The end of July is nigh, let’s get high and chop it up a little about what’s going on out here in factory poet land.
Insomniacathon was last weekend, and I’m still floating high on the kinetic energy that crackles when the poets all gather. There is a full write up about it on the way, but man oh man, what a long, glorious, holy weekend filled with amazing performances. Special thanks to Ron Whitehead, Kent Fielding, and their entire team of volunteers that made it all happen. I can’t wait to tell you all more about it.
Me reading at Insomniacathon under the watchful eyes of the maestro, Ron Whitehead, International Beat Poet Laureate Lifetime Emeritus. Photo courtesy of PW Covington
Expect an article on the metal fest I attended a few weeks back, then I’ll gladly fill you all in on how it all went down, down in Louisville last weekend.
The Chapel of St. Phillip Neri, site of Inspmniacathon 2024
What’s new besides that!? Everything. I just completed an interview for a small press publisher that bought my latest novel, The Dead and the Desperate, and loved it. Expect that to release in the coming weeks, and I’ve got some reviews forthcoming that I’m excited to share with everyone.
I found my book for sale from a British bookseller. The Dead and the Desperate is now available for purchase in at least six countries now. How cool is that?
On the looking into the future scale, don’t forget to get your tickets to Ben’s Birthday Backyard Blowout on Saturday Aug 10 in Toledo. Ben Stalets, the folk hero Toledo needs, is celebrating his birthday by throwing yet another backyard concert that promises to be bigger than previous years somehow. He’ll have his full band with him that night, and special guest Don “Doop” Duprie, a songwriter from the Detroit area that is a true working class hero. Y’all know my working class background, so if I tell you someone is a real working class hero you can take it to the bank. Doop is not only that but one of my favorite living songwriters. Of course, the event is once again hosted by Over Yonder Concert Series, and they’re all letting me emcee and read a few poems again this year. Get your tickets now. They’re going fast.
Flyer for the show
I’ve got a backlog of writing to catch up on, but the fire burns brighter after being stoked, fed, and inspired by Insomniacathon.
I spent a good deal of time last weekend with PW Covington, Beat Poet Laureate of New Mexico, and Mark Lipman, the U.S. National Beat Poet Laureate. Both poets are the tried and true real deal artists most of us aspire to be.
Tour dates for November are coming soon. Here’s a teaser. I’m reading in Los Angeles on Sunday November 10th. That and many other details coming over the next few weeks as I hunker down and get ready for the biggest, longest tour and roadtrip of my life… so far. Stay tuned. It’s about to get fun again soon.
Meanwhile, here’s a plea to support indie publishers. They’re more and more crucial in today’s world, and they’re always a labor of love. None of them are making any profit at all hardly, and most of them are scraping by on found pocket change and sacrifice. Go give the Magical Jeep a visit when you’ve a chance. They’ve got my latest book, the entire Roadside Press collection, and books from dozens of other writers and small presses.
My girl Jess and I stopped at Hunter S. Thompsons childhood home. Some normal people live there I reckon, and there’s no plaque or anything, but Jess got a photo of me in my Roadside Press shirt while there.
It’s the middle of summer. Go outside and start doing those summer things now so you’re not trying to cram them in in November when the frost comes calling.
Last night’s sunset on the Little Bryant Homestead
Love,
Dan
Ps. This newsletter appears simultaneously with my Patreon subscribers account, otherwise, they get all my writing a day early
Thank you for reporting from the trenches.