Some of you have wondered what happens to the people in the tunnels when it rains. I addressed that question recently on KNPR:
Results for Category: Uncategorized
Your chance to be in a movie!
I’ve been working with filmmaker Florent Tillon on this project and he definitely has a unique perspective on Vegas, and Josh Ellis and Jarret Keene are two of the best writers in town. I plan to be there:
French TV review of BTN
It’s good to know there’s at least one major TV station in the world (France 24) that devotes time to book reviews. It’s also good to know that this particular critic seemed to enjoy Beneath the Neon, which was recently translated into French.
‘Books By the Bed’
The website for the book We Wanted to Be Writers has a regular feature called “Books By the Bed,” which asks authors what they’re reading or planning to read. Here are the books by my bed:
http://wewantedtobewriters.com/2012/04/books-by-matthew-obriens-bed/
Going to UNLV
As some of you know, I applied to grad school (MFA creative writing) late last year and early this year. I ended up getting into UNLV and the University of Washington. Washington has an outstanding program, but UNLV, which also has a strong program, made the most sense financially, logistically and, in some cases, personally. So, it looks like I’ll start taking graduate classes and teaching undergrad courses at UNLV in late August.
I have mixed feelings about staying in Vegas another few years, but I’m certainly excited about this opportunity and challenge. I’ll keep you all updated, of course.
Book launch follow-up
All-around solid event: well-attended, smoothly moderated and some great readings. Thanks to everyone who was there (and apparently missed one of the most exciting World Series games ever).
Nevada Review Q&A
A Q&A with the Nevada Review about my background, books, the Silver Pen award and my plans for the future:
On Twitter
So, I recently discovered this nifty networking site. Think it’s got potential. Follow me @beneaththeneon.
Silver Pen Award
I was recently told I won a Silver Pen Award from the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame. Established in 1996, the award recognizes mid-career writers who’ve “already shown substantial achievement.” (I’m flattered!)
The Silver Pen will be awarded Nov. 17 on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. Congrats to Hall of Fame inductee Waddie Mitchell, a nationally known cowboy poet (how Nevada is that?), and fellow Silver Pen awardee David Mullins, a short story writer who grew up in Vegas.
For more info on the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame and the Silver Pen Award, visit:
Las Vegas Sun
There’s a story about the art gallery under Caesars Palace in today’s Las Vegas Sun. Be sure to check out the panoramic view of the gallery on the website. Very cool!
Here’s the link:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/may/27/underground-gallery/#/Graffiti/