With all the craziness in the world, it’s hard to know what to do or even think. But I’m a writer, so I’m compelled to write. Here’s the first of a series of One-Minute Stories. It touches upon the age-old question of which three albums would you choose if you were shipwrecked on a desert island.
Roller Skating in the Bay Area
Besides being the world’s #1 Janet Jackson fan, Aimee Stevland is a top-notch graphic designer, an all-around super-nice person, and an expert roller skater. Check out my new interview with her on GoNomad.com to learn about the Bay Area’s best places to lace up the skates and get some “rolligion.”
The Alien Goes to China
A first. My monthly sales report indicates that someone in China bought “Breakfast with the Alien.” WooHoo.
Anyone else looking for some light, quirky reading in 2020 can find the Alien here:
Happy Holidays! No Typos!
To everyone who worked with Six String Communications in 2019 and helped keep this little editorial engine chugging along … thank you and happy holidays.
A Spiritual Experience
Thanks to those who listened to Put on the Pink Flamingos. It was great to recieve some very kind words, especially from the friend who called it “a seven-minute thirty-nine-second spiritual experience!”
Put on the Pink Flamingos
Put on the Pink Flamingos is my tribute to the one-and-only Mike Otten.
Mike and I met as high school freshmen and first bonded over comic books, Star Trek, and rock-n-roll. Forty years later, it breaks my heart to say he is gone too soon.
He was a very creative person. And he was a huge supporter of my creative projects. I dedicate this piece to him. I think he would like it.
Huge thanks to Crystal Pascucci (cello), Danielle Goldsmith (recording engineer), Jacob Winik (mastering), John Vanderslice (Tiny Telephone), and Aimee Stevland (art).
Transcribing Joni
Every so often, I transcribe articles or podcasts for the official Joni Mitchell website. I like volunteering to a site dedicated to ensuring Joni’s legacy — not that she needs any help in that regard. In any event, it’s fun and inspirational to learn new things about Joni Mitchell by working on these materials.
Here’s a recent transcript I did of a podcast about the importance of the album Blue.
Six String Milestones
September marks seven years of being in business as Six String Communications — and I just logged my 500th project. Break out the bubbly!!! Thanks as always to those of you who’ve trusted your words to Six String Communications. Onward.
Q&A with Defiant Scribe
Writing is my business. Writing is my passion. Defiant Scribe magazine recently asked me to share a few thoughts about writing, reading, and more. Click on the image below to check out my responses.
This One Time at Music Camp
Well, I never thought I’d get to play a song for Shawn Colvin, but that’s exactly what happened at the Frets and Refrains music camp.
After saying “prepare to be slaughtered” as I made my way to the hot seat, Shawn was super charitable in her feedback — as were my fellow classmates.
Other camp highlights included contributing a new jingle (“Welcome to the Chernobyl Big Top”) to a new eco-disaster-themed concept album and performing “Celluloid Dream,” “Don’t Forget to Pack Your Hand Grenade,” “Speak Your Mind,” “Nobody But You,” and “Trigger Finger” for various workshops and audiences.
All in all, a very good time in the Catskills.
