where principals in the two companies hung out, so I’d guess the two corporate cultures will merge nicely.