[juzzza]

Gary, have you sent a set of your books to Rick Kleffel?

http://www.trashotron.com/agony/index.htm

Check out the archives for NOM's reviews.

[Gary Wassner]

No. I was unaware of his review site until now. It seems that he wanted to dislike James on principle but just couldn't. I had a book reviewed by someone a few years ago who began his review with the disclaimer, "I am not a fan of Epic Fantasy." When it was published and I started to read it, all I could think of was why in hell did he review me then? The review was actually not bad. He called it a 'fine piece of Epic Fantasy', and then he spent most of the review talking about why he disliked the genre in general.

My point above was that I wonder if this reviewer has a similar bug up his ass?

[juzzza]

Looks like it, although the particular 'bug' is elves... could be interesting. :D

[Gary Wassner]

Would you send a cd to a reviewer of classical music or punk rock?

[juzzza]

If I saw that said reviewer had just reviewed Damien Rice... even if they started it with 'usually I hate acoustic singer/songwriter crap...'

Isn't Tommy a pop/punk drummer!?!

[Gary Wassner]

Yes and no. We share music just about every other day - i send him names and vice/versa. His tastes are as eclectic as mine with regard to what he listens to. What he plays? It's alot like what one reads and what one writes, isn't it? I read so much, but I write Epic Fantasy and children's books!

I understand, BTW, that the studio is booked.

[juzzza]

Sure, but that's my point in a way. Most people can have eclectic taste, despite their area of expertise or preference.

Although, I understand your hesitance, considering the cost of sending your trilogy to someone who potentially is biased against it before turning a page.

I just seem to have this sick desire to test my own material in the most hostile of markets... or at least those that seem that way.

Studio...

Really!!! That is exciting man!!! What about the restaurant? :D me and food.

[Gary Wassner]

I'm making the reservations now. What are you into? Cool or low key? Big, small, hip? French, American, Japanese, bistro? This is NYC.

I was thinking of Hearth. Look it up on Zagat on the internet. Or Balthazar. Take a look at that one too.

I have books out for review at so many places right now, I think I might just wait for some to post.

I know what you mean though. I asked that same reviewer to review The Awakening, ironically. I like to test those things as well, or else I am just a masochist.

[Rob B]

I've been reading Kleffel's column for a while now and he does have some interesting things to say.

I don't think he dislikes Epic Fantasy, in fact, he has said he enjoys it.

[Gary Wassner]

It might be a good idea then. I am going to send the information to my publisher and have them contact him. So if he rips my books apart, Justin and Rob, then I know who to blame. That takes the burden off of me, right? I'll be able to rationalize the whole thing.