News release about my book
Here’s the Huntington Press news release about my story collection. More info on the book to follow over the next few months.
For Immediate Release
Huntington Press Announces Release Date for
My Week at the Blue Angel: And Other Stories from the Storm Drains, Strip Clubs, and Trailer Parks of Las Vegas
by Matthew O'Brien
Las Vegas – Acclaimed author Matthew O'Brien (Beneath the Neon: Life and Death in the Tunnels of Las Vegas) will release his newest title, My Week at the Blue Angel: And Other Stories from the Storm Drains, Strip Clubs, and Trailer Parks of Las Vegas, on October 25, 2010.
This creative nonfiction story collection boldly explores the disenfranchised and broken side of Las Vegas while highlighting the unexpected beauty in a neon wasteland, forging a path into a hidden world beneath the city, and lending a voice to the voiceless masses rarely seen.
O'Brien, founder of Shine a Light—an organization that aids the many men and women living in the flood channels of Las Vegas—has already gained recognition for one of the stories in the collection, “Another Day on Paradise,” in the form of a fellowship from the Nevada Arts Council.
Beneath the Neon, also published by Huntington Press, is an internationally acclaimed nonfiction book that received rave reviews from numerous publications and media outlets, including E!, Publishers Weekly, and Wired magazine.
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Heidi Olson
Heidi@HuntingtonPress.com or 702-252-0655
###
Posted: 7/29/2010 at 8:08:00 AM | Updated: 7/29/2010 at 8:12:00 AM | Add Comments | More Options
NAC fellowship
One of the stories in my upcoming collection won a fellowship from the Nevada Arts Council. The story, “Another Day on Paradise,” is a personal piece about living in a historic (i.e., old) apartment complex in the shadow of the Las Vegas Strip. I’m hoping the fellowship is a good omen for the collection.
My friend Becky was also recognized in the Literary Arts category.
For more information on the fellowship, visit http://nac.nevadaculture.org.
Posted: 7/10/2010 at 11:50:00 PM | Updated: 7/10/2010 at 11:51:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
Quick update
I got a book deal for the nonfiction story collection I’ve been working on for the past few years. Don’t want to go into too much detail now (a few things are still being finalized), but it looks like the book will be published in the fall. More details to follow – hopefully soon.
Also, the Shine a Light outreach continues to have success. In a year or so of work in the tunnels, HELP of Southern Nevada has housed about 40 people and helped turn around their lives. (I don’t recognize some of my old friends … out here in the light, back to their normal weight, all cleaned up and decked out in ironed clothes.) Special thanks to Rich Penksa, Macheo Willis and Louis Lacey of HELP, who’ve been fixtures in the tunnels since the outreach launched.
Finally, Beneath the Neon continues to have some life. The first quarter of 2010 was its best-selling quarter to date. (The book’s been out three years). Thanks to everyone who bought the book and helped spread the word.
Posted: 6/23/2010 at 12:36:00 PM | Updated: 6/23/2010 at 12:38:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
New kid in town
I should’ve posted something about this awhile back, but I was busy and it slipped my mind: As a consultant, I helped launch a weekly magazine – Vegas Seven. It’s slick, well-produced and covers a variety of subjects, including politics, sports, nightlife, food, fashion and business.
I’m no longer consulting for Seven, but I plan to write for the magazine occasionally. In fact, I have two stories in the latest issue: a CityCenter-related essay and a feature on Michael’s Used Books.
Vegas Seven is free and available at bookstores, libraries, grocery stores, etc., throughout the valley and at www.weeklyseven.com.
Posted: 3/29/2010 at 11:49:00 AM | Updated: 3/29/2010 at 11:51:00 AM | Add Comments | More Options
Scared straight?
If you read my book Beneath the Neon, you may remember Gary. I interviewed him in Chapter 7 – the Flood Drain – and he had some interesting things to say about being a meth cook, ghosts in the drains and the afterlife. He was also part of the panel discussion at the Arts Factory in July 2008, in affiliation with Brian Paco Alvarez’s exhibit based on the book.
Anyway, a few months after the panel discussion, Gary was caught stealing and sent to prison. He spent a year and a half in the joint and was released about a month ago. Back on the streets – and, once again, considering camping in the drains – he had a heart attack and was taken to UMC, where he had quintuple bypass surgery. Then he was released … with nowhere to go.
I picked up Gary outside of UMC and took him to his friend’s apartment, where he crashed on the couch for a few days. Then HELP of Southern Nevada, once again, came to the rescue. Currently, Gary is living in an apartment in south central Vegas, where he’s resting, recovering and showing signs that he wants to change his lifestyle. (Maybe the heart attack scared him straight?) He’s also getting food stamps, has registered as a felon and has proper ID. (A prison ID doesn’t get you far on the outside.)
So, besides prison, a heart attack, and quintuple bypass surgery, Gary is doing all right. Seriously, we’re hoping he can stay off the streets and the drugs and that he has a speedy recovery.
I’ll keep you updated.
Posted: 3/17/2010 at 4:56:00 PM | Updated: 3/17/2010 at 4:57:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
The last review of Beneath the Neon?
Yes, this book review is a little late. And yes, the website (which is dedicated to online casinos) seems to be kind to authors.
Nonetheless, I was flattered by this review of Beneath the Neon:
www.casinoonline.co.uk/book-reviews/beneath-the-neon
Posted: 2/13/2010 at 11:20:00 AM | Updated: 2/13/2010 at 11:21:00 AM | Add Comments | More Options
More rain
More rain is in the forecast for Las Vegas this weekend. If you live in the tunnels or washes, or know someone who does, please help spread the word.
Posted: 2/5/2010 at 7:52:00 AM | Updated: 2/5/2010 at 7:52:00 AM | Add Comments | More Options
Flood follow-up
As forecasted by the National Weather Service, Las Vegas got bombed by rain this week – but as far as I know, no one in the tunnels was killed or seriously hurt. However, a lot of people lost their camps (beds, blankets, clothing, toiletries, photos of loved ones, etc.). They’ve been calling and texting me and Rich of HELP of Southern Nevada for assistance. Last I heard, HELP had placed two people in housing and was in process of assisting others.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Jan. 22 coverage of the flooding included some info about the outreach and the people living in the underground channels:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/las-vegas-valley-gets-record-rainfall-82352547.html
Posted: 1/23/2010 at 11:18:00 AM | Updated: 1/23/2010 at 11:19:00 AM | Add Comments | More Options
A hard rain’s a-gonna fall
Just got this National Weather Service statement, which I’ve edited, from the Clark County Regional Flood Control District:
“Several storm systems will affect the area next week. While the exact timing of these systems is still uncertain, it appears that at least four and possibly as many as five different systems will cross the area next week. The first system will affect the area as early as Sunday night and continue into Monday, before exiting on Tuesday morning.
“Although exact amounts from each system are uncertain at this time, rainfall totals in the Mojave Desert valleys are expected to be at least 1 to 2 inches, with some areas seeing at least 3 inches. It would not be out of the question for many areas to see a significant portion of their normal yearly rainfall within next week.
“The potentially high totals of precipitation could result in flooding, especially if too much rain falls too quickly. At this time, it is way too early to specify what areas could see flooding. However, the potential for flooding or other hydrological impacts will increase as the week progresses, once precipitation starts to fall and totals increase.”
So, if you live in the tunnels or washes, be prepared. Also, if you know someone who lives in the tunnels or washes, give them a heads-up.
These storms sound scary!
Posted: 1/15/2010 at 3:31:00 PM | Updated: 1/15/2010 at 3:32:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
Associated Press piece
The Associated Press produced a story, slideshow and video essay about the tunnels, which have been picked up by a lot of media outlets across the world. Here the Yahoo! News version (including the story, slideshow and essay):
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100104/ap_on_re_us/us_tunnel_living_vegas
Posted: 1/4/2010 at 10:57:00 PM | Updated: 1/4/2010 at 10:58:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
Christmas in the tunnels: Part III
The gift-giving in the tunnels went well. On Christmas Eve day, Rich from HELP of Southern Nevada and I went into three drains and ran into about 15 people. They seemed in good spirits and appreciative of the bags we handed out, which contained blankets, jackets, sweaters, knit caps, bottled water, disposable razors and other items. Later that day, Rick, who lives in a tunnel in south central Vegas, was wearing one of the sweaters, so I know some of the stuff was put to use.
Thanks to everyone who contributed: Andy, Kristyne, Sam, Mark and Tia. Special thanks to Tia’s mom Cyndi, aunt Penny and cousin Alex, who supplied the bags and many of the goods – some of them handmade.
Posted: 12/30/2009 at 3:43:00 PM | Updated: 12/30/2009 at 3:43:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
L.A. Times’ take on the tunnels
This poetic and inspirational story about escaping the tunnels ran on the front page of the L.A. Times a few days ago. It’s accompanied by an audio slide show, in which I make an un-introduced appearance:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-tunnel22-2009dec22,0,204722.story
Posted: 12/24/2009 at 6:33:00 PM | Updated: 12/24/2009 at 6:38:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
Christmas in the tunnels follow-up
Still could use more bottled water, canned goods, disposable razors, knit caps, winter coats, flashlights and batteries to take into the tunnels. If you live in Las Vegas and can spare any of these things, please let me know. I plan to go into the tunnels later this week.
Posted: 12/21/2009 at 9:53:00 AM | Updated: 12/21/2009 at 9:54:00 AM | Add Comments | More Options
Christmas in the tunnels
Looks like I’m going to be in Las Vegas for Christmas, so I’m planning to play Santa Claus in the underground flood channels. I’d like to go down there with an assortment of “gifts” – new or used: winter clothes, socks, shoes, canned goods, bottled water, books, flashlights, batteries, etc. I need mostly clothing for men, but also some women’s clothing.
If you have anything you’d like to donate to the cause, please let me know in the next week and a half.
Posted: 12/14/2009 at 10:42:00 PM | Updated: 12/14/2009 at 10:43:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
Out of the dark
Steve and Kathryn, the couple featured in some of the media coverage of the tunnels, have been housed. Two weeks ago, I helped them move some of their stuff from the side tunnel they lived in for a few years to a group home in central Vegas. Just talked to them yesterday and they seem to be doing well.
They’re in the capable hands of Louis Lacey, one of HELP of Southern Nevada’s most respected case managers. Lacey, Rich Penksa and many other HELP staffers have visited the side tunnel – located about a half-mile into a storm drain – regularly over the past seven or eight months. Their determination and bravery have resulted in several people leaving that tunnel and being housed. They’re changing lives – and it’s incredible to see.
I’ll try to keep you all updated on Steve and Kathryn and the 15 or so other people the Shine a Light crew has helped lead from the darkness.
Posted: 12/1/2009 at 2:16:00 PM | Updated: 12/1/2009 at 2:17:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
Third printing
The third printing of Beneath the Neon is back from the printer. It looks a lot like the second printing, but with some media mentions and blurbs on the first page.
Thanks to everyone who bought a copy of the book. And if you haven’t bought one and want to, visit http://shoplva.myshopify.com/products/beneath-the-neon or your local bookstore. (Last I checked, the Borders at Town Square had several signed copies.)
Or let me know and I can hook you up with a deal out of the trunk of my car.
Posted: 11/14/2009 at 6:30:00 PM | Updated: 11/14/2009 at 6:31:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
As Seen on AC360
As a fan of Anderson Cooper and his show, AC360, I thought this was pretty cool. A special thanks to CNN senior producer Michael Cary, who did a great job with the text version of the story and was extremely professional throughout the process.
The video:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/10/10/rowlands.homeless.tunnels.cnn?iref=videosearch
The text version:
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/10/06/%E2%80%9Cout-of-sight-out-of-mind%E2%80%9D-underground-in-the-tunnels-of-las-vegas/
Posted: 10/16/2009 at 3:33:00 PM | Updated: 10/16/2009 at 3:35:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
Shine a Light update
It’s been six months since HELP of Southern Nevada and I co-founded Shine a Light – a charity organization that helps the hundreds of men and women living in the underground flood channels of Las Vegas – so I figured I’d give you all a quick update. We’ve met and offered services to more than 100 people, got paperwork on about 35 (who are now on file) and housed and treated about 15. We’ve also helped people get IDs, food stamps, medical treatment and we’ve rescued a few animals.
The staff of HELP of Southern Nevada – led by Rich Penksa – and its affiliated organizations, including Straight from the Streets, Mojave Mental Health and WestCare, do incredible work! It’s been amazing to watch them take people from the tunnels and turn their lives around.
For more information on Shine a Light, visit www.beneaththeneon.com/shine_a_light.html.
Posted: 10/6/2009 at 3:13:00 PM | Updated: 10/6/2009 at 3:15:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
The Sun piece
The U.K. newspaper the Sun also published a piece on the tunnels:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/2651937/The-people-living-in-drains-below-Las-Vegas.html
Posted: 9/27/2009 at 1:58:00 PM | Updated: 9/27/2009 at 1:59:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
The ‘Nightline’ piece
“Nightline,” the popular ABC late-night news show, recently aired a story about the tunnels. One of the cool things about the piece was I got to meet Lisa Ling, who’s a prominent and talented American reporter. (Her sister Laura was detained in North Korea for more than four months.)
http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/las-vegas-strip-home-homeless/story?id=8652139
Posted: 9/27/2009 at 1:51:00 PM | Updated: 9/27/2009 at 1:52:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
Indy publishes piece about the tunnels
Guy Adams, a charming Welshman and the Independent’s L.A. correspondent, filed a long and informative story about the tunnels and the outreach we’re doing. Here it is (the link is long; if it breaks, just copy and paste):
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/subterranean-home-of-las-vegass-losers-1786877.html
Posted: 9/16/2009 at 12:14:00 PM | Updated: 9/16/2009 at 12:16:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
A little love from the Times
Eric Lichtblau, a Pulitzer Prize winner with the New York Times, wrote a story about violence against the homeless and what some people are doing to try to prevent it. Toward the end of the piece, he mentions that homeless live in the underground flood channels of Las Vegas and he quotes your favorite (wink, wink) storm-drain chronicler.
It’s a good story, I think, about a really important subject:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/08/us/08homeless.html?hp
Posted: 8/8/2009 at 5:11:00 PM | Updated: 8/8/2009 at 5:14:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
Story collection update
As some of you know, I’ve been working on a literary journalism (or creative nonfiction) collection for a year and a half or so. Just wanted to update you all on that. I recently finished a 3,800-word story about the Diplomat, a historic apartment complex in the shadow of the Strip – and my home for the last four years. Now I’m working on a story about the Blue Angel, a weekly motel on East Fremont Street – and my home for seven days in late May.
The Blue Angel story, tentatively titled “My Week at the Blue Angel,” will be about 15,000 words and, I assume, the centerpiece of the collection. I have some solid material to work with: poetic color, conversations with the tenants, an interview with Betty Willis (who designed the Blue Angel sign and sculpture). I’m really excited about this story.
Anyway, I hope to finish the story and collection in the next few months. Then I’ll continue to shop it around.
I’ll keep you all updated.
Posted: 6/23/2009 at 2:34:00 PM | Updated: 6/23/2009 at 2:41:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
ABC News tours the tunnels
Jeremy Hubbard of ABC News put together one of the better TV pieces I’ve seen on the tunnels of Vegas. Blue, a dog who lives with several folks in a tunnel along I-15, is clearly the star. Also, Hubbard plugged Shine a Light at the end of the story. Nice!
Here it is:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7298615
Posted: 4/12/2009 at 9:51:00 PM | Updated: 4/12/2009 at 9:52:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options
Shine a Light update
No one died during Shine a Light’s first trip into the tunnels, so we’re considering it a success.
Seriously, we accomplished at least a few things. Two groups went in five or six tunnels and got acquainted with the terrain and the people who live down there. Kristi found a kitten in an open-air channel and helped reunite it with its mom. My group, which included David, Lacey and Macheo, helped Brian – who lives deep in a tunnel near the Rio – get treatment for an abscess on his stomach. (Brian could’ve stayed in the program and gotten off the streets, but chose to return to the underworld.)
Of the 35 to 40 people we talked to in the tunnels, only a handful expressed interest in getting out. Obviously, this is going to be a challenge. But we’re forming relationships and we hope to nurture them.
We were short on bottled water and canned goods – and the homeless always appreciate nice, comfortable socks. If you can spare any of these items, please contact Fuilala Riley of HELP of Southern Nevada at 702-369-4357 ext. 238 or friley@helpsonv.org.
Posted: 3/31/2009 at 3:14:00 PM | Updated: 3/31/2009 at 3:15:00 PM | Add Comments | More Options