Dear Jerry Seinfeld, Please ignore Dan Casey

This morning Dan Casey of the Roanoke Times gives me a hard time in his column for paying what he considers "rube" prices for Jerry Seinfeld tickets. Check it out here..."Seinfeld ticket prices no laughing matter."

It was a fun back and forth...even if Dan is delusional...Native New Yorker? Ha!

Dear Jerry,
Please ignore Dan Casey. He comes from Binghamton and works for the Roanoke Times. What does he know? Please do not cancel your show in Roanoke. Some of us transplants need to hear another New York accent and a joke that doesn't have "Y'all" in it. Oh, and if you don't mind, would you please bring some bagels? I'll be sitting in the first row.
Thanks!
Elena

My Take on the South County Library

The Roanoke Times' "The Back Cover" is running a guest blog post from me on the new South County Library...

"Sure, I was a little annoyed that the new South County library meant I would have to drive a couple miles further than I used to. And yes, a little peeved that there wouldn’t even be a drop-off box at the old 419 headquarters, but I hoped I would fall in love with the new one so deeply that those other annoyances would become easily-overlooked, minor inconveniences. Alas, after Friday’s visit, I’m sad to report I’m not in love."

To read the rest of the post, "Not everyone is enamored with new library" click here.

From all the wonderful reviews I've read about the new library, I have a feeling my sentiments probably differ than most. But I feel I have valid points, so please read on and let me know what you think.

Here's some photos I took that relate to the post...No, the photo on top of this page is not for a coffee shop. That's part of the library...so is this one...



These are the drop-off slots, behind the pick-up window, in the one lane roadway...



I panicked when I first saw this stairway. My knees ached just looking at it!



Low bookcases might look nice, but totally impractical for some folks if we must bend for a "Hot Pick" on the bottom shelf...



But the kiddies will definitely love it!

Local Spotlight Q&A

Thanks to Dana Bailey and The Roanoke Times for the Local Spotlight Q&A on the Back Cover Blog!

I caught up with Elena DeRosa, local writer and blog reader, last week. She has been a joy to email back and forth with. Thank you Elena for taking the time to answer these questions.

Look for a guest post from Elena on the new South County Library later this week.

Q&A

Tell me about your book and what inspired it.

"Fractured Facade is my debut novel. It’s not the first book I wanted to write, but the one I had to write. My father’s mysterious death and the subsequent events inspired me to write a cautionary tale.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who has found themselves in a child/parent role reversal with a parent who has lost their spouse. The surviving spouse is often thrust into this new “single world,” an unfamiliar world where some people create facades to mask their true intentions. Sadly, loneliness can make an otherwise intelligent person do stupid things.

My hope is to prevent people from making some of the same mistakes as the “characters” in my book have."

Read the rest of the interview here!

Make Way for the New Punk

I have to give the Roanoke Times credit, not only for running my commentary which they gave a great headline to, "Make way for the new punk" on the front page of the Horizon section, but for running another commentary lamenting "Suddenly, everyone is a published writer" right next to mine.

The major difference in our attitudes is made clear in the first paragraph of Betsy's commentary when she writes..."In fact, my brother's book came out a week before mine. But don't buy his. Buy mine. It's funnier, or at least, the cover is. I haven't looked at the inside of his yet." I would never tell someone to not buy my brother's book, or that mine is "better," especially if I hadn't "looked at the inside of his yet!"

No, I'm of the mind set that independent anything...authors, artists, musicians, etc. should be celebrated, not only for their talent, but for having the tenacity to overcome all the negativity that is often thrown their way by people who think they're "better" than them.

That's why I am thrilled that so many musicians and artists have agreed to share the stage with me on December 15th, 6:00pm, at Roanoke's Main Library Downtown for an event called, "NYC...Live in Roanoke!" which not only celebrates the release of "Fractured Facade," but the re-emergence of the independent.

"In breaking away from the conventional format of what one might expect from an author’s book release event, Elena DeRosa, local author of the recently published eBook “Fractured Façade,” and Roanoke Public Libraries, are collaborating to present “NYC...Live in Roanoke!”

The author won’t be signing any books, but through vignettes, will share her journey, and the stage. Rather than read a chapter or two from her book, the author endeavors to create a bridge between the tale’s settings of Roanoke, VA and Brooklyn, NY, through the talents of other independent artists. Inspired by a New York City theme, musicians will perform live and visual artists’ exhibit their work.

The evening, “NYC...Live in Roanoke!” promises to continue the tradition of Roanoke Public Libraries celebrating our creative community, showcasing talent through unique events that have become synonymous with the downtown library.

In the spirit of the holiday season, a request is made to bring an unwrapped new toy for Toys for Tots, as well as a non-perishable food item that would be donated to the Rescue Mission.

We're hoping that this event will be the pinnacle of events so far at Roanoke Main Library in terms of cultural creativity.

A big part of the inspiration for this event came from a recent blog post titled:
Independent Authors & Punk Rockers
http://mselenaeousrants.blogspot.com/2011/10/independent-authors-punk-rockers.html

Refreshments served - authentic NYC menu of course.

Free."

Just so you know, I'm damned proud of the written result of three years' worth of blood, sweat, and tears that I spilled on my keyboard to bring my tale to light, but I'm no better than anyone else...

Fractured Facade is available at Smashwords, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all eReader stores. You can read a sample and see if it's worth $4.99 to you ;)