The Drunken Odyssey with John King: A Podcast About the Writing Life (Writing)

Lydia Millet and David James Poissant discuss geography, birds, earnestness, the characterization of children, the structure of plot and novels, and other matters of interest.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_569.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 1:07pm EDT

This week, I speak with Rachel Kolman about her immersion in creative non-fiction and her writing life after her UCF MFA.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_534.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 1:40pm EDT

This week, I am happy to present a bootleg edition of the Loose Lips reading series, hosted by Dianne Turgeon Richardson and Tod Caviness, with readings by Rachel Kolman, Samantha Nickerson, moi, Holly Tavel, and Brian Crimmins.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_531.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 1:58pm EDT

On #526 I talk to poet Rochelle Hurt about her latest book, The J Girls: A Reality Show.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_526.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 5:44pm EDT

On this week’s show, Jeff Shuster and I discuss an quietly beautiful independent movie from 2005 called The Devil's Rejects. Jeff & I get off track a lot.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_492.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

RRAuthorPhotoPhoto by David Whitaker.

In this week's show, I talk to novelist Ronan Ryan about the dramatic uses of gallows humor, how loss teaches us about our priorities, how elusive reality is, and how to match style to story.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_424.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 9:48pm EDT

In this week’s episode, I talk with Vanessa Blakeslee about Rainer Maria Rilke's famous Letters to a Young Poet, plus we pay homage to Rilke's poetry with readings by Craig Moreau, Hyejung Kook, David Foley, Jason Morris, David Mcloughlin, and Amy Hosig.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_275.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 12:30am EDT

In this week’s episode, I share There Will Be Fan Fiction 2, a special edition of Jesse Bradley’s prose reading series, There Will Be Words.

 

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This installment features the fan fiction of Shauna Basques (Jason Todd-era Batman), J. Bradley himself (The Mighty Ducks/Fatal Attraction crossover, obviously), Brontë Bettencourt (Frozen), A. C. Warner (Star Trek: The Next Generation, as read by me), and me (Flash Gordon).

NOTES

Check out the first installment of There Will Be Fan Fiction, which featured Teege Braun writing Small Wonder, Jared Silvia writing King of the Hill, Stephanie Rizzo writing about a post-apocalyptic Lewis and Clarke, Genevieve Anna Tyrrell writing Dexter, and me, that is John King, writing a Benny Hill Show/Ace Frehley crossover that includes David Foster Wallace, Yoda, My Little Pony, and a hint of Cthulu.

Also check out J. Bradley's latest book, Jesus Christ, Boy Detective, and here us talk about it back on episode 216.

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Check out Brontë Bettencourt's blog, 21st Century Brontë.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_221.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 2:48pm EDT

Episode 118 of The Drunken Odyssey, your favorite podcast about creative writing and literature is available on iTunes, or right click here to download.

In this week’s episode, I interview The verse novelist Holly Thompson,

Holly Thompson

Plus Laryssa Wirstiuk writes about how Jonathan Saffron Foer's Eating Animals changed her life.

Laryssa Wirstiuk

TEXTS DISCUSSED

The Language Inside

Eating Animals

NOTES

Check out Functionally Literate Radio, which on the latest episode features my essay, "I Heart Smokey and the Bandit."

From the Facebook page of Bob Lamb (episode 40), in regard to his informal "Worst First Sentence of a Bad Novel Contest":

Okay, final verdict is in. First place--John King, although one of the judges worried that it was so funny that it could be used as the first sentence of a comic masterpiece rather than a bad novel. Yet, its originality, the sudden twists and turns of inspired lunacy, and the supermarket imagery cleverly woven into a surreal scene so impressed the judges that it really was no contest. Second place went to Steve Edwards--his economy, precision, and repetition of really bad metaphors obviously made his entry a powerful one, and the final metaphor of the peach pit as a tiny wooden brain had a certain je ne sais quois that evoked a peal of delightful revulsion. Third place went to Bob Lamb--although an unoriginal mockery of standard noir detective fiction a la Hammett, the judges felt that it's his goddamned contest and he ought to get some sort of a prize, especially given his fragile psyche and penchant for violence. The judges also awarded a distinguished parody prize to Eric Link for his brilliant satire of Hemingway writing a zombie novel. Although not technically a bad first sentence of a bad novel, and even though the judges could see this turning into a great parody of Hemingway and zombie fiction, they felt it was more appropriate for the old "Bad Hemingway" contest that used to run annually. Another entry, by Elizabeth Stuckey-French, was simply way too interesting and good to fit a bad first sentence contest. This often occurs when a real writer tries to write a bad sentence--their talent turns it into a sentence with potential. The judges found themselves wanting to read more, which is always a sign that your first sentence is not truly bad. The gutless wonder award goes to Mike Cocchiarale, who caused Bob Lamb to write concluding sentences to his bad novel, and then did not even participate. The judges felt that although Mr. Cocchiarale is an avid sports fan from Cleveland, and thus hopelessly trapped in a world of pain and confusion, he should have at least tried and failed, not unlike his beloved Browns. Lou Hickman and Tim Reynolds have been disqualified for cheating, and have received a five-year ban from participating in the contest. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Kip Robisch, for his disruptive actions on this thread, and we expect to have him in custody shortly. We are working with law enforcement and immigration to have him deported.

And here was my winning entry:

When the were-pigs, gibbering in their porcine poetry and slapping the ground with their by-now clawed hooves, overran the supermarket, heaving their fleshy forms over the aisles of Cel-Ray sodas and bread and chick-peas, Clem knew that he better put down his inventory forms and drag the crossbow out of the safe again, but an icy sliver of revulsion, fear, and longing penetrated his spine, and he stood in front of the office window, watching the sounder below careen over the black and white tiles, demolishing the glass doors of the frozen food aisles, before their leader jumped onto the conveyor belt of check out line #7, and stared directly at him with wolf-like eyes, as if the giant porker was preparing to speak.

_________

Episode 118 of The Drunken Odyssey, your favorite podcast about creative writing and literature is available on iTunes, or right click here to download.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_118.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 12:42pm EDT

On this week’s show, I talk to the poet and essayist Nicole Callihan,

Nicole Callihan

plus Maureen Vance writes about Jane Eyre.

Maureen Vance

TEXTS DISCUSSED

Superloop

NOTES

According to The Guardian, British publishers and the Society for Authors (a trade union for UK writers) are trying to push back against Amazon’s fierce demands for more power in the book industry. They liken Amazon's terms to a form of "assisted suicide."

According to The Times, Barnes and Noble will spin off its Nook division as a separate company from its traditional bookseller endeavors.

Carlton Melton's "Spiderwebs" accompanies Maureen Vance's "Jane and Me." This song is available on the album Always Even.

Carlton Melton Always Even

The Tequila Worms have generously offered their album Cantina as a free download.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_106.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 2:03pm EDT

On this week’s show, I talk to the fiction writer and historian of Florida attractions Lu Vickers,

lu_vickers

Plus Joe Marchia writes about Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood.

Joe Marchia

 TEXTS DISCUSSED 

Breathing Underwater

weeki_wachee_mermaids_rgb

Cypress Gardens

WeekiWachee

Norwegian Wood

NOTES 

Check Out our new videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7Cg6lFnfl4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH1nXs9hWeY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2jeezvsixU

St Marks BookshopCheck out this indiegogo crowd-sourcing effort to bring St. Mark’s Bookshop to a new home in the East Village.

Sheman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is given away to students in an Iowa district in which the novel is banned from schools.

On May 13th, I will participate in The Best of There Will Be Words 2013 show. If you're in Orlando, join us.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_97.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 2:08am EDT

On this week’s show, I talk to fiction writer and one-time memoirist Rick Moody,

Rick Moody at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Photo by John King.

Plus I share his prose reading "Metal," with music by One Ring Zero.

One Ring Zero

TEXTS DISCUSSED

 Read Rick Moody's 14,000 word essay about David Bowie's The Next Day here.

The Black Veil

The Four Fingers of Death

David Bowie's The Next Day

As Smart as We Are
 Nigh Sleep Death

John Lee Hooker, putting The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton, in their places, when he was 72 years old.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrPBUr0cAlg

This soundtrack with John Lee Hooker playing with Miles Davis is deliciously good.

Hot Spot Soundtrack

Check out Episode 39, with my first interview with Rick, here.

NOTES

gabriel-garcia-marquez

 R.I.P., Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

St Marks Bookshop

Check out this indiegogo crowd-sourcing effort to bring St. Mark’s Bookshop to a new home in the East Village.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_95.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 10:58am EDT

On this week’s show, I talk to the poet Eleanor Lerman,

Eleanor Lerman

Plus Alden Jones writes about her time working in Cuba.

Alden Jones TEXTS DISCUSSED 

Strange Life

The Blonde on the Train

The Sensual World Emerges

Our Post Soviet History Unfolds

The Spice Box of Earth

Check out episode 48 to hear Eleanor Lerman's essay about Leonard Cohen's Spice Box of Earth.

NOTES 

Check out the indiegogo crowd-sourcing effort to bring St. Mark’s Bookshop to a new home in the East Village. Endorsed by this show and Anne Waldman.

I recommend Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production of Julius Caesar, playing until April 20th.

Caesar

Check out Beating Windward Press’s call for essays for its forthcoming essay collection, The Things They Did For Money: How Writers, Artists, and Creatives Support the Habit.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_94.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 11:22am EDT

On this week’s show, I talk to Bob Contant and Terry McCoy, the owners of St. Mark's Bookshop,

Terry McCoy Bob Contant

Plus Dan Lauer writes about identity and New York City.

Dan Lauer

NOTES 

Check out the indiegogo crowd-sourcing effort to bring St. Mark's Bookshop to a new home in the East Village. Endorsed by this show and Anne Waldman.

I recommend Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production of Julius Caesar, playing until April 20th.

Check out Beating Windward Press’s call for essays for its forthcoming essay collection, The Things They Did For Money: How Writers, Artists, and Creatives Support the Habit.

Episode 93 of The Drunken Odyssey, your favorite podcast about creative writing and literature is available on iTunes, or right click here to download.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_93.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 11:20am EDT

On this week’s show, I talk to fiction writer Laura Van Den Berg,

Laura Van Den Berg

Plus Will Dowd reads two poems.

Will Dowd

TEXTS DISCUSSED

The Isle of Youth

What The World Will Look Like

Although Of CourseAbsolutely American

Three Thousand Dollars

The Art Fair

NOTES

I recommend Orlando Shakespeare Theater's production of Julius Caesar, playing until April 20th.

Check out Beating Windward Press's call for essays for its forthcoming essay collection, THE THINGS THEY DID FOR MONEY: HOW WRITERS, ARTISTS, AND CREATIVES SUPPORT THE HABIT.  

 
Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_91.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 4:11pm EDT

On this week’s episode of the world's greatest writing podcast, I talk to fiction writer John Henry Fleming,

John Henry Fleming

Plus James Sanders writes about reading The Autobiography of Malcom X.

James Sanders

TEXTS DISCUSSED

Songs for the Deaf

The AutobiographyOf Malcolm X

NOTES

The VIDA count for 2013 is now available.

Orlando now has a new independent bookshop: Bookmark It, at the East End Market in Winter Park (3201 Corrine Drive).

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Find Burrow Press’s releases here, & check out the discounted subscription rate.

If you live in Orlando, do come to Vanessa’s book release party.

Train Shots Release Party

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_88.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 12:03pm EDT

On Episode 21 of The Drunken Odyssey, John discusses mid-century grandeur and men's magazines and burlesque with Jason Croft, aka Java, editor of Bachelor Pad Magazine, then Beverly Army Williams discusses John Irving's A Widow for One Year.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_21.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 11:29pm EDT

On Episode 19 of The Drunken Odyssey, John speaks to fiction writer Don Peteroy, then K. C. Wilson discusses The Silmarillion, and John answers mail while listening to The Intoxicators.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_19.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 11:50pm EDT

On Episode 17 of The Drunken Odyssey, John speaks to the novelist and poet Chuck Wachtel (part 2 of a 2 part interview), speaks to Chris Booth about the New International Center, then Chad Lutz discusses Beowulf, and John answers mail.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_17.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 9:11pm EDT

On Episode 16 of The Drunken Odyssey, John speaks to the novelist and poet Chuck Wachtel (part 1 of a 2 part interview), then Patrick Jehle discusses The Baseball Encyclopedia.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_16.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 1:51pm EDT

On Episode 12 of The Drunken Odyssey, John talks to editor Jonathan Starke, plus Rusty Kjarvik discusses Nikos Kazantzakis, and John answers mail via a wormhole.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_12.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 9:18am EDT

On Episode 11 of The Drunken Odyssey, John talks to Mitchell S. Jackson, plus Robert Kingett discusses William Wordsworth, and John answers mail.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_11.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 11:45am EDT

On Episode 7 of The Drunken Odyssey, John talks to Lisa Roney and Jaroslav Kalfař about films again), plus Krista Graham discusses Charles DickensDavid Copperfield, and John answers mail.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_9.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 10:39pm EDT

On Episode 8 of The Drunken Odyssey, John talks to Ashley Ingaunta, plus Randall Burling discusses Roger Corman's Edgar Allen Poe films, and John answers mail.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_8.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 3:30pm EDT

On Episode 7 of The Drunken Odyssey, John talks to Lisa Roney and Jaroslav Kalfař, plus Alise Hamilton discusses Francesca Lia Block's Dangerous Angels, and John answers mail.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_7.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 11:54pm EDT

Episode 6 features an interview with Jaroslav Kalfař about Stephen King's On Writing, and Debbie Weaver discussing Cheryl Strayed's iWild, plus listener mail.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_6.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 9:31pm EDT

On Episode 5 of The Drunken Odyssey, John talks to the poet Monica Wendel, author of the chapbook Call it a Window, plus Olivia Kate Cerrone discusses The Watcher in the Woods, and John answers mail.

Direct download: The_Drunken_Odyssey_Episode_5.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 10:35pm EDT

Episode 2 features an interview with Jaroslav Kalfař about John Gardner's The Art of Fiction, a selection of readings from James Joyce's Ulysses, and Vanessa Blakeslee discussing Marguerite Duras's The Lover, plus listener mail.

Direct download: DO_Episode_2.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

Episode 1 features an interview with Nathan Holic and Ryan Rivas about 15 Views of Orlando, plus Olivia Kate Cerrone discusses Yann Martel’s Life of Pi.

Direct download: Drunken_Odyssey_EP_1.mp3
Category:Writing -- posted at: 1:03pm EDT

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