Category Archives: Books

Alice’s Wonderlands

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In this week’s The Floating Library, I take a look at one of Forest of Fortune‘s major influences. Special thanks to David Rolland for indulging me.

When Alice was 20 years old, she was photographed by Julia Margaret Cameron. It’s a haunting image. Her hair isn’t blonde like she’s portrayed by Disney. In fact, her hair is very dark. Her features are blunt and somewhat androgynous-looking. She looks like someone who’s been down the rabbit hole and back or, at the very least, is less than fond of having her photograph taken. It more closely resembles a photo from the American frontier than Victorian England. 

VOTM San Diego

It was unusually hot and humid in San Diego last night with a bit of much-needed rain but there was still a tremendous turnout for the 10th anniversary celebration of Vermin on the Mount with Nathan Young, Hanna Tawater, Marivi Soliven Blanco, Justin Hudnall, and the always fierce Lizz Huerta. There are great things happening in San Diego and these writers are right in the thick of it. Many thanks to 3rdSpace — Vermin on the Mount’s home in San Diego. 

Interview at The Believer Logger

Brandon Hobson and I discuss Forest of Fortune through the lens of addiction to drugs and gambling. Not your average interview. This one might surprise you.

BH: Tell me—what’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

JR: Think of yourself as an artist. Knowing your craft is essential, but you’re not a barrel maker. You’re not a framer. You’re not hammering little cabinets together. You’re a fucking artist, so take risks everyday. You weren’t put on this planet to follow rules.

Forest of Fortune Launches at Skylight Books

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Photo by Nuvia Ruland

Last night Skylight Books launched Forest of Fortune in spectacular fashion. Thanks to everyone who came out and celebrated with me. I read a very brief (but very raunchy) excerpt from the book that caused one person to walk out (winning), talked about the novel’s autobiographical origins, and answered a lot of great questions from the audience. We also gave away some t-shirts in a totally legit, non-rigged raffle. A great night all the way around. 

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Selfie by Patrick O’Neil & Ashley Perez

If you missed it, don’t fret. I’m going to be reading in Los Angeles and San Diego throughout the month of August, including readings at Book Soup, San Diego Writers Ink, Tongue & Groove and Avenue 50 Studio. Check the events page on my website for the latest updates. The next two events are both Vermin on the Mount anniversary extravaganzas: one in San Diego on Sat Aug. 2 and another in L.A. on Fri. Aug 8. Come celebrate 10 years of filth and fury!

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Photo by Leland Zaitz

Lastly, we’ve extended the deadline for the Forest of Forest of Casino Giveaway. What’s that? We’re giving away up to two free nights in an Indian Casino Hotel of your choice. (Seriously!) You now have up to Labor Day to enter so get to it and tell your friends!