Month: December 2022

Happy Solstice

On By Christopher TuthillIn ChristmasLeave a comment

I have always enjoyed the winter solstice–the idea of ancient peoples celebrating the shortest day of the year, in anticipation of longer sun-filled days to come, gives me a good feeling about my fellow-passengers to the grave, as Dickens put it. I wish everyone a peace filled, happy holiday season, and all the best for the new year.

I’ll be taking a break from posting for the duration of the holidays, as I work on some projects and get some things ready for the new year. I’m looking forward to all that the future is going to bring. My very best to you, and thanks to all who have supported my creative endeavors over the past year.

Here’s one of my very favorite seasonal songs. See everyone next year.

Andrew Vachss On Writing

On By Christopher TuthillIn InterviewsLeave a comment

I was reading this interview with Andrew Vachss, a writer I admire, and I love this quote.

“Writing is not a meritocracy. Nor is it a fair fight. By what criteria is writing measured? That’s right: by the personal tastes of the reader. And most readers are sheep who prefer to be guided by “reviewers” or bestseller lists. So just as I know there are better writers out there who will never get published, I believe there are better actors out there who will never get their chance before the cameras, better directors who will never get the financing, better singers than will ever get recorded…so, if it were truly up to me, I’d have an “open call” and let the best man (for that role) win.”

For the entire interview: https://www.mulhollandbooks.com/books/a-conversation-with-andrew-vachss/

Sadly, Vachss passed away last year, but he left an amazing body of work.

In the Catalog

On By Christopher TuthillIn LibrariesLeave a comment

Here’s the record of THE OSPREY MAN at my local public library. Look for my book at your library, or ask your librarian about it! It’s available as an ebook in the hoopla database, or they can order a physical copy.

Scrooge

On By Christopher TuthillIn ReviewsLeave a comment

My children loved the new animated version of this classic tale, which is now streaming on Netflix. I read that it’s an update of the 1970 musical starring Albert Finney, and I recognized several of the songs from this earlier version. One of the funniest sequences in this movie was the song “Thank You Very Much,” where Scrooge watches as characters celebrate his death. There was enough humor and heart to keep everyone engaged. My seven year old can be a tough critic when she doesn’t enjoy something, but she has already watched this one twice and picked it out for family movie night. I’m now planning to read the story together with my kids.

A Christmas Carol is one of my favorite stories. This new version may not replace your favorite version of Dickens’ classic, but it’s a fun contribution for the season that the whole family should enjoy.

Fairy Tale by Stephen King

On By Christopher TuthillIn Reviews, Stephen KingLeave a comment

I just started Stephen King’s newest, Fairy Tale, the other day. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a King novel, though I have read many of them. He has a way of sinking the hooks in quickly, and making you care a lot about regular people in some dire situations. I am loving it so far.

It’s nice, I found, to not read any reviews or buzz about a book. I often read reviews, but had read almost nothing of this book, except that many people were enjoying it. I didn’t even read the blurb on the back cover. I guess after awhile a writer like King earns this trust, since you know you’re in good hands. But it’s been a real treat over the first 100 pages of this one to see where he is leading us.

I can see why so many people are excited about this newest one. Great stuff from a writer we’ve been lucky to have all these years.