Update: In November 2024, Jonathan Evison began a weekly podcast called A Fresh Face in Hell. For approximately an hour every Wednesday, he casually converses with fascinating friends and other people he admires. Entertaining, enlightening, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Update: If you’ve ever thought about writing a novel in a year, Jonathan Evison is teaching a year-long novel writing workshop for Centrum, starting in July 2025 with two bookended, weeklong, in-person meetups as part of the Port Townsend Writers Conference.For more information, here’s the link to hisLong Form Novel Writing Workshop. But hurry! The workshop is limited to 12 students, and applications must be received by March 31st. This is a blind submission, and those who are chosen will be notified mid-April.
Jonathan Evison’s author event @ Third Place Books – LFP (Mask From The Tweedy Show)
I first met Jonathan Evison in 2012 at Hugo House in Seattle where he talked about what to expect if you hoped to become a published writer. Spoiler alert: It’s hard work, so if you’re seeking glamour and/or six-figure deals and/or constant admiration, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Case in point, fewer than 10 people attended the afternoon class, and one woman scurried out midway without explanation. Having never taught before, JE asked if he should personally refund her money. The rest of us thought it unwarranted, so he got back to business.
Port Townsend Writer Conference: Jonathan Evison and Eric Greenwell
By 2012, JE had the distinction of being “the author you’d most like to have a beer with,” but what drew me to him were his posts on family life, especially one about the grief he felt from the recent passing of a beloved dog. That touched my heart.
12/2024 Living Room Bookcase, including Again and Again (#8).
If you’ve read any of his books, you’ll know JE doesn’t sidestep difficult subjects in his novels. At the time of the class, I’d read All About Lulu (1st) and The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving (3rd), and he was working on This is Your Life Harriet Chance (4th). I’ve now read that too. I also enjoyed Lawn Boy (5th), which is currently on the list of most banned books in the nation. (JE thinks that people who ban books should read them first to avoid spreading misinformation, but he knows that’s highly unlikely.) As for West of Here (2nd) and Legends of the North Cascades (6th), they’re on my shelves.
The Heart in Winter by Jonathan Evison
Next up, The Heart of Winter (#9) to be added to my shelf in January 2025. This is the book I chose for our bookclub’s March 2025 discussion, and I’ll be at the book launch at Elliott Bay Books in Seattle on January 8th to buy a book or two. I love going to author events! They’re usually free, and you can get a personalized autographed copy. Bonus when there’s food and drink, and sometimes you might glimpse other local authors who are there to support.
Port Townsend Writer Conference: Friendly game of whiffle ball.
In 2016, JE taught a weeklong morning class at the Port Townsend Writers’ Conference at Fort Worden, and I was among the first to enroll. Since then, I’ve come to know Johnny and his wife Lauren. I adore them both, along with their three rambunctious and talented kids. And, Lauren graciously read the manuscript for Katy’s Song before I found a publisher. For that I’m sincerely grateful, because it was a much needed vote of confidence after 100+ agent rejections. Therefore, this review can’t possibly be unbiased. Nonetheless, it is truthful.
Fort Worden: Gary Lilley + two of JE’s kids & Sparky
I first read Small World in May 2020 when Johnny needed fresh eyes on the manuscript. Reaching out on FB, he requested two volunteers to read and critique 150,000 words within five days. For those who don’t know, most novels are around 80,000-100,000 words, so this was epic.
Small World: Acknowledgement
Heaven help me, even though I’m a slow reader, I jumped at the chance! Thank goodness the pages were already in fantastic shape. And, even though I broke my streak of completing the NYTs’s on-line daily crossword, I felt I’d been given the gift of a masters class in writing. That was enough of a thanks for me, but, as promised, my name was added to the acknowledgements. How cool is that?!?
Review: Small World, Jonathan Evison’s seventh novel, focuses on the ambition behind building the transcontinental railroad and how generations of people and swaths of land were touched by the quest to ease travel across the USA in mid-1800.
This story is timeless, asking two questions that plagued us then as they still do today. What exactly is the “American Dream?” And who is it for?
Small World by Johnathan Evison
Small Word is an exciting read, and I finished it faster than some books that are half its length. No wonder this novel was recommended by author Jason Mott (Hell of a Book) on The Today Show. Unfolding in two time periods (contemporary and historical) with eight POVs, the story might’ve been unreadable in unskilled hands. But every chapter held my interest, and I never felt confused.
The novel explores the complicated issues of innovation and “greater good.” Rife with contradictions, progress is defined by who’s telling the story and which details are included/excluded. Who holds the rights to rightness? Innovators vs. Necessary Workers. Indigenous vs. Transplants. Society vs. Individualism. Livelihood vs. Displacement. Nature’s Beauty vs. Nature’s Resources.
I could go on, but what I’d most like to say is that by the end of this novel, no character is left unscathed, including me as the reader.
One of the best books ever written!
2024 PTWC: JE & me posing for a photo we wanted to send to our mutual friend author Kevin O’Brien to let him know we were thinking about him.
Bit of trivia about Jonathan Evison: (1) He learned how to write by voraciously reading novels, starting at a young age. (2) One of his favorite authors is Dickens. (3) His third novel was adapted into the movie Fundamentals of Caring, starring Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, and Selena Gomez (Netflix). (4) He was a founding member of March of Crimes (punk/pre-grunge) that also happened to include bassist Ben Shepherd (Soundgarden) and guitarist Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam). (5) When he was young, he created and published a fan zine about the music scene, and he now has an impressive/extensive vinyl collection, including albums from one of my favorite bands Wilco/Jeff Tweedy.
I originally posted this in November 2020, but I kept updating and clarifying, so I changed the date to reflect those additions. And, since then, Jeff Tweedy created a Substack account called Starship Casual. Some content is free, but most songs are behind the paywall. Well worth the subscription price!
Screenshot from Starship Casual (Substack)
InAugust 2019, my husband and I saw Jeff Tweedy in concert in Washington state at an outdoor music festival called Thing—a new event held at historic Fort Worden at the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula overlooking Puget Sound. The weather, often unpredictable in the Pacific Northwest, was near perfect: warm, dry, and calm. And, had Jeff Tweedy played and conversed until morning, I would’ve stayed the entire night with the exception of quick breaks for pesky necessities. Jeff Tweedy is much loved here, as was evidenced by the large crowd and by a small grocery that displayed a sign along Jeff’s travel route, offering him free cantaloupe if he stopped to say hello. I’m happy to report it worked.
At “The Thing” concert in Port Townsend, WA (08/2019)
Last year, my dear friend and editor, Elizabeth Thorpe, introduced me to The Tweedy Show—a delightful, quirky, witty, poignant program that airs on Instagram (stuffinourhouse, Mon/Thur, 9:00 Central). The show begins with a jukebox, after which special drawings by cartoonist Jeff Knurek (Jumble) depict the family. Then for about an hour, the Tweedys offer up banter and songs, and no subject is sacred. Always off-camera, Jeff’s beloved wife Susie runs commentary while filming. Oh my word, she cracks me up! Enhancing the feeling of community, live-streamed texts from clients (fans) scroll down the screen. (Highlights: Susie’s brother Danny jabs and praises in true sibling fashion. Client Paul quickly names every song, except ones that are brand-spankin’-new. And client Arrow creates gorgeous art with emoticons.)
Conversations often become comically raunchy, which makes it all the more appealing. There’s no script, and the show is raw and meandering, so it feels homey, like hanging with friends who happen to be highly talented musicians. Usually wearing t-shirt and pajama bottoms, and sitting on a couch in front of groovy IKEA curtains, Jeff sometimes sings from his solo and Wilco albums (always welcome). Oftentimes, Jeff and sons Spencer and Sammy play covers chosen for thought-provoking lyrics. I’d love to hear “I Got a Name” by Jim Croce, but there are so many other requests, I understand not having time for mine.
Photo from 4 second clip w/Spuds included in YouTube video The Tweedy Show Union Song created by Jeff Knurek.
Lately, Jeff has been sharing new material, and, hot damn, what a treat! Whatever the selection, every song is eclectic and/or haunting and/or whimsical and sometimes prompts backstories, reflections, and impressions. Occasionally, Spencer’s girlfriend Casey Walker (with her adorable dog Basil in tow) sings one of her lovely creations. And, all the while, Susie’s sweet dad listens through a speaker on the coffee table; every now and again offering kudos and/or a lengthy joke. I never want to miss a performance, so I’ve noted it on my calendar with a reminder. But, just in case my plans are hampered, the program is available in archives.
Today marks the one year anniversary of The Tweedy Show. It’s been a generous gift from the Tweedys to help clients cope with the stress of quarantining, and I’m not ashamed to admit I greatly needed it a time or two. I’m grateful to be among the many this special household has touched. Only once before have I fallen in love with a family and pets without personally knowing them. (Obamas 2008 in case you’re wondering.) I’m guessing the Tweedys also benefit from this online relationship that keeps them in touch with clients, especially longtime and unwavering ones. Last night, on a high note, we were shown the collector’s package for Wilco’s “Ode to Joy” that won Jeff another Grammy—a fitting reminder of how art and beauty prevail.
Now for the book review! I began this post with the above information to illustrate how well Jeff Tweedy knows his stuff when it comes to music. In November 2020, and again on a road trip with my husband this past weekend, I listened to the Audible version of How to Write One Song. Jeff Tweedy’s insights are comforting and funny, and his prompts are applicable to various creative endeavors. He possesses qualities found in beloved teachers: humor, encouragement, authenticity, and inspiration. And, How to Write One Song is as good as, and even better than, many writing how-to books I’ve read and workshops I’ve attended. What a delight to have this gem—accurate description for both man and book—in the world.
Oliver Wendell Homes once said, “Many people die with their music still in them.” With the guidance of this book, coming into my life at the exact moment I needed it, I can accomplish something I thought beyond my abilities. Although I can’t read music, I have a pretty good ear and acceptable singing voice. And, among my friends are a smattering of poets who could help me hone the lyrics. Right now, I’m toying with a folkish, Irish lament, because I play a few slow airs on fiddle. Perhaps, one day, I’ll share my song on this blog.
Note to Jeff Tweedy: Thank you for being you! If our paths ever meet, and you have a moment to spare, I’d love to discuss our mutual obsession with the New York Times Crossword.
Thursday, March 18, 2021: New York Times Crossword (What the crunk?!? Blanks?!?)
Although my solve-time is much slower than yours, and I’m well below your longest daily streak of 558, I aspire to reach 1000. And in the four years since downloading the app, I’ve completed all the Mondays and Tuesdays in the archives, starting with November 1993. But, my intention isn’t to brag, because it’s a one-sided love affair where I’m the key beneficiary. When I’m stumped, there’s joy in discovering answers on Wikipedia and Thesaurus, so the crossword keeps me sane(r) as it appeals to my basic need to perpetually learn. And, even more valuable to me, the crossword diverts my thoughts when my mind is chasing its tail. May all our puzzles be sprinkled with Oreos, eels, eeks, ekes, oles, ovals, olios, areolae, asses, aliases, alibis, orcas, iotas, oboes, oldies, opuses, onuses, Ellas, Ettas, Els, Ashes, Otts, Orrs, Olds, Odies, Opies, Astas, eons, ages, oafs, ogres, and etals. [Sigh]
Note: By 01/31/21, I’d logged 216 days in a row when a glitch in the app set my count back to 0. The problem stemmed from Wednesday, January 27th when the square changed from yellow to blue. (I have pictures!) I emailed The NY Times, but I’m not sure I reached the appropriate department or if the issue is even fixable. Good thing I enjoy a challenge. Oh, who am I kidding?!? This sucks!!! Especially since I was so diligent, even when our basement flooded on Jan. 2nd, and my husband and I spent 16 hours using two shop vacs to keep the water at bay until help arrived. But, what can I do about it? Nothin’! 4 down. 996 to go…
Update 08/17/2024: It’s official! I solved 1000 New York Times Crossword puzzles without missing a single day! Phew!
Banner for 08/18/2024 Puzzle
Weekly Stats as of 08/17/24
I guess I’ll need to find a new obsession…
Vegan Author, Music Enthusiast, Vegan Novel, Katy’s Song
