First: I am very sorry to note that last Thursday marked the final airing for The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore. Having inherited the time slot of a phenomenon it was unfair of Comedy Central to believe the ratings would be maintained, particularly after another phenomenon left The Daily Show leading into this program. But I'm glad I got to know Mike Yard, Grace Parra,Holly Walker, Robin Thede and Jordan Carlos and saw some of the wonderful work they could do. Mr. Wilmore, don't let anyone tell you your show wasn't good enough. If this year has taught us anything, it is that quality is rarely the defining factor in popularity contests.
On to business: This week I opened the discussion to those on Twitter and Facebook this week to see if there were questions readers/visitors/total strangers might have for the author (that's me). There were no rules posted. So I should have known what to expect.
A quick word: I'll be updating throughout the day, so if you want to add a question, feel free to comment below and I'll get to it sooner rather than later.
Keep in mind that the opinions expressed here are those of the author and not people who aren't the author. Because that would be silly. So with the upcoming release of THE QUESTION OF THE FELONIOUS FRIEND now only a few (2) weeks away, let's begin there.
Jack Getze: Do you and E.J. do things together--besides writing books, I mean?
What are you implying, Jack? Must E.J. and I have our seconds contact you? (I've been listening to the Hamilton cast album too much.)
Arlene Cassidy: What's the best opening line ever?
It used to be "come here often?" but now I believe it's something on the order of, "I saw your profile and just couldn't resist."
(Actually it's probably, "Call me Ishmael." Everybody knows that one. Best one I ever wrote is likely, "The guy in Row S, Seat 18 was dead, all right.")
Bill Davis: How many times have you considered bumping off Elliot?
I assume Bill refers to Elliot Freed, protagonist of the Comedy Tonight (Double Feature) mystery series. I never considered bumping off Elliot, Bill. For one thing, he narrates the books, so that would leave a lot of empty pages. (Elliot fans: There is news forthcoming. No, not a new book, but news. I'll tell you when I can.)
Jack Getze (who apparently can't get enough): How do you keep track of all the characters in your several series? Any charts or special files?
I actually keep a "Bible" file on the Asperger's, Mysterious Detective and Agent to the Paws series because I tend to lose track of details like number of siblings and type of car the character drives. I never had to do that when I was writing just one or two series.
Ken Cohen (no relation--he's my cousin): How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?
Six.
John R. Rymer: Why is Trump still here?
Where?
Robert Walker: What is the cosmic explanation for how Jeff Cohen came into being?
I could ask my mother but that would probably lead to some very uncomfortable images in my head and who needs that?
Dawn: How do you write such spectacular dialogue? When I write, dialogue always feels painful and stilted, to the point where I feel like I must have a bit of Aspergers because I don't know how to have a normal conversation!
Thanks for the lovely compliment! For me dialogue is the best part of writing. I just come up with a first line and then let my characters have a conversation. The better you know your characters, the more effortless and realistic the dialogue will seem. (I say "seem" because it's never effortless!) I write as much dialogue as I want and then cut out the parts I don't need.
How do you write such spectacular dialogue? When I write, dialogue always feels painful and stilted, to the point where I feel like I must have a bit of Aspergers because I don't know how to have a normal conversation!
Posted by: Dawn | August 22, 2016 at 10:26 AM
I asked two questions because you said my first was "silly." But go ahead, mock me for trying to help a friend. I can take it.
For Dawn: Jeff writes so well because he sold his soul to dark forces.
Posted by: Jack Getze | August 22, 2016 at 10:59 AM
I only RENTED my soul, and intend to get it back in September.
Posted by: Jeff Cohen | August 22, 2016 at 12:31 PM