Author: Michael

HOLD ON TO YOUR STETSON! IT’S PUBLICATION DAY!

Today is almost as good as Christmas, although perhaps not quite as good as Festivus where my favorite part of that holiday is the traditional ‘airing of the grievances’. But it is a day that all writers dream about. I’m talking of course about Publication Day!

My new picture book TEXAS RANGERS: Legendary Lawmen goes on sale today. For readers aged 4 to 145 it’s a perfect introduction to the history of these heroic lawmen. It’s beautifully illustrated by Roxie Munro and is already gathering some good reviews. It’s available wherever books are sold, including your favorite on line booksellers.

And because I always try to be as helpful as possible here at www.michaelspradlin.com I’ve created a list of people for which TEXAS RANGERS: Legendary Lawmen would be the ideal gift. This list includes but is not limited to:

1. People that you like.

2. People that you don’t particularly like but need to buy a gift for anyway.

3. People from Texas

4. People not from Texas.

5. Someone that you know that knows someone that lives in Texas

6. Someone that you know that doesn’t know anyone who lives in Texas

7. Children ages 4-145

8. All others

So as you can see TEXAS RANGERS: Legendary Lawmen is, without question, the perfect book for everyone you know. Not to mention, and I cannot overemphasize this enough, your purchase of this book benefits charity. That’s right, all of the author’s proceeds for this book go directly to the Michael P. Spradlin Early Retirement Fund. So buy a copy and feel good about yourself at the same time!

That’s all. Stop reading this blog right now and click on the order link on this website and purchase your very own copy! And here’s a little secret that you may not know. When you purchase online, most online retailers will give you free shipping if you order multiple copies!

I’m just sayin’

Your authorness,

Mike

I GIVE UP

This week I read a truly delicious book. One of those books that come along so rarely that it leaves you reluctant to start reading something new because you know you’ll only be disappointed. Have you ever had that feeling? Have you ever read a book where the characters become so real to you that they feel like living, breathing parts of your family? And I’m not talking about the crazy uncle that no one will sit next to at the reunion. Over the years there have been many books that have moved into the Valhalla of my soul. A place reserved for the ‘gods’. The Great Gatsby of course. Cannery Row by John Steinbeck. Lonesome Doveby Larry McMutry. Silent Joe by T. Jefferson Parker. Coyote Blue by Christopher Moore. The Last Days of Summerby Steve Kluger. The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread by Don Robertson. All of these are books that I read and savored and read again and again, wishing that if there is a force in the universe that shapes great writers, perhaps I would find it on the pages of one of these books and it would somehow rub off on me.

I have found another book that I will add to that shelf. This week I picked up a copy of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. I’m trying to come up with something to say that doesn’t sound cliched but that is the power of this book. It rendered me speechless. To say that ‘it was so good, I couldn’t put it down’ is lame. But I couldn’t put it down. “It kept me reading long into the night” only diminishes the power of what is inside these pages but I kept reading long into the night.

Arnold Spirit lives on the Spokane Indian reservation in Washington State. When Arnold was born he suffered from Hydrocephalus or what we commonly call ‘water on the brain’. As a result he is prone to seizures and most of the people on the rez consider him something of a spaz. But like Holden Caulfield, or Tom Sawyer, or Scout, Arnold is way smart. And with that intelligence comes a wisdom far beyond his years.

The conflict arises when Arnold is given a chance to attend a nearby all-white school. To Arnold it is a way out of the life of despair, poverty and alcoholism that surrounds him. To the residents of the rez, if he goes, he’s a traitor. He’s turned his back on them and he will be shunned for it. But Arnold knows that it’s his only chance. So he goes.

And he finds at first that his life doesn’t change all that much. To his new classmates Arnold is still a freak. A poverty stricken Indian trying to fit in where he doesn’t belong, who by the way has an extremely large head. He’s teased and ridiculed and excluded every bit as much as he was on the reservation. But there is perhaps a cosmic reason why his name is Arnold Spirit.

I won’t go any further and give away anything else. But you must read this book. It made me laugh out loud. It made me weep. It made me think. It’s such a triumph because it’s so true. We’ve all been where Arnold is. We may not have grown up poor, but at some point in our life, we’ve been teased or excluded or made to feel dumb or inadequate or told that we can never triumph over our pasts. Yet we do. Boys, girls, young adults, old adults and everyone in between will love this book. It will be around a long time after all of us are gone.

Finishing The Absolutely True Story of a Part Time Indian left me with a melancholy feeling. It’s a feeling that I and I’m sure many other writers have had many times before, when I’ve read words so profound and wonderful that I can only say to myself “That’s it. No one can do it better than that. You might as well give up.”

But I don’t. Just like Arnold Spirit.

PASS THE GOOGLE

Ever since my website relaunched back in December, I’ve become obsessed with Google Analytics. If you don’t know what that is, I’d tell you, only I don’t really know myself.

Basically, Google Analytics is a service by Google that tracks visitors to your website. It tells you how they got there (via which search engines), how long they stayed, where they’re from (city, state and country) and how many pages on your site they looked at. Frankly, it’s both fascinating and creepy all at the same time. (Important note: If you are or become a frequent reader of this blog you must come to know some essential things about me. One of them is I grew up during the Cold War and spent a large part of my childhood believing that we were mere seconds away from nuclear Armageddon. I was always burying time capsules with a bunch of pennies and copies of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence so that future survivors would have something to go by when they had to start over. My fascination with post-apocalyptic science fiction by writers like Robert Heinlein didn’t help any nor did all the movies I watched growing up like Soylent Green (SOLYENT GREEN IS PEOPLE!) The Omega Man or Planet of the Apes. So it’s easy for me to believe that Google is becoming the HAL 9000 of our time and one day it will become sentient and wipe us all out and spend eternity just searching for itself while we all cower in a bunker with Charleton Heston. But I digress).

Anyway, there is a load of information on Google Analytics and most of it makes no sense to me whatever. What is a ‘bounce rate’ anyway? However there is one section of all of the reports and charts and graphs that draws me in each morning.

I’m talking about the map.

Yes, Google Analytics has a map that tells you which country, state or city your website visitors come from. The first thing you see is the world map. Each country is a sort of yellowish color until you have a visitor from that country then it turns green. So far, I’ve gotten visitors from 15 countries (that includes the US and Canada). It’s become my new obsession to log on each morning and see if anyone has joined the one visitor I’ve had from South Africa. Or the two from Australia (or as I call it Canada Lite). Yes, today I got Sweden!

I feel a little bit like Dr. Strangelove, but it’s so cool to look at. Although I will say what is bumming me out is the states. Several states have provided my website with zero visitors so far. What’s up with that? What is wrong with you people in Maine and North Dakota anyway? I mean I know it’s cold there right now so you should be on your computer visiting www.michaelspradlin.com! You too Montana! I mean it.

So I need your help. As you can tell things are starting to get a little out of hand. Please do your part to help color in my world map. Send a link to my website to everyone on your email list. They’ll enjoy it and once my map is all colored in, I’ll find something else to obsess on and can back to work on my next book. It’s in your hands.

I’m counting on you!

Peace. Out.

Your authorness,

Michael P. Spradlin

A WRITER’S GIFT

A few weeks ago I received an email from a young fan. I’ll keep her identity a secret, but she wrote to tell me how much she loved my Spy Goddess novels. Her email went onto say that these books had encouraged her to start writing and illustrating her own series of short stories. Needless to say, I was thrilled. Every writer loves to receive this kind of feedback from fans and the ones who say they don’t write for their fans are liars. We want people to listen to and enjoy our stories otherwise what is the point?

I’m lucky enough to have the privilege of speaking to hundreds of kids every year at schools and lit festivals. I’m always encouraging them to hone their writing skills for the simple reason that writing is, at it’s simplest, a form of communication. And the better a young person learns to communicate their ideas the farther they’ll go in whatever occupation they choose. So I was glad to hear that this young girl had been inspired to write by reading one of my books.

But it was the next part of this fan’s email that socked me right in the heart. She went on to say that she seldom rereads books but she rereads the Spy Goddess books all the time, “especially at night, when my parents are fighting because they help calm me down.” She asked me to write her back “if I had the time” because she would love to hear from me.

I can tell you I didn’t know how to respond. I thought long and hard about what to say because I was on one level so touched by her words, and at the same time so angry at her parents for not realizing how their own thoughtlessness was impacting their child. Finally, I sent her a note of encouragement. I told her to keep writing and most of all to keep reading. I told her I was honored by her taking the time to write to me and said I hoped she would write again sometime to tell me about other books she liked. I wished her luck. As I pushed ‘send’ I wished I could do more.

A few weeks ago, I received an email from “my biggest fan” she said, who wanted to thank me for giving her a gift. Turns out it was the other way around.

Peace. Out.

WRITING PROMPTS

Every now and then, when I speak to students or teachers at a school or conference, I’m often asked about the daunting task of filling up the blank page. A big problem for a lot of writers just seems to be sitting down and getting started writing. In my own experience I never really have a problem starting a story, it’s finishing them that is sometimes the issue. (And if my editor happens to be reading this right now, I would just like to say that the book is coming along just fine! Really.)

Still, I understand some people would like to write and some already have great ideas and just need a little nudge. So I have developed my very own set of “Super-Duper Guaranteed to Get You Writing, Writing Prompts.” I often tell students and teachers that 95% of all novels and short stories ever written begin by asking the question “What If?” What if Gatsby was still in love with Daisy? What if the Sun didn’t also rise? What if Henry VIII was really French?” Most writers start there. And believe me it’s a good place to start. But there are times when “What If?” doesn’t work.

So here we go. If you’re struggling to write, ask yourself one of these questions and see if it doesn’t get you started.

1. Who moved my socks?

2. Do you think this rash might be contagious?

3. Did you know that hamsters did that?

4. What time is lunch?

5. Are you sure the leg is supposed to bend like that?

Feel free to use one of these or make up your own prompts. No need to thank me! It’s all part of the many great services we provide here at www.michaelspradlin.com. So sit down and write! You’ll be glad you did!

Feel free to send me some of your own prompts that you use for writing and I’ll post them another time!

Peace. Out.

Your authorness,

Michael P. Spradlin

P.S. In case you haven’t heard JUNO was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar today! Yay!

RANDOM MUSINGS ON A TUESDAY

1. For the eleventh time since I began writing professionally, I did not win the Newbery Medal. Of course, I didn’t have an eligible book this year, but I digress. Oh well, I guess it goes back on the list for next year in between “learn to speak French” and “organize garage.”

2. Is anyone watching Comanche Moon? There are two things that drew me to this six-hour mini-series. One is that I’m a huge fan of Larry McMurty. I’ve read everything he’s ever written and Lonesome Doveis one my all time favorite novels. I usually reread it every year just for the dialogue. The second thing that drew me in was Val Kilmer. Val Kilmer in a western is virtually without peer. How he never won an Oscar for his portrayal of Doc Holiday in Tombstone is beyond me. So I tuned in to watch the first two hours, and the verdict? I give it two and half stars out of four. Kilmer is fantastic. The problem is he isn’t on the screen enough. And the two actors playing Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call are trying to live up to two legendary performances that just can’t be outdone. Steve Zahn as Gus is probably the better of the two and is doing his best to channel a young Robert Duvall but he’s been asked to take on an impossible task. Still, there are McMurtry’s fingerprints all over the writing and I’ll keep watching.

3. I went to see I AM LEGEND over the holidays. I’m a big fan of the original novella and this picture is superior to the first movie version, The Omega Man (which I saw when I was twelve and scared the crap out of me! Now I rewatch it and can’t believe how cheesy it is). No spoilers here in this post in case you haven’t seen it yet. Let’s just say I found it entertaining but the end falls apart a little bit. One of the coolest parts of the movie is seeing a deserted New York City. Having traveled there many times, I found myself envying Will Smith being able to get across town so quickly. What did you think?

4. We had no school today. 4 inches of snow.

5. Today is the Presidential primary in Michigan. I will not miss the automated phone calls when it is over.

Peace. Out.

2008: A LOOK BACK

Well, I don’t know about you, but I tend not to make New Year’s Resolutions. Frankly, New’s Year’s as a holiday has lost the appeal it once had as a holiday. Sure, when I was in college it was another excuse to have a party, but in reality when you’re in college, any given Tuesday is an excuse to have a party. Maybe it’s because I’ve gotten older. Maybe it’s because I just don’t have the discipline to keep a resolution. Whatever.

I also don’t like it when the media spends all of their time ‘looking back’ at the top stories of the year. I’m ready to look forward. So here’s a list of what I’m looking forward to in 2008!

1) On January 8th the paperback edition of Spy Goddess: To Hawaii with Love goes on sale. Isn’t that exciting!

2) February 26th, the all Spy Goddess Manga, Spy Goddess: The Chase for the Chalice goes on sale! Doubly exciting

3) March 1 TEXAS RANGERS: LEGENDARY LAWMEN goes on sale! My newest picture book will be released by Walker Books for Young Readers. Triply exciting!

4) Sometime in May. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull arrives in theaters. Sure the name is a little lame, but Spielberg could have called it Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Dirty Dishwater and I’m still there.

5) July 22 DANIEL BOONE’S GREAT ESCAPE goes on sale! Another new picture book from Walker Books for Young Readers! Quadruply exciting!

6) In fall 2008, my newest novel THE YOUNGEST TEMPLAR: Keeper of the Grail will reach bookstores.

So as you can see, 2008 has already been a very exciting year for me. What are you looking forward too this year?

AT THE MOVIES?

When did it happen that the holidays became the time for going to the movies? It used to be the only place you went at the holidays was to Grandma’s house and Christmas shopping. So when did the movies become a part of the holiday tradition? And are they a good part?

I mean I understand that kids are out of school, they’re bored, and having the family escape to a theater for a few hours is a method of relaxation for some people. And I’m not going to lie. No one is more excited to be going to see I AM LEGEND than me. When I get around to it. Which may be when it’s out on DVD. Or not.

But with everything else competing for our attention during the busiest time of the year, why do we flock to the movie theater? Personally I think it all started with It’s A Wonderful Life. In America’s simpler days that movie sucked us in. And we’ve be treading off to the theater ever since, hoping to rediscover that Christmas Magic.

So if you’re going to the movies, enjoy. Let me know if you see something good. And if you feel like staying home and renting or watching movies on cable here is a list of my ten favorite holiday themed movies for your delight and edification.

1. A Christmas Story–an almost painfully funny film not only for the gags but it’s depiction of the average family at Christmas.

2. ELF–Has become a holiday tradition at our house. “Is there sugar in syrup? Then yes!”

3. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer–Although the Island of Misfit Toys did creep me out a little. “Bumbles bounce!”

4. Trading Places–Okay, it’s not really a “holiday movie” but this is my list. Besides, Dan Ackroyd raiding the Christmas party in the Santa suit is hilarious.

5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation–Chevy Chase just makes me laugh. Whatever happened to him?

6. Die Hard–See #4

7. A Charlie Brown Christmas–Linus is the man.

8. A Miracle on 34th Street–You have to be a total cynic not to tear up at this one. I am not a total cynic.

9. Home Alone–Every kid’s fantasy. Confront your inner demons and rescue your home from invaders.

10. Muppet Christmas Carol–There has never been a better version of the Dickens classic in my opinion.

What about you? What are your favorite holiday films? And has watching a particular movie at the holidays become a part of your family tradition?

O, CHRISTMAS TREE!

Growing up, when it came to the holidays, our house was the place where Christmas Trees went to die. Not just because they were real, live, trees that had been cut down and were essentially dead already.

No, when it came to picking Christmas trees, my family was evergreen challenged. Charlie Brown had nothing on us.

One year, my mom went to the lot and picked out a truly gorgeous tree. We brought it home and put it up in the stand. It fell over. We put it up again. It fell over. My dad looked at it and discovered the problem. The bottom of the trunk had grown out at a ninety degree angle and needed to be trimmed off.

So Dad dragged the tree back outside and cut off the bottom of the trunk to make it straight. Suddenly our 8 foot Douglas fir had become a 6-1/2 foot named just Doug.

Back into the stand. Back over on its side. Back outside, more trimming, down to 6 feet now.

We finally got it in the stand and it stayed up long enough for us to decorate it. Then it fell over. Broken lights and glass ornaments flew everywhere. My Dad was not happy. The tree had become his arch-nemesis. The Joker to his Batman. The vampire to his Buffy. You get the idea.

One year, the very first year that my mom gave in and decided that we would get an artificial tree, my best friend and I hid it in an upstairs closet so it was missing when she came home from work. We replaced it with a dead tree branch in a vase and hung a single light and bulb on it. We killed ourselves. Mom was not amused. When I got married we went through several years of buying real trees and lashing to the roof of the car to get them home. Finally, after several spills of our own, we too decided on an artificial tree. It’s beautiful, but I can’t help but think that Christmas misses a little something each year without a trunk twisted, needle dropping, falling over Christmas tree.

What about you? Are you real or artificial when it comes to Christmas Trees? And have you ever had a Christmas tree mishap that you’ve never forgotten?

My first Blog Post at michaelspradlin.com

Seems like everyone is blogging these days. When I redesigned my website, everybody said ‘you have to have a blog!’

‘Okay!’ I said.

Followed by, ‘what’s a blog?’

I mean I know what a blog is. Theoretically.

But I have to admit that I’m beginning to think that the world has gone a little blog crazy. I mean the other day, I saw an ad for some electronic device and there was a ballerina describing how she used the device to record photos and upload them to her blog from backstage ‘DURING A PERFORMANCE!’ I thought my head would explode. I mean, come on! Do we really need that much information?

Still, I can see the value of blogs. I mean essentially they are a method of communicating with an audience. As a writer I can respond to that. And so I see the value of communicating regularly with my readers through this space. But I’m not going to go crazy about it. I will try to update it regularly (most every Tuesday or thereabouts). I will let you in on the latest news about my books, where I might be appearing and the things about the world that interest me.

What things? You ask.

Well, I like books. Not just my own, but I read a lot and I like to talk about books I like. I like movies and a few television shows and I’ll talk about things I’ve watched that have moved, inspired or infuriated me. Heck, I might even let you in on how my fantasy football team is doing! (Not well!)

So I hope you’ll come back each week and spend a few minutes communicating with me. And I hope you’ll let me know about your views on blogs. Which ones do you read regularly? Are there any out there you think I should know about? What do you think I can do to make my blog stand out from all the rest and compel you to visit it each week? I can’t wait to hear what you think.

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