Tag Archives: thunderclap casino

Forest of Fortune Launches at Skylight Books

Books, , , , ,

image

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. 

image

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!

image

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! 

Interview at Great Writers Steal

Books, ,

At Great Writers Steal, Ken Nichols follows up his review of Forest of Fortune with this interview in which he investigates the creative choices I made while writing the novel. But even in questions of craft and narrative structure, things get personal…

Forest of Fortune is both a place within the casino and a fantasy. When I worked at an Indian casino, the names of the various establishments were a source of great amusement. For instance, we actually had a Dreamcatcher Lounge, as hokey as that sounds. My employment coincided with the recession, so I felt bound to the place. I wanted to leave, but felt like I couldn’t afford to quit. This feeling intensified when I went into recovery for alcoholism. I wanted to find a healthier place to build a new life for myself, but I was stuck at the casino. I felt trapped there. It was a feeling that was shared by many of my coworkers and this feeling is a big part of the book. Of course, it was only a feeling. I could have left anytime, but I didn’t. I stayed way too long.

Welcome to Thunderclap

Books, ,

As many of you know I worked for many years at an Indian casino and these experiences served as the inspiration for my novel. It was a fascinating place to work – part Vegas-style local’s only casino, part low-end amusement park, part 7-11. Today I’m pleased to announce that Thunderclap Casino is open for business. Check it out and be sure to enter the Forest of Fortune Casino Giveaway: up to two nights at an Indian casino near you, compliments of Tyrus Books!