Blog Archives
Before the Beginning of the Universe
Rabbit Hole University follows the story’s narrator as he engages in casual conversations with strangers, leading to profound philosophical discussions. This original idea is intriguing. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a story?
Wondering what came before “In the beginning…” everything we know has a beginning and end, what was before the beginning of the universe…
What was your inspiration for the interactions and backstories of their characters?
College, worked at KSAT-TV in San Antonio Texas.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
A man changing water into wine.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
A novelette, HELP WANTED, working on a first draft…human trafficking.
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Rabbit Hole University
G. L. Rockey’s novella, Rabbit Hole University, emerges as an innovative and intriguing foray into narrative experimentation set against an academic backdrop. The novella initiates its journey in a manner akin to many classic tales, introducing its characters in the unique setting of a mountain oyster-eating contest. Told from the first-person perspective of observer Jeremy Jarrett, the narrative artfully unfolds, transforming a casual conversation among strangers into a captivating assembly engaged in exploring profound philosophical concepts. These discussions ambitiously traverse topics such as God’s existence, the universe’s origins, and the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations.
Distinctive in its approach, Rabbit Hole University embarks on a narrative odyssey that boldly diverges from conventional storytelling frameworks. While initially appearing steeped in dense philosophical discourse, akin to an academic textbook, the narrative reveals a remarkable fluidity upon closer inspection. Rockey’s storytelling is enhanced by including terms like ‘Whatever,’ infusing the text with a whimsical, almost playful quality. This innovative approach subverts the traditional pillars of narrative, prioritizing the journey of discovery over fixed outcomes.
The character of Jeremy Jarrett, our narrator, stands at the heart of this exploration. Depending on the reader’s engagement with the themes, Jarrett’s incessant questioning and requests for simplified explanations – his ‘dummy 101’ approach – may be perceived as either grating or deeply relatable. Regardless, the novel invites readers to deeply contemplate our world and the mysteries that extend far beyond our immediate understanding. Rabbit Hole University thrives in its treatment of temporality. It eschews conventional structures, with the duration and terms of classes defying any fixed schedule. This fluidity in time mirrors the book’s thematic exploration of existence, further emphasizing the novel’s commitment to challenging and redefining narrative norms.
The title, Rabbit Hole University, aptly encapsulates the essence of the novella. It suggests a journey into the unknown, a dive into a world where arguments and theories lead to more questions than answers, propelling readers into realms of thought previously unexplored. In this literary labyrinth, one thing becomes clear: the reader is left with a more nuanced and enriched understanding of the complex theories and concepts at play, making Rabbit Hole University a compelling read for those seeking a novel that challenges both the mind and the conventions of storytelling.
Pages: 126 | ASIN : B0CKRSLKWZ
One Knife, One Fork, One Spoon
In One Knife, One Fork, One Spoon, Patty Friedman delves into the complexities of a woman’s life set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans. This darkly humorous tale unravels the life of Renna Newlin, a woman of color who seems to have it all until her world begins to spiral.
Married to Richard Newlin, Renna’s introspection is deeply woven into the narrative, granting readers an intimate understanding of her inclinations, desires, and moments of amusement. Born to a philosophy professor, Renna’s perception of life often leans into the absurd, though this outlook isn’t always shared by her family, comprised of four children and her husband. The narrative intricately dissects family dynamics, a housewife’s challenges reminiscent of Betty Friedman’s seminal writings, and Renna’s unexpected attraction to her son’s friend, Mason. Renna’s peculiar urge to paint her house black adds to the unfolding chaos. These swirling events crescendo with two critical moments: her eldest’s institutionalization and a consequential decision with Mason. Yet, amidst the tumult, Friedman offers a refreshingly hopeful conclusion.
The novel captures readers from the outset with a gripping revelation about Renna’s father. Renna’s actions and thoughts offer readers a clear lens into her life. Yet, external perspectives present Renna as an enigma; some see her as erratic, others as a stabilizing force, and her younger children simply view her as their caregiver. Renna’s deep-seated desire for autonomy and minimalism is central to her narrative, epitomized by her mantra, “One knife, one fork, one spoon.” This constant tug-of-war between self-reliance and external perceptions propels the story forward, leaving readers and Renna herself pondering what truly defines fulfillment.
Friedman’s storytelling is both engaging and humorous, with characters that leap off the page. New Orleans is more than just a backdrop; its rich history and societal nuances are expertly interwoven, providing readers with a layered understanding of the setting. Themes of mental well-being, the importance of open dialogue, and adolescent experiences are tackled with sensitivity and realism. This novel, while delving deep into somber themes, provides a beacon of hope, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0CK5D9ZNT
Real-life Knights
Worst Knights Ever follows a comically disastrous adventure in which the Queen, backed by a ludicrously inept band of modern-day celebrity knights, must defeat a dragon terrorizing 2001 England. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My co-writer, Jimmy Paulsen, and I were writing movies at the time and living in Hollywood. We had just read about the new real-life celebrities that were knighted that year, and it made us laugh because the very worst people you could choose to save the world would be old, vain, selfish, self-important actors. Within an hour, we had a 3-page outline that became this book.
This seemed like a fun book to write. What scene in the book did you have the most fun creating?
Like a real egomaniac, I still listen to the audiobook all the time when I shower. Our narrator, Mitch Benn, did a phenomenal job and even did all of the celebrity impressions. It’s an incredible performance. So, in that sense, producing the audiobook might have been the most fun. Speaking of written chapters though, the pet shop scenes kill me. The knights have acquired a box of grenades from probable maniac/actor Vinnie Jones. The only thing the knights know that the dragon eats is dogs, (RIP to the Queen’s corgis and dorgis), so they head to the pet shop in hopes of getting a dog to wear a necklace made of grenades and be bait for the dragon. Don’t worry, dog lovers. The pet shop workers are hilariously on to them.
There’s a seamless blend of chaos, humor, and pop culture references throughout the book. How did you balance all these elements without overwhelming readers, and did any scenarios get cut for being just TOO over the top?
Thank you. Honestly, I have no idea. I simply wrote the book for me. This is what I would enjoy as a reader. Obviously, I’m biased, but this is my favorite book ever. I’d never read a book like this.
There was one chapter that was cut for just being way too crazy. As ludicrous as the plot and humor may be, everything in the book is played dead-serious. Life and death are at stake. So, there was one chapter where the fictional wives of the knights, Elton’s partner, David Furnish, and my favorite character – Connery’s housekeeper, were getting drunk together. They’re so stressed that their significant others could possibly die that they’re getting wasted. That quickly took a turn, and they all spent the evening having a ladies’ fight club to blow off steam. It was really fun and silly, but it was just too much.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m hoping to write the sequel to Worst Knights Ever to coincide with the release of the film if there is one. But that’s a ways off. I truly think Worst Knights Ever could be a movie franchise that spans decades. Make a film and a sequel, wait ten years, cast new real-life knights, and make a sequel. Rinse. Repeat. As long as real-life celebrities keep getting knighted, you could make these movies forever.
I will start writing my next book in November. I think in movie references, as evidenced in Worst Knights Ever, so I’d say my next novel is a story about a young boy trying to navigate his parents’ divorce with the help of some famous imaginary friends. In that sense, I hope it feels like JoJo Rabbit. The trick will be keeping the R-rated comedy at the forefront, getting laughs on every page while also deftly handling the seriousness of physical abuse and divorce. With any luck it should be out in the fall of 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
The only problem is that the Queen has only knighted celebrities.
Worst Knights Ever is the hilarious tale of four celebrities who volunteer to hunt down the dragon and try and save all of London.
This novel is an R-rated fantasy satire that has been called Jaws meets Ricky Gervais’ Extras. Its outrageous irreverent humour and surprising heart have delighted early reviewers.
The novel is very inclusive and features LGTBQ heroes.
If you like quick wit, some dirty jokes, loving relationships, and brave celebrities who are under-prepared and in grave danger – You will love Worst Knights Ever!
Worst Knights Ever
When a dragon suddenly appears and begins to terrorize England, Queen Elizabeth has to come up with a solution, and fast! In a stroke of genius, she decides to do what her royal ancestors would have done and calls in her knights to fight said dragon. Unfortunately for her, and probably all of England as well, knights in the modern century are mostly old geezers who are famous for some kind of entertainment career. Despite the odds against them, the motley crew of England’s “who’s who,” as well as a plethora of rising stars eager for their own knighthood, set out for the role of a lifetime. It’s action! It’s an adventure! It’s…Mr. Bean and Star Wars jokes?
“Worst Knights Ever”, by Dane Hanson in tandem with Jimmy Paulsen, is an uproarious and absurd story that follows the ridiculously inept attempts by Queen Elizabeth’s “knights.” Set in 2001, the characters are all well-known British celebrities from different walks of life and careers, with a few from other nationalities thrown in for good measure. Imagining almost any of them in the situations they find themselves makes for laugh-out-loud fun on literally almost every page, while their personal lives are given interesting twists you might never see coming. (Such as exactly why Elton John isn’t a fan of Steven Spielberg!) And every page does indeed bring a new level of ridiculousness, somehow topping the bizarre things that have already occurred. It’s obvious how much fun the authors must have had putting this story together, and the no-holds-barred introduction perfectly sets the tone for what’s to come. Taking non-fictional characters and putting them into a fictional scenario isn’t a new concept, but having them face an adventure this wildly crazy might be a first. In a nod to the authors, it definitely works!
This book is an easy 5 out of 5 stars for me. It was entertaining, unpredictable, and kept me laughing constantly. Readers who are looking for a solid story based on logic and reality should stay away, but those looking for a madcap and absurdly entertaining piece adventure story will love it! It seemed as if the authors tried to cram as many people and references into the book as possible, but at no point was it ever too much. I could have happily read more!
Pages: 308 | ASIN: B0CBL678MK
Da’ Resistance
In the quaint pub of a seemingly unremarkable South Timbriture in Yorkshire, an unusual morning silence pervades. Upon switching on the TV, the regular patrons are flabbergasted to learn that our beloved Earth has succumbed to an alien conquest, oddly without a single bullet being fired. Thus, it embarks the reader on a whimsically humorous journey through Simon Carr’s sci-fi adventure, Da’Resistance.
Carr unfurls a narrative that is unabashedly and primarily a comedy, emanating an infectious hilarity that permeates every page. The story commences with an oddly amusing predicament involving Drew and his pet snail’s supposed erectile dysfunction, which, after a vet visit, spirals into a revelation about its sexual orientation. Though the humor often skates on the edge of crudeness, those who relish a laid-back, self-deprecating wit will discover an abundance of chuckles in the text.
While the plot may appear secondary, serving chiefly as a vehicle for the cascade of jokes, it successfully anchors the reader’s interest amidst the comic tempest. The book’s essence is not hinged upon intricate plot twists or a notably ingenious premise. Still, it is derived richly from the interplay among its characters and the ensuing laugh-out-loud dialogue. A substantial portion of the book luxuriates in extended, meandering conversations, a feature that, contrary to typical narrative expectations, enhances rather than impedes the storytelling, thanks to Carr’s sharp and consistently entertaining wit.
Da’Resistance provides not just a reading experience but a jovial escapade through a world where the improbable becomes the norm, and every situation is a ripe opportunity for humor to blossom. Against the backdrop of an alien invasion, the characters decide to tackle the insurmountable: negotiate with interstellar beings, all while navigating through a sea of nuclear weapon jargon, forging an adventure that is as audaciously amusing as it is uniquely compelling.
Carr’s Da’Resistance stands out as a vibrant recommendation for those on the hunt for a hearty comedy, where beneath the umbrella of science fiction, readers are invited to relinquish the seriousness and embrace a world where every page proffers a potential for a hearty laugh.
Pages: 360 | ASIN : B0C2VZCMMQ
Stranger in a Deranged Land
In his spirited chronicle, Stranger in a Deranged Land, Walker Lane Stranger proffers a vibrant collage of stories drawn from his kaleidoscopic life in Mexico and the United States. Characterized by sharp wit and a wealth of pointed anecdotes, this book unfolds like a curated anthology of short stories, offering a casual yet compelling read.
Stranger’s vivid recollections are populated by a diverse array of memorable characters: Clete Skulker, the uninvited flatmate; the matriarchal figure who presides over the household in which Stranger lodges in Guadalajara; the unforgettable ‘Spock’ with his extraterrestrial theories; and the colorful individual who inaugurates the narrative with a statement as outlandish as it is unexpected. Spanning from Stranger’s college years in the U.S. through to his immersion in the cultural zeitgeist of the ’60s, his brief spell in jail, and his adventures at medical college in Guadalajara, the anecdotes interweave to create a vivid tapestry of his life journey.
Beyond the lively storytelling, the book offers delightful insights into the cultural fabric of Mexico and the U.S., reflecting on quirks such as the Mexican adoration of the otherwise reviled cockroach, embodied in a dedicated ode, or the paradoxical juxtaposition of Catholic adornments and swastika stickers on Mexican buses. Stranger’s accounts of the pervasiveness of petty crime in Charleston and the fluid role definitions of medical trainees in under-resourced hospitals add both depth and realism to his narratives.
Stranger’s prose is sharp and engaging, combining a dry sense of humor with evocative descriptions that bring each episode vividly to life. His cultural references are astute and imbued with irony, starting from the book’s title, a clever adaptation of a line from Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire.’ Each chapter commences with a quote, ranging from ancient wisdom from Juvenal to references from the cult classic film Invasion of the Body Snatchers, offering an ironic prelude to the ensuing narrative and eliciting a knowing chuckle from the reader.
Stranger in a Deranged Land paints a rich, nuanced portrait of life in Mexico and the United States during the late 20th century, offering readers an immersive journey into a bygone era. More than just a collection of anecdotes, this book is a testament to an extraordinary life lived across cultural boundaries, making for an enlightening and utterly captivating read.
Pages: 363 | ASIN: B0BPGL26KL
Humorous Social Commentary
A Little Piece of Heaven follows an eccentric Mayor as he navigates political battles, legal challenges, and quirky characters, all with sharp wit and humor, in an action-packed tale that’s a thrilling ride. What were some sources that informed this novel’s development?
I’ve worked with politicians and in real estate development and investment financing, so I’ve met a lot of rogue characters. I think most of us recognize these people each night on the evening news. You only have to allow the absurdity and humor to overcome your initial frustration with them.
Your characters are exceptionally vibrant and unique. Can you share any insights into how you develop characters, and were any of them based on real-life figures?
Most humor is based on exaggeration. This type of ridiculousness isn’t hard to find today. It’s all around us. Many years ago I wrote humorous social commentary for CBC Radio in Canada. I poked fun at political and social leaders and trends. This is much harder to do today because the lines separating reality from absurdity are blurring. Fortunately, many folks can still see the comedy in it all.
The book seems well-suited for adaptation into a film or mini-series. Have you considered this, and if so, who would be your dream cast for the main characters?
Films and books are very different beasts. Writers create characters, and actors give them life. The people in this book, like all of us, are motivated by a variety of emotions, appetites, and ambitions that are not always disclosed or obvious. Therefore, performers that demonstrate this human quality like Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lawrence, Zoe Kravitz, Simu Liu come to mind. There are many, many other huge acting talents that could breathe life into the book’s people and situations. However, it is not my place to cast films and series. That is the director’s and actor’s world.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Through the coming year I am publishing several books, fiction, and non-fiction, I wrote, and shelved, over the past decade. (Life’s short and I had other stuff to do.)
I am currently completing a second book (Post-Human Apocalypse. December 2023 release.) in a trilogy from my earlier novel Lesbian Vampire College Girls. These books take a humorous, and sometimes uncomfortable, look at life in the 21st Century through the eyes of the protagonist, Jack Knowles.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
A Little Piece of Heaven is an unflinchingly honest, and
abrasively comical look, at the absurd dysfunctionality of
our leaders and institutions today.
Ted “The Turd” Torgeson is the mayor of an Ontario
town. He is embroiled in a real estate development
scandal with Tony Scarpone, an Italian gangster. The
community leaders all end up accomplices, with each
having something to gain and something to lose. Secrets
and plot twists abound. These sometimes comic,
sometimes tragic, characters infuse the story with wit,
insight, and vulnerability.
So, despite all our human frailties, hope springs eternal in
this often outrageous, but disturbingly real, 21st-century
tale.
LITERARY TITAN 