Just finished The Big Switch and liked it very much. On to the next Kane adventure!

I'm still reading "Girl with Dragon.." and not wanting it to end so am prolonging the reading process. I see you have some pseudonyms; as do I. Care to share?

I'm sure it's not legit LOL. But it gets the message across.

Thank you for the comment on my blog, Jack!

Dan Brown sure can weave a tale that makes you turn the pages. I am waiting for his latest book that comes out Sept. 15th, which I ordered in May.

Mike--

I think that instead of "trash," I might have said "hack work." about 300 of my 400 stories were written first draft and barely proofread and most were in the category of erotica ... no so sure it was hard core because I was complimented by editors again and again for the characterization, the structure, etc. Some of what I wrote I am still being paid for on a quarterly basis.

Three novellas that I wrote sold 3 different times each (These were pulp-like mysteries that seem to hit a note with more than one editor.) Currently, it is sitting in the computer awaiting a decision by me whether to just let them die of rust or try to market them again.

They are the kind of pulp that we used to read in the army and mark the "interesting" paragraphs.

Every novel or story the bears the "Jack Bludis" name is a novel or story I am proud to show.

Of the the other 100+ Some are pretty good, some not so good. And a few ... hell, even I don't get the point.

Thanks for asking.

Roger Corman's is Academy Award when related to most of my many pseudonyms.

Thanks for asking. If you don't mind, I'm going to put this note on my own page as well as yours.

Maybe we can get a discussion going on the forum related to what is and is not trash when it comes to mysteries.

What it comes down to is that in no year did I ever make even a fraction of my annual income writing, but hope springs eternal. I might even get back to my opus one of these days.

Jack

400 + stories!!! For someone who considers himself a novelist rather than a short story writer, that’s some impressive output. You used the word “trash” to describe some of those; why is that? What made these stories trash?

Since so many consider the kinds of movies that Roger Corman makes as “trash,” I’ve been forced to consider the term myself (and the term “guilty pleasure”). I’m positive that your stories (and my screenplays) took a considerable amount of skill to write. I’m also sure that quite a few people have enjoyed those stories. So what makes them trash as apposed to an acclaimed novel or an award nominated story?

Hey Jack,

Thanks for the comment. I've read an enjoyed your stories at Thrilling Detective and look forward to more. You had a great line in your "Confessions of a Hack" article below -- along the lines of having your best work rejected. Why do you think that is?

I have nothing but positive things to say about working with Roger Corman. He gives you considerable freedom, yet nudges you back on course when needed. And he’s taught me a few things about low-budget/cable movie writing that I’ve never encountered in a Syd Field book.

Thanks for the comment I do use grammar and spell check a lot they are my friends I would not be OK with out them. :)

And hello to you too! And yes, I will be in Indianapolis - so see you there!

It's the California coast, yes. But not Monterrey. It's off Route One heading north from San Francisco (thus, the Giants hat--great ballpark, BTW).

I seen that. I watched the trailer last night and decided to not add it to the blog post I put up because I felt it said to much.

:)

Thanks, Jack. I haven't updated my list in a while . If I had I would've added Derek Raymond, Westlake's "The Axe", Shane Stevens "Dead City", Roger Smith's "Mixed Blood" (he's become a friend, but independent of that I absolutely loved both Mixed Blood and his upcoming second book).

Thanks, Jack. You are always so supportive, and I appreciate it.

yep, I meant Vicki....

Thanks for the appreciative note on my comments. I shoot my mouth off these days and get things stirred up a bit. Seriously, this is a wonderful place and I love almost all the posts and posters.

Jack, it's always nice to hear from you. You do recall riding to that crazy Texas Barbecue place together years ago? I was scared out of my wits by the illustrious Bouchercon experience. Several years later, in Chicago, I had a great time because I really didn't give a damn about playing the author. These days, I don't give a damn about much of anything.

Post it, Jack. I think it's good to stimulate discussion. Though I tried to keep it balanced, I thought my remarks might anger some. So be it.

Kris

Thanks, Jack. Congratulations to you on your 40 published novels. That's quite a feat! Reece