Here's the second part of my first formal interview with James R. Tomlinson (aka Jim Tomlinson and JR Tomlinson). I'm aiming to do my take on Adopted Behaviors (Motor City Burning Press, 2010), his excellent chapbook, soon.
Erik: How did you come to write and produce Adopted Behaviors and where would you like to see Motor City Burning Press in the future?
Jim: I thought it was time I put together some of my writing into a chapbook. Motor City Burning Press seemed like a perfect fit. I organized my favorite pieces into three categories: flash memoir, short story, and flash fiction. The flash memoir sets the tone, gives the reader an idea of what I’m all about. Spencer Dew, a reviewer for decomP magazinE, compared me to a pugilist, stating that I pummeled my words onto the page. Most of his references came from “Jail Bait,” which won a short story award at Wayne State University. Also, Dew claimed that I viewed myself in a sort of detached way, like I was observing myself from a distance. Hell, anyone who looks in a mirror has moments like that. The only difference is I’m trapped on the inside looking out; maybe it’s metaphysical, or mental, all I know is that I’ve got these golden handcuffs around my wrists waiting for the perfect opportunity to escape. Physically: I hope to retire from the prison system in six years; mentally (for now anyway): I hope to escape through my writing.
I’m not sure what’s in store for MCBP. What I do know is that my actions have been deliberate: first a chapbook and then an e-book for The Clarity of Night. My way of saying, “Hey there fellow MCBP comrades, look at me, look at what I have to offer!” If it’s not impressive, fine, I’ll read submissions, stuff envelopes, shag coffee, whatever it takes. Perhaps one day I’ll be invited to the party, instead of always kicking at the door. Trust me, I do know how to kick.
I’m not sure what’s in store for MCBP. What I do know is that my actions have been deliberate: first a chapbook and then an e-book for The Clarity of Night. My way of saying, “Hey there fellow MCBP comrades, look at me, look at what I have to offer!” If it’s not impressive, fine, I’ll read submissions, stuff envelopes, shag coffee, whatever it takes. Perhaps one day I’ll be invited to the party, instead of always kicking at the door. Trust me, I do know how to kick.
Hot off the press, please see Jim's latest, "The Trigger Man and His Accomplice" at:
4 comments:
A pugilist. Interesting description of JR's work. I can see it.
I can see that description-- his work dances, parries, then ducks in for the punch.
Just ordered my copy of Adopted Behaviors.
Thanks for the comments, dudes~and excellent, JY!
I believe that door has already been kicked in Jim. It might be better if there was a loop to be in but *shrug* it is loose at the moment is all.
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