Shout-Outs 2018

Here’s to BookBar Denver
This has to be one of the snappiest independent bookstores you’re likely to ever encounter. Books. Bar. What’s not to like? They have great nibbles and excellent beer and wine, too. The joint was positively humming on Small Business Saturday, and the staff, as always, was smiling and efficient. Also, there are rumors (the good kind) of another major expansion in the back that will include a more formal event center for readings and book launches. Whoa! This place is always trying new things and has established a real sense of community on Tennyson Street in North Denver. They were, in fact, pioneers along this stretch. See you all there for the RMFW party on December 15? It’s sort of RMFW’s home away from home (except we have no home other than the bar area at Colorado Gold).

Here’s to the Strange and Weird
As I mentioned on my own blog last week, my writer pal Nick Arvin (Mad Boy) asked on Twitter for nominations for ‘deeply strange’ books. Holy crap, the list blew up in a day. Do you ever get the feeling when you’re at the bookstore or seeing the promos coming across your social media feeds that it’s all the same, all the same, all the same? This list will jolt you out of your reading boredom, and might give you some inspiration for your writing, too. There are 132 books on the list. Okay, here’s the description of The First Bad Man (one of those on the list) by Miranda July. “In The First Bad Man, Miranda July tells the story of Cheryl, a vulnerable, uptight woman in her early forties who lives alone, with a perpetual lump in her throat, unable to cry. Cheryl is haunted by a baby boy she met when she was six; she also believes she has a profound connection with Phillip, a philandering board member at Open Palm, the women’s self-defense studio where she has worked for twenty years.”

Here’s to Kate Jonuska
She started Colorado Resistance Reads. She put out a nonfiction book this year, The Dictionary of Fiction Critique, to help other writers. She is articulate, enthusiastic, and a community builder. It’s in her spirit, I do believe. Thanks for what you do, Kate.

Here’s to Janet Fogg & Laura Reeve
The “It’s A Book” mailer is one of the most overlooked features available to RMFW members. How else can you announce your new title to hundreds of key people, booksellers and librarians, in one easy step? It’s open to all books! Do not miss this excellent benefit of belonging to RMFW.

Here’s to the RMFW Board
RMFW is a complex organization. There are lots of moving pieces. The organization is entirely run by volunteers. There are very few perks for those who steer this ship. For those who have stepped up and are no doubt working on plans for 2019 and beyond, thank you for your work to keep things on cruise control. RMFW has many manifestations, from Colorado Gold to critique groups to managing this very blog. Free monthly workshops don’t appear out of thin air! There are hours and hours of work behind the scenes, and for all the commitment and dedication, thank you.

Here’s to Guests on The Rocky Mountain Writer
We recently posted our 150th episode of The Rocky Mountain Writer, and I really want to thank all the guests who have hopped on the podcast and shared their thoughts on writing and news of their new books. (Thanks also to Natasha Watts for her help with interviews from time to time.) Okay, this shout-out may come across as a bit self-serving, but I certainly hope not. The conversations on the podcast are often rich and inspiring; folks, we have some smarty pants writers among us! Also, it is never too early to book your slot! If you know you have a book coming out in 2019, email me and let’s get you on the schedule.

Okay, this next part is, in fact, self-serving. But it’s really all about helping raise the visibility of the podcast. If you have a moment, head to iTunes. Go to the store. Go to podcasts. Search ‘Rocky Mountain Writer.’ And then, next to ‘Details,’ see the button for ‘Ratings and Reviews’ and please take a minute to a leave a one-sentence comment or anything you like. Really, it would be a huge help. (And don’t forget to review books online, too. Write one a week a week? It’s a great habit to get into, and a few thoughtful sentences will brighten a writer’s day, giving your own shout-out back to the writer who told you a story.)