Unca Harlan would be proud

In the 80s Harlan Ellison made writing fiction a performance art. He would take a story prompt from a stranger (or just as often a celebrity) and occupy a storefront window, where he would sit for hours at an Olympus typewriter writing a short story. Those pages would then be distributed to audience members that afternoon. (I have a signed copy of Broken Glass hanging in my office, written in the window of Avenue Victor Hugo Bookstore in Boston, circa 1981).

Now the Seattle7Writers are taking that concept one step beyond--creating a collaborative novel, involving 36 writers (yours truly included), over six days, all of it...wait for it...LIVE. (And also accesible in real-time via the web). Ah, there's nothing like the thrill of working without a net.

I take the stage at the Richard Hugo House on Saturday, October 16th @ 10:00 a.m. I'll be the one in the Harlan Ellison T-shirt.

Comments

[Eric Stallsworth]

Wow Jamie, that's really wild. I hadn't heard of that before, but the idea of it is awesome. Since it'll be live on the 'net, you can bet I'll drop by to see you typing away. Good luck and I hope you have alot of fun.

[Bobby]

Awesome!!! What a wonderful experience for you and for us via the web! Ah yes, technology is beginning to gain merits in my perspective, most importantly, I enjoy you tribute. Wear that T-shirt with glory!

[CharlesP]

A) very cool!
B) of course the first thing I thought of was this classic Monty Python sketch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogPZ5CY9KoM

[Jamie]

Will do!

Charles--that's a GREAT Python bit! Will probably be just that exciting.

[Ann]

You are a brave man, Mr. Ford.

Actually, I think you and the other participants will enjoy the event. Please post a reminder here next month, so we don't miss the fun.

[Heather Moore]

Sounds intimidating, yet amazing at the same time.

[John Malcomson]

My wife and I will be at the Richard Hugo House to support you from 10-12 on Oct. 16th. It will be part of my birthday celebration again of course!

See you next month,
-John & Heidi

[Jamie]

John...I'm honored. :)

[John Malcomson]

I am looking forward to seeing you at the Novel Live!
I just had this article published in the NW Asian Weekly about my experience at your book reading at the Panama Hotel in October 2009.

See you on the 16th!
John