by Christopher Ryan

Breaking News: Butch and Suni splashed back down Earth yesterday, greeted by a pod of dolphins. We had a live microphone to catch what the dolphins said:

“Where’d you go? Was there water there? Did they have fish?”

“Why did you come back? Do you know what’s been happening since you left?”

“Can you go back quick before you’re both called a DEI hires?”

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Hi, I’m Christopher Ryan, a hybrid author with forty years of experience in journalism, education, sketch comedy, indie film, unions, community service, parenting, public speaking, acting, fiction writing, and podcasting. I’ve experienced a modicum of success in all of these, but I’m pushing to be more, to become one of the oldest breakout authors in the business. Together, let’s see whether I can get there.

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NEWS:

Work continues on my tiny publishing company, Seamus and Nunzio Productions, solo publication of Alex Simmons’ play Sherlock Holmes and the Hands of Othello, described by The Amsterdam News as a “delicious mystery” taking the world’s greatest detective in a new direction – for him.

In addition to the play, there will be an interview with the author as well as the director for the debut production back in the 1980’s.

So when is it getting published. Dedicated fans will understand this clue:

If you solved the mystery of the Sherlock Holmes and the Hands of Othello publishing date, let me know in the comments. We’ll have five copies autographed by Alex Simmons to send out to the first five correct solutions.

Publishing News:

The March 31st debut of my “horror story told in verse” It’s Been a Privilege is coming up fast. Published by Alien Buddha Press, this collection of poetry offers stand alone poems that collectively tell the tale of the most modern of villains, Harry, the living embodiment of rich, white, male privilege … who is a pure sociopath. The collection has garnered praise by early readers, one of whom staunchly believes it would make a “stunning one-man show.” I’d love to see that happen, but for now the focus is on promoting the book’s release.

Upcoming Projects:

“There is another.”

Yes, Virginia, there will be another Soul Scream Antholozine. In fact, Fear and Loathing is already in preproduction, with stories and poems collected, interview questions being written and sent out along with contracts, and the cover design already well underway. The theme of this volume will explore how people are dealing with changes to their world, challenges to their morality, and what fear might look like as we move deeper into uncertain times.

Set for release sometime in late June/early July, this is the most ambition Soul Scream yet.

Also in the pipeline is a project that has been in development for quite awhile. I can’t say much more than it plays with a vague scientific theory I definitely abused in the service of exploring superpowers as horror stories. More soon.

Telling the Damn Story:

This week, Alex Simmons and I discuss overcoming the stressful pace of news to get yourself writing and/or creating on a regular basis despite the spiraling of current events.

You can watch it here:

CURRENT OBSESSIONS:

MUSIC: I listened to the Mick Taylor era Rolling Stones albums this week. Sticky Fingers, Exile on Main Street, Goat’s Head Soup, and It’s Only Rock’n’Roll still stand up as outstanding albums. No filler all killer, this is the best the Stones ever were. If you don’t know or haven’t heard these albums, go check’em out.

TV: Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again is, for my money, the best crime show AND the best political thriller on TV right now. Oh yeah, it’s a super-hero action tale as well. Damn, that’s a creative challenge. But the writing, acting, directing, and cinematography are all excellent. Four episodes in, each has gotten better. Dark and getting darker, this show is not to be missed.

BOOKS: I returned to the Monstrous Books restoration of the cult classic novel that started it all even before it was published, Kolchak the Night Stalker. James Aquilone, publisher, and James Chambers, editor, did a truly stunning job in presenting the very best version of this novel I have ever read. Presented beautifully from typeface, to paper quality to spot illustrations, classic cover, and the quality of its hard cover binding and bookmarking ribbon, this is a must have for fans and mystery readers alike.

ONLINE: If you like comics at all, you should really check out Omar Holmon on YouTube, Instagram, and/or TikTok. The word mastery. The flow. The humor. The passion. The depth of comics discussion. All of it is epic. Omar Holmon says more fun stuff and offers deeper insights about comic characters, writing, art, and themes in an engaging and delightful way.

You can watch an example here: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2poPrRN/

FREAK OUT:

I won’t lie, the question of whether the White House was ignoring judges’ orders and calling for their impeachment for daring to disagree with the president was freaking me out but Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts’ non-accusatory statement about the proper way to disagree with a judge’s ruling may have brought a bit of sanity back to proceedings. Fingers crossed that the courts can get everyone doing due diligence and following procedure to get work done properly.

Okay, my fingers are crossing so hard now their bones might shatter…

Thanks for coming by. Talk atcha soon.