The Death of Summer or How I Draw a Paycheck

School is in. And responsibilities loom over my puttering around. Which often, inexplicably, means I get more puttering done. Not really inexplicable because I have to prioritize my puttering, put my puttering first. These are things I've learned from the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, which I have never read but bought for a quarter at a garage sale from someone I suspect had not read it either. Point being, I'm teaching again. Shaping young minds. I try not to think about that too much. It's paralyzing if you do. Like the Larkin poem: "They fuck you up, your mum and dad./ They may not mean to, but they do."

(pictured: goats puttering)

My Ideal Fiction List Is Up on Flatmancrooked

So the folks over at the irrepressible Flatmancrooked came up with their ideal fiction anthologies and asked some of the writers they've published for their lists. Mine is up in Part III. Be sure to check out Parts I & II. I notice that many get real defensive about their lists and include disclaimers or get defiant as if expecting their choices to cause bar fights. Me included. I'm not making a point. Just noticing. I like to notice stuff.

Cool: The Collagist

Probably you've already checked out the first issue of The Collagist, a new online literary magazine from Dzanc, because I'm usually late to the party. If not, you should. Really. Because as previously stated, it is cool. It includes work by and about Gordon Lish. And even some Easter-egg-style goodies, like the Michael Martone contributor note story.

Flatmancrooked & My Last Minute

I'm a last minute person...because I'm essentially lazy. So I thought I'd mention the 2009 Flatmancrooked Prize judged by Aimee Bender. It's deadline is, oh, Aug. 15th, which is what tomorrow? Anyway, for any procrastinators out there...

I should also mention their new innovative program called LAUNCH, where they launch the career of a new writer by asking for readers to buy shares in that career. Read more because I'm too lazy for the details. The writer in question is the cool Emma Straub, who according to the faucet of fact Facebook will write you a love letter if you launch her.

And to continue the unsolicited testimonial, because I like the cut of these people's jib, their blog articles never disappoint.

I Have Been Carred

I hated cars well before it was cool. Not for any earth-saving reasons, I mean the supernova-ing sun's going to take care of this place soon enough, right? But just the general resentment--all I wanted was a way from point A to B and I get saddled with a constant source of nuisance. And I'm not a fan of speed. I'm a fan of slow. Of porches. And god knows I'd never buy a new car--a racket if ever there was one, paying for the car-salesman aggravation and instant depreciation.

So naturally, the other day I bought a new car. I blame Heather, who so loves cars she has a pet name for hers which I won't reveal because out of context it sounds dirty...I should probably just not bring it up. Also, I blame the last junk heap that hauled my ungrateful self around which died before it could claim any of that cash for being a clunker.

Anyway, we got an '09 Elantra Touring. Here's my review: it's nice.

Stuff That's Going On

Here's some stuff that's going on:

• Dogzplot is having a huge reading weekend bender in Atlantic City (pictured).
• The Fiction Circus lays out the Booker Prize--isn't there a Man in there somewhere now?

People are busy. Well, I'm not. But people, people are busy.

A Well Known Book I Haven't Read

So it's summer, and I'm actually reading things other than student work, but it just reminds me of things I haven't read that I feel like I should. Today's book I have not read is Independence Day by Richard Ford. That's right, haven't read that one. But one of my past professors told a story about how he was jerk, so that probably makes it okay.