Book party the day after Christmas!

Just in case you missed the invite ... party 4-7 p.m. December 26 in Louisville!

Kentucky Book Fair - I don't understand

The 2012 Kentucky Book Fair begins today in Frankfort, and, well, I'm not sure if anyone knows or even cares. The idea of a book fair in Kentucky certainly appeals to me, as it should all book-lovers.

Back in 2006, I submitted "The Developers" for a spot in the fair, but I was declined. I assumed I submitted late, or perhaps there just weren't that many spots. However, after seeing photos of the actual event, and noticing the lack of media coverage, I thought that maybe it just wasn't very big and no one actually attended.

Election wrapup

Mitt Romney and Barack Obama

The U.S. elections are finally over, and either you're elated, frustrated or somewhere in between (maybe your guy/girl won the big race, but that bond issue for building a life-size replica of the Millennium Falcon in your basement didn't quite make it). Following the races, specifically the presidential race, on TV, the web, Twitter, etc., was a somewhat dizzying experience. With the electoral votes changing rapidly, the election almost seemed like a basketball or football game, with continual highs and lows as the totals were revealed.

"The Developers" giveaway on Goodreads

I'm currently giving away 15 copies of my first book, "The Developers," on Goodreads. The giveaway ends in December, but sign up now so you'll be registered to win. I'm planning on doing a giveaway with "Corporate Ties" as well, so that you can stock up on Christmas gifts!

The ultimate hiking companion

There are a few things necessary when starting out on a long hike, regardless of the weather. You need a good pair of shoes, possibly boots. You need something to drink, most likely water. And finally, you need a peanut butter and pickle sandwich. Even the folks at the New York Times realize this!

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Random News

Recent publicity in the Evansville newspaper

Although this occurred two weeks ago, the Evansville Courier & Press ran a little article about me and my book, "The Developers" just before my signing down there. The paper may do a review at a later date, but I was extremely pleased with Becky Coudret's article. Here it is:

Humor/ tech writer at Border's

By REBECCA COUDRET Courier & Press staff writer 464-7509 or coud@evansville.net

January 21, 2006

Ben Woods calls himself a humor/technology writer - which has to be considered a new genre of literature.

Editors selected

The publishing industry, much like any entertainment industry, is all about who you know, and not necessarily about how good you are. Having said this, though, if you are damn good, and you have a little luck, you can break into the inner circle.

Next stop: CityLit Festival

My first tour stop in 2008 will be the central branch of the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore, where I'll be a part of the fifth-annual CityLit Project. The event is free to both the public and exhibitors, which is not typical for most book-related events. It's pretty annoying to go to some events where either you have to give up a large percentage of your sales or you have to pay an upfront fee.

What are fireworks salespeople up to now anyway?

Nomads have wandered through cities during the last two weeks, sold their goods and departed for lands of milk and honey.

They don't leave a trail, but their wares do — usually ashes, perhaps a foul-smelling odor but always a glowing experience.

Fireworks salespeople have rigorous lives. I recently caught up with one such seller, Smokin' Joe Romancandle. What follows is his normal day:

6 a.m. — Wakes up, sings the "Star-Spangled Banner," eats a Pop-Tart and brushes his teeth.

Rush rocks ... the band, of course

I thought I had found some sort of glitch in the space-time continuum. One of the local rock stations plays songs from the band Rush as often as any classic or even current band. But after a trip to Chicago a week ago, where I managed to find myself in the middle of a Rush block one day and not being able to change the channel while "Tom Sawyer" played the next, I realized I wasn't alone.

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