Broke Hack Mountain

Six writers. One cabin. Very limited cell service.

What could possibly go wrong?

Rob Hart organized a writing retreat over the long Fourth of July weekend, christened it Broke Hack Mountain, and it was extremely productive. Rob invited Todd Robinson, Jon McGoran, Josh Bazell, Dan Krokos, and me to come along, and we spent a ton of time pounding away on our keyboards. And eating. And making fire. And eating. And snoring.

Rob’s summary of the weekend is great: Broke Hack Mountain: A Recap, and Tips for Planning Your Own Writing Retreat

Extra thanks to my wife Beth, who sent me to the cabin loaded up with fruit salad, grapes, bananas, and more. She saved me from a diet of exclusively bacon and steak!

N@B in Queens was Amazing

Alex Segura and Scott Adlerberg know how to throw a party.

Noir at the Bar in Queens was amazing. I’m still pinching myself to make sure that’s really me in this photo of outstanding authors:

Left to right, that’s Alex Segura, the nearly hidden William Boyle, Angel Luis Colón, Jill Block, Lawrence Block, Sarah Weinman, Scott Adlerberg, me (nearly fading into the background), Jen Conley, Thomas Pluck, and Rob Hart. Lyndsay Faye is seated in front of the gang, and I think Jason Starr had to leave before the photo was taken.

Everyone was on their game — so many great stories were told! And the venue (The Beast Next Door) was perfect. If you get a chance to attend a Noir at the Bar event in your area, don’t miss it.

Noir at the Bar in Queens: June 26

Later this month (Sunday, June 26, to be exact), I’ll be reading at NOIR AT THE BAR in Queens, New York.

The lineup is… intimidating.

MWA Grand Master Lawrence Block.

That one name is enough reason to make your plans right now. But the lineup of amazing authors continues…

Jason Starr. Sarah Weinman. Lyndsay Faye. Rob Hart. Alex Segura. Julia Dahl. Jill Block. William Boyle. Scott Adlerberg. Thomas Pluck.

Plus (as if you need more reasons to join us), my old Shotgun Honey buddies Angel Luis Colón and Jen Conley will be there, too! (Jen’s new book CANNIBALS is out now and getting great reviews.)

N@BQ5 (super-helpful acronym) will take place at The Beast Next Door, 42-51 27th St., Long Island City, NY. The fun starts on Sunday, June 26, at 6 p.m. And it’s free.

I hope to see you there!

N@B: Fun in New Brunswick

Noir at the Bar in New Brunswick, New Jersey, was great fun. Huge thanks to Jen Conley for organizing it, and to everyone who attended!

Noir at the Bar: New Jersey on May 24

Noir at the Bar is coming to New Jersey this month, and I’m thrilled to be one of the readers.

The event is taking place on Sunday, May 24, 2015, at Tumulty’s Pub in New Brunswick (361 George St.). The lineup is superb:

Jay Butkowski
Kevin Catalano
Angel Colón
Rob Hart
Jon McGoran
Todd Robinson
Alex Segura
Kieran Shea
S.A. Solomon
Joe Samuel Starnes
Dennis Tafoya
Dave White
And me, Erik Arneson

The whole event is being hosted by the incomparable Jen Conley, one of my co-editors over at Shotgun Honey.

Please join us for what will be a memorable night, guaranteed!

Word Crimes Podcast: Episode 16

Episode 16 of the Title 18: Word Crimes Podcast is out!

This episode of Word Crimes was recorded live in Long Beach, California, at Bouchercon 2014. Jess Lourey, Seth Harwood, Rob Hart and I all read our work in front of a live audience. Enjoy!

• Download Episode 16
• Show Notes for Episode 16
• Subscribe to Word Crimes on iTunes and Stitcher

Did you enjoy this episode of the Word Crimes podcast? Let us know by posting a comment here, on Twitter or Facebook — or, best of all, rate the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Bouchercon 2014 Live Podcast

Are you going to Bouchercon this year?

If so, swing by Harbor Room A on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 12:00 p.m. for a live recording of the Title 18: Word Crimes podcast!

Four authors, four minutes each. What could go wrong? (Don’t be late!)

I’m completely thrilled with the lineup:

• Rob Hart, author of the upcoming NEW YORKED.

• Seth Harwood, author of IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, YOUNG JUNIUS, JACK WAKES UP, and more.

• Jess Lourey (aka Jessie Lourey), author of JANUARY THAW, FEBRUARY FEVER, the upcoming THE CATALAIN BOOK OF SECRETS, and more.

• And… me, author of a work-in-progress about a kitten. Which is what I’ll be reading. Seriously.

See you there!

Word Crimes Podcast: Episode 12

Episode 12 of the Title 18: Word Crimes Podcast is out!

On this episode of Word Crimes, I interview Rob Hart, author of the upcoming novel NEW YORKED, at NoirCon 2014 in Philadelphia.

Enjoy!

• Download Episode 12
• Show Notes for Episode 12
• Subscribe to Word Crimes on iTunes and Stitcher

Did you enjoy this episode of the Word Crimes podcast? Let us know by posting a comment here, on Twitter or Facebook — or, best of all, rate the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!