The Official Doug Shiloh Blog

New short story publshed at Stockyard Magazine

2010-08-27T06:53:00.002-05:00

"The Second Coming" is now at

WAITING tops 90,000 words by August, 2010

2010-08-08T20:18:00.000-05:00

I've been busy editing the second draft and have topped the 90,000 word mark. Simply wondering about some early history - whether to have it on pages 8-15 or feed in the basic details later. Want to create a great, quick read with fun and drama and all that.

I will be reading aloud a chapter later this year and if you can't fly in from New Zealand (or other points), we'll have it posted at http://www.youtube.com/dougshiloh.

In the meantime, go play the parlor game of POOKOO's relevance to current events at http://www.twitter.com/pookoobook. If you have suggestions to post at Twitter, e-mail me!

---Doug

Staying Focused: Editing - Part 2

2010-07-05T06:57:00.000-05:00

With the last novel, the writing and editing was hurly burly. I was alternating between projects, a method used by many to keep the juices flowing. This time it's not the issue.

At times this spring (and now early summer) I feel like I'm condensing what I did over Pookoo for 17 years. I have a clear idea from Day One. This book didn't change all that much from the original outline, although some pleasant surprises have happened along the way.

The fourth-gear creativity is no longer the order of the day, but a critical eye. I do have to watch that part of me because it created a book I'm proud of but it also took a long time and I don't want to keep taking over a decade and a half for each book. Knowing WHEN is an art, not science.

No news is good news -

2010-06-10T18:14:00.000-05:00

A couple of posts before this one mentioned I must be busy - I am, with the rewrite of the novel.

Once the novel is finished I'll have more time to blog and to make it interesting. Meanwhile, I'm on Facebook (Doug Shiloh) and Twitter, if you need something more up to date. I'm trying to make a story worth your valuable time, so stay tuned.

If you haven't read POOKOO yet, better get your free copy of it at one of my web sites - http://www.dlshiloh.com or http://www.pookoo.net.

I might change my mind next week, so act now. 36 people have so far in June, 2010. 47 did last month. What do they know that you might not?

Download now. Thanks.

Notes on staying creatively focused. Part 1

2010-03-30T18:41:00.000-05:00

Whether you're a novelist or do retail, office or factory work, we all need to stay focused. I have spent the (almost) 11 months focused on a new novel and wanted to share some thoughts about this topic.

First, it isn't easy. But you probably knew that.

What I have found is that it becomes a choice - and for me, if I don't write, I don't accomplish anything. Luckily writing is my obsession and so I usually need to. I also find it very hard to do - and I chose prose writing over poetry and songs because of the difficulty factor. I must be a masochist.

When it comes to doing things you want to do (rather than things you must do, like work, running a household, whatever), you need to give yourself the OK to do it. make time for yourself. You'll be a more complete person. The others in your life will thank you for it.

Now I spend about an actual 90 minute a day writing. I know to avoid the mid-day to work creatively; I'm wiped out mentally and won't do well. In the future when I only full-time write, I'll head off to the kitchen or the store or yard at this juncture. Maybe that's when I'll have a siesta.

An hour is put away at the beginning of my day, before anyone wakes. I'm coming out of REM then, so with a shower and coffee I'm ready. (While I'm editing, I've noticed this optimum a.m. creative boost doesn't really jive). Later in the day I may put in another hour or I may watch TV.

OK, you ask - what if I don't have an hour to do something creatively?

I have had plenty of days where all I've had is 15 minutes. 15. And those pressed-for-time days often have been powerful sessions. I can put together 100 or 400 words. Depends.

So MAKING TIME A HABIT is key. (Sorry, not shouting.)

Stay tuned for Part 2...

Spring(ing) forward: Notes on being a novelist

2010-03-22T19:14:00.000-05:00

Spring 2010 has begun - did your body clock tick a little louder? Mine did - mine for writing, that is. We all have some desire to work on things as we go through life.

I am writing my second novel. It goes well after 10 + months. Hopefully it'll be finished in a few months, but if not, it'll easily break my record with POOKOO, my first book. But Spring does coincide with some thoughts recently about getting down to work. With what I do, I am embattled with what works. Works as in what sells.

I'm still enough of a maverick (no, not shades of the 2008 campaign) where I write what I like. It's a good rule to live by. As a journalist/sportswriter, I've written plenty that has nothing to do with me other than my affinity for sports. But I've found it is a hard recipe to follow if I'm going to write novels that others enjoy (in mass). Part of me would like to think I'm unique and a one-in-a-million, but I know the truth.

I also know that what I write and can write are movie-friendly. When I sit down later this year to belt out final drafts on two movie scripts in progress (one is an action, one is a comedy) I take a different approach than I do with my novels. Just like I did when I had a daily deadline at the newspaper. I'm able to separate that deep-of-the-heart stuff I save for the books and make sure a movie script has what it needs to have. My style, vision, literary tattoo (if you will) is there, though.

1st day of spring - Writing update

2010-03-20T16:55:00.000-05:00

I suppose that my lack of steady posts is a good thing - at least I think so. I started the new novel [Waiting for the End] last May, so today, with the official first day of Spring (2010), I've completed all four cycles with this book. Hopefully it won't reach the last book's total of 68 seasons. You never know.

During my lunch period at work I've been reading through Pookoo and find it a lean book. That's my task now with the second draft of Waiting for the End. I've been rather nose-to-grindstone and have even begun to make a short-hand list of things I've learned writing this book - for use when writing the next book.

Since I live in northern Illinois, it naturally snowed today. I was out scraping snow off the cement and salting the walks. It's felt like such a l-o-n-g winter; I'm waiting for George Harrison to play something. See this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6tV11acSRk

When will I finish?

Good question. I know I have doubters, who think I'll be at this one for 16 more years. Nope. Can't do that. I wouldn't finish two more books at that rate.

Hope Spring will be good for you wherever you are...

When Number 13 is a good thing

2010-02-28T20:57:00.000-06:00

Being 13th never felt better.

POOKOO is up in the charts over some stellar all-time greats.

Usually being 13th is undesirable, but a check of Amazon.com's Religious Satire" chart reveals that POOKOO is now #13, ahead of such literary luminaries as Voltaire, Alexander Pope and various essays on John Milton. My guess is that those who read those authors don't have a Kindle - they use paper books, not ebooks.

Still, it's a goal worth pursuing (to be read) and the whole reason I write. (Remember that first sentence of POOKOO?).

One of my all-time favorites is Voltaire's Candide (#43).

Now the whole discussion of "religious satire' is another thing. The two words are categories for POOKOO. The unnamed sequel, which I've made notes for, could fit into the category - as well as some others. We'll see if I decide to spend a year back in that world. By that I mean since I spent years writing POOKOO, inside Katlin Hillmacher's world, inside Peter Warner's head.

I'd like your comments about a POOKOO sequel, since I know what I'd put together and how it would be. But what do you, as a reader, think?
LINK TO AMAZON.COM

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1267411884/ref=sr_pg_1?ie=UTF8&rs=&keywords=religious%20satire&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Areligious%20satire&page=1

2010-02-25T21:29:00.001-06:00

Thoughs on waiting to make it to the next level

2010-02-24T20:46:00.000-06:00

NOTE: Here are my thoughts to a thread from Amazon.com. One writer asked what we'd be doing tomorrow - the day the first round is over and writers are advanced to the next.

"I'll spend tomorrow (2-25) waking early to write, then head off to work; I'm a high school custodian. I'll be thinking about all of us...we gave the time and blood, our friends and family worried and loved us, maybe not understanding the passion to tell a story, and next week when the dust has settled for some and the starlight a little brighter for others, we'll go back to our pens or word processors and do what we love to do. So tomorrow's a celebration of kindred souls, every one of us."

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award 2010

2010-02-24T20:31:00.001-06:00

http://www.prlog.org/10504129-satire-enters-the-3rd-annual-amazon-breakthrough-novel-award-competition.html

POOKOO entered in 2010 Amazon.com contest

2010-02-15T09:24:00.000-06:00

Here's a link to POOKOO being entered into the 2010 Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award. Please check it out.

"To me, the ABNA is the book equivelent of American Idol'," Mike Pace of Homefield Multimedia said.

Palin's hand-prompter: blame it on our 24/7 thirst

2010-02-09T20:11:00.000-06:00

America has become a land of polarizing figures. The usual 55-45 type of voting (check many polls, along with elections) and to me there is no mandate in the land. We can't agree on much.

Recently, Sarah Palin was pegged for having a crib sheet of 3 topics to discuss while being a keynote speaker. While I think it's open fare for Democrats to poke fun at Palin, the counter argument I heard is how President Obama, a good speaker, relies on a teleprompter.

What did we expect in this Age of Soundbites, Tweets and Text Messages?

We MUST get it in, it must be quick, it must be packaged for the press. I'm no fan of the 24-hours news cycle. I watched the CBS morning news and was startled at the 20th century-pace of it, thinking CNN would've rapidly gave me the News I needed to know. But how much news do I want? And when it comes to the electorate, are they really paying attention?

Not just a crappy economy, but there are major storms blotting D.C. and the Midwest as I speak. We've got other things on our minds. But we would (I think) like our politicians to pretend to be sincere and to have a clue of what to say next without such sleight-of-hand tricks.

Whatever happened to someone having a page of notes to work of? Would we shame them - or doesn't it look cool to occasionally look down at the podium? Is it too scripted to seemingly memorize all someone, from politician to CEO, has to impart?

The little banter coming about this politician or that one is too early for 2012. Remember, the news is made, not just lived. So beware. I mean, our Reality TV is not real - it's scripted or re-shot. Maybe the Haitian earthquake was such a big deal on TV not just because of its horrible nature but because here was a made-for-TV movie right in our living rooms - unscripted, real TV. But when the Media descended, it soon changed.

Maybe we can agree on a truth we want: a slick, well-produced, palatable take on life; we'll take it with an edge. Add some salsa to it. And don't forget to put it wrapped in a box.

We're comfortable with that. Yes. In America we're not good with uncomfortable things. Even our most horrible has to have a friendly take. Hey, why not? It's good for ratings. And when it's good for ratings, it's good for the sponsors.

Haiti disaster latest in showing man's kindness to man

2010-01-19T20:16:00.002-06:00

Somewhere along the way, the message gets lost that not only Americans, but people from other countries can be good. We usually are - we lose sight with all the noise. The noise of day-to-day, our going about our lives, our search in buying things, our daily commute, a bite to eat and all of getting older.

Sometimes we're just cranky.

Sometimes we want to take it out on somebody. Why? Because we've had to deal with the wiseacre in traffic who cut us off, the co-worker who talks behind our back, the kid who doesn't know what it takes to make the three-ringed circus and miracle of Daily Life happen.

Then we hear about athletes gone wild. The sordid, drug-tinged lives of rock and music stars. The ready-made reality TV stars' woes.

Sometimes we just forget. We forget the good in people.

Goodness knows no creed or color or boundary shown on any map.

I had wondered if this generation would rally behind things, to back a cause, to show that there was something bigger than us, that we could all agree on. "The Greatest Generation" did, meeting the call in World War II. As of the people in my own time, I really wondered. When 9-11 happened, I saw the people we can be - so many - and knew that we could rally, too.

The times changed. Apathy grew. The old ways crept in, wondering what was in it for us, each of us. It's only natural. was the change after 9-11 just a blip on a radar? Like when the Asian tsunami demolished a corner of the world, the world showed its good side.

This week again I saw that willingness to answer, a mass feeling of sympathy and empathy. So far, as of 1-19-10, the official body count in Haiti is at 70,000. Chilling - and I know it will rise more, if not double or triple. For weeks it will rule the airwaves. Social media like Twitter and Facebook will be a tool to get the word out or raise needed money. In the U.S. we will fall back to squabbling about our differences, when we just had an event that we could agree on. Not just us - but other places, too.

During the desperation of the situation, reports come out about violence. A lack of police support. (One said the police force there was 4,000 but was now down to 2,000). That a tent city on a golf course was the site of sexual violence and theft. The place sounds like a living hell, but that is countered by what is being accomplished by others. Good happens despite Bad.

There's good in the world, all over the world, tonight. It will be there tomorrow as the rescue workers dig, and the worried send money and supplies to help this international crisis.

So when our day gets ruined by somebody local yokel, I want you to remember that we are a very capable species in the department of good. The criminals and half-baked celebs, the athletes or actors who are off track are not the majority. It just seems like it. If you've cared about disaster or tried your best today or helped someone, and you wonder what he world is coming to, just look into the mirror tonight and know there's good in the world.

Pass that on.

Haiti earthquake - lessons from the sidelines

2010-01-17T07:57:00.000-06:00

I admit - I haven't watched a lot of the Haiti earthquake coverage this past week. Am I bad? I found myself being sucked into its gloom. We sent a little money, but I've had to focus on work and family and health and keep upbeat about life in general; it's the dead of winter here in northern Illinois and the weather is lingering. In a few weeks I'll be waxing poetic about Baseball, pulling out my DVD of Field of Dreams. (I'll try not to think of Mark Mc-Steroid.)

Back to Haiti. I definitely give props to Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta and wonder about their mental state when all is said and done. A Facebook friend of mine (and a real life face-to-face friend) named Charles said they should get the Congressional medal of Honor and I agree. But what can do justice to those efforts, and what can heal that kind of suffering? Can rescue operations get there fast enough to save people - and what happens after people are saved? The phrase 'logistical nightmare' has never been more appropriate.

I don't believe that the earthquake was some retribution for past sins of the Haitian people. When the opportunity to speak of the goodness of people from many countries faces you, Pat Robertson decidedly dropped the ball. To editorialize a country's past at this time is wrong. I know it's Robertson's fundamentalist right to say the time is right to "get right with God", but it's also a time to show compassion; it's the big thing to do.

To use that logic is to say that Kurt Warner, a Christian, didn't pray hard enough or act enough like Christ, or his teammates didn't join the Bible study group and that's why the Saints whipped the Arizona Cardinal's ass yesterday. (I picked the Cards since they looked great against my Packers...)

It's hard to gather what can be gleaned from such a disaster or how it will affect people, other than in the short term. It's not the first disaster, and history has shown it won't be the last. Maybe it's not a matter of beginnings or endings this time around. Maybe we can look at how we react to bad things happening. It won't stop them. But how we work at living in the midst of it, whether as a star or bit player, might be what we can get out of it.

Watched JULIE & JULIA

2009-12-26T00:40:00.000-06:00

I'll be writing a review of the movie in the morning. And it'll have a special note to Julie who wrote the blog and the book...

Merry Christmas to you

2009-12-24T10:30:00.000-06:00

I wanted to send along a "Merry Christmas" to my readers and wanted to thank you for your support in 2009. I hope Christmas sees you doing well.

D.L.

"Pilgrim" deadline - not happening: WHY...

2009-12-21T19:03:00.000-06:00

I suppose with 9 days remaining I should address that I won't be meeting my self-imposed deadline for "The Pilgrim Commuter" and here's why.

I started a different novel in May 2009 called "Waiting for the End" and have been working almost every day; I have almost 60,000 words so far on this book. I had a start on "Pilgrim" but pulled back because I didn't want to make it a glorified blog and with topical subject matter, that's what it was becoming (in my eyes).

So I pulled back.

But I intend to work it again in 2010, probably after sewing up a screenplay in the Jack Black vein.

I've also been busy promoting "Pookoo" since the Tiger Woods debacle started. Funny how parallel the Woods thing is. But if you've read "Pookoo", you know there's much more that Katlin Hillmacher had going on than "The Cheetah."

So I hope I haven't disappointed anyone with not meeting this deadline but I should be back on the shelves sometime in 2010, probably with a poetry collection.

Whenever a sports hero stumbles...

2009-12-03T05:37:00.002-06:00

http://www.prlog.org/10106162-satire-of-fallen-olympic-hero-dark-tale.html

Solid NFL picks: Week 12

2009-11-25T22:26:00.002-06:00

http://www.prlog.org/10428456-solid-picks-for-this-weeks-pro-football-games.html

JFK assassination press release

2009-11-22T10:04:00.001-06:00

http://www.prlog.org/10423271-jfk-assassination-anniversary-still-has-lock-on-the-world.html

2009-11-21T22:21:00.001-06:00

Readers, here's a memoir I'm referring you to...

2009-11-16T18:50:00.002-06:00

www.nuttervillestories.com.

Seeking Readers & Feedback for new novel

2009-11-14T09:06:00.000-06:00

OK, readers, if you're looking for a new read in 2010 or a new author to follow, here ya go, as they say.

Some people have already committed to it.

I'm looking to all my social network places - Blogger, Twitter, e-mail, my web sites - for readers to give me feedback on my new novel. [I know, it's a surprising switch for those of you who know it took me 17 years to finish Pookoo.] Not only will you get a first-look copy, but you'll get my gratitude - and I'll even put that in print on my Acknowledgments page.

I'm looking now because of the upcoming holidays where people will be too busy (naturally) but may want something to check out just before Springtime. (I hope late Feb. will be near Spring, but I live in northern Illinois and I've seen it snow in May!)

It feels like I'll be ready to present my new book in late February - I'm shooting for February 21st, 2010. I will have a PDF for you to read from, maybe paperback (depending on the numbers).

A few things, to see if you're interested, that I can tell you:

Waiting for the End is about:
* 9-11 and the world after
* Grief
* Family

WHAT I SEEK FROM YOU THEN, WHEN YOU'RE DONE

* To read the book all the way through
* To fill out a feedback sheet

HOW DO YOU GET TO BE A PART OF THIS NOW?

* IF YOU READ POOKOO, I WANT YOU!
* Tell me about books you like, dislike
* Tell me favorite authors, movies
* Tell me where in the world you live (outside of U.S. OK)

P.S. If you know of someone who might be interested, let them know about this. If you haven't read Pookoo yet but are intrigued by this, go download it now from http://www.dlshiloh.com FOR FREE.

Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall

2009-11-09T19:46:00.000-06:00

It seems appropriate to say a few words about the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

I grew up in a world waiting for WW III to break out and so when the wall, a symbol of communism, fell, it truly was a new day.

I wish I had a piece of the cement wall to place in my office.

What's happened since...

Well, things that haven't happened stand out - my state isn't visited by Russian tourists and my airport doesn't have trips to Moscow. There wasn't a cultural exchange between the once two enemies: why?

Russia didn't turn into a capitalist power that its numbers hinted at; China did. I don't know all the ins-and-outs of the political aftermath but it seems that the U.S. could shepherd (because there's still time) Russia into our system and therefore truly gain an ally.

Another thing that did happen that shouldn't have happened: we shouldn't fight terrorism the way we did the Soviet Union. Big weapons don't work on people without a flag or set piece of land. A new strategy needs to be devised, one that accomplishes a mission and gives respect to those who fight for it.

Republican victory in mid-terms

2009-11-03T21:58:00.000-06:00

Term limits? We don't need them - we have a built-in defense system to our political system. It's called NO PATIENCE.

I predict that in the future political careers will become Nano-careers. One year after Barack Obama's victory, voters out in New Jersey and Virginia made a new choice - and it's their perogative. Of course change needs to happen at times, but to make that this gubernatorial victory means unrest and the Obama honeymoon is over...is hogwash (as my grandfather would say).

Polls are like reading one's blood pressure. A good pulse indicator, but not checking the whole system. It doesn't say the whole story. I do wonder if people are discontent for a good reason; you wanted change, but change does take time. There are 500 congress men and women and will they put their egos aside for the common good? Yeah. Uh-huh.

The presidential race is really about Leadership. We need a captain who will guide us. We need a leader we can follow. There are three years left in Obama's term. He may end up a real historical choice. We'll see. I'm willing to give more time and more patience.

Change isn't always good - if we don't get the results we need. As an Illinois voter we've had some rough spots to say the least for a long while. (Remember Rod anyone?) The American democracy is great - a bloodless one (unless it's a town hall meeting for insurance plans).

Warning: these new Nano-careers politicians will really take the money and run. Will you blame them? But it'll be OK. No, really. Our attention span will soon allow us to forget that we voted for the bums in the first place.

New novel word count at 46,000

2009-11-03T21:41:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to pass along that it's now at 46K and started 6 months ago. Had a lot of fun with a character named "April" (that's not her full name, btw) whom the main character meets when he's 18. It's been an out-of-nowhere kinda thing and at first I wasn't going to use it - it seemed outlandish, then I had to go with the character.

The mark of a minor character is, could you write a long story on that person? Take War Horse in Pookoo. He was around for not even 2 pages, yet I know I could do a book on him. So I try to make that my guide.

This luggage story is why I never got a Vuitton

2009-11-03T21:35:00.000-06:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/11/03/phoenix.stolen.bags/index.html

This crazed tale of lost luggage - strike that - stolen from the southwest airport. It's just one more case (sorry, no pun intended) of how stupid people will be, for whatever reason. Criminals tend to be less than brilliant, which is maybe why the phrase "criminal genius" is to be lauded (I guess).

So were the contents still inside? (Polos, khakis, shaving kits?). Oh, boy. Maybe they were going to open the Garage Sale of the World!

I don't know, it' s just not my bag...

Lost pilots - laptops?

2009-10-26T20:38:00.002-05:00

So those airline pilots who were 150 miles off course the other day - what were they doing on the laptops? Three guesses.

Anticipating new John Irving novel

2009-10-10T06:43:00.000-05:00

I picked up one of my top favorites - John Irving's THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP - and have used that as a measuring stick for all of his works before and since. GARP makes me laugh and sad on every page. He may think it's a culmination of his first three books and so it might.

His 1980's works - HOTEL NEW HAMPSHIRE, THE CIDER HOUSE RULES and OWEN MEANY proved that GARP wasn't a literary lone gem.

Since then, Irving's work has shown sparks but not a continuous fire. The last quarter of THE FOURTH HAND gets rolling in true Irving style and just when it becomes a great read, it's over. UNTIL I FIND YOU didn't have to be that long. But I'm against l -o- n- g works as a rule.

So with that, I'm looking toward LAST NIGHT IN TWISTED RIVER.

http://www.cookeagency.ca/books/Irving-J_Last-Night-in-Twisted-River.htm

The book comes out Oct. 27.

D.L. Tweets - see link to Twitter

2009-10-10T06:30:00.000-05:00

I tweet more than I blog. So if you can wait till WAITING FOR THE END, hop on over to http://www.twitter.com/dlshiloh

NASA Moon verdict: not a dud

2009-10-10T06:20:00.001-05:00

NASA's latest rocket to the moon (10-9-9) is not a bust. I understand people wanted to see some special effect, but the real fireworks is what can come out of it for the Human race.

We like special effects. We like car crashes. We even like made-for-TV crashes (Jon & Kate Plus 8). The $79M price tag is part of a stepping stone to what can become. Generation Now - which created an economy that turned bad could use a future-minded thought from time to time.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/10/09/moon.crash.nasa.reaction/index.html

2009-09-23T19:42:00.001-05:00

create & buy custom products at Zazzle

Headlines bound to get you down

2009-09-23T19:27:00.002-05:00

Every once in a while I mention how the headlines are so sad: the economy, fathers killing families, floods, captive and kidnapped...and this confusing government insurance thing. Oh yeah, a lingering double war with no V-Day in sight.

The way to fight this and worries you might have is to take stock at what there is that is good and know, that like a math equation, it doesn't equal the crap we hear about.

Looking for September 11th cause to back

2009-09-09T20:52:00.001-05:00

If you know of a good 9-11 charity to back, I'd love to know about it. If you are involved with the group, please let me know. I'd like to hear in an e-mail what's being done and what needs you have.

Update: Novel stands at 34,000

2009-09-01T19:45:00.003-05:00

As the headline explains, I've added 7,000 since the last notice. I'll take it.

I set a goal for 40,000 so I see that mark being reached. Pookoo was 80,000 words but I don't foresee this one reaching that plateau. It's been 4 months now. Not quite 10K/month. Hey, that would make an awesome salary...

When I'm done I'm videotaping the highly anticipated (cough) documentary Q&A and can't wait to speak about this book and Pookoo. I haven't blogged much - I have kept journal notes, but much of it just keeps straight to the page. Didn't want to talk this one out, you know.

To multi-task or not? That is the question

2009-08-24T18:16:00.002-05:00

This article talks about multi-tasking.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090824/ap_on_sc/us_sci_multitasking_mayhem

This article about those who multitask - those who do, do it bad - is the bottom line. Worth checking out.

I certainly think there's something to it. This summer I've solely worked on one project - my new novel - and think I have made progress. More than if I stopped to write songs, lyrics, made a video, edited, reported news & sports - so maybe finally now I'm catching on. I remember using "Give it to the busy man - he'll get it done' - but not when you see this Yahoo! article.

New novel at 28,000 words - and counting

2009-08-07T21:13:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to quickly update my blog readers - the new novel, which has been worked on the entire summer (well, not 24/7) is up to 28,000 words. It's a very different experience than POOKOO was and a lot of fun to do. If you're going to be interested in a "serious" fictional read next year, this will be for you. (Go ahead, mark it on your 2010 calendar! Ha!).

Thanks again for your support and I hope to continue working strong on this so you can check it out.

D.L.

Star Wars' Jake Lloyd should take a cue from Ron Howard

2009-07-25T11:37:00.003-05:00

This is why I think child stars shouldn't be allowed - think of what happens to people in the mill of the star making machinery (to quote Joni Mitchell). How can the rest of life ever match that early success (and scrutiny)? Star Wars Episode I star Jake Lloyd played Anakin Skywalker (as well as the kid in "Jingle All the Way").

Check out this video interview with Lloyd to see the downside of fame. (Unless all the Michael Jackson stuff this summer hasn't been enough).

My tip to the current student at Chicago's Columbia: get into the behind the scenes aspect part of the biz. And get to talk to Ron Howard. Howard seems to be one of the few adjusted child stars who's been a phenom as a director.

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/buzz_log_anakin.html

SI photo caption:

2009-07-22T20:17:00.002-05:00

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/gallery/featured/GAL1158138/7/19/index.htm

SI wondered if the Tour de France fans were the craziest. have they been to Chicago or Green Bay? I dunno. These fans just like to play dress up, with clothes from a bad garage sale. That doesn't make them "crazy."

The link to the above URL should be captioned: "I am udderly annoyed by this guy."

(Thanks for letting me send you that pun)

Article on Jackson's skin disease worth reading

2009-07-08T18:10:00.001-05:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/06/skin.color.vitiligo/index.html

New character gets a Twitter page

2009-07-01T19:09:00.000-05:00

Novelist's new character gets a Twitter page
Novelist D.L. Shiloh blurs the line again between the real and the unreal. This time, the new character of his novel-in-progress gets his own page on Twitter.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 02, 2009 – Novelist D.L. Shiloh blurs the line again between the real and the unreal. In 2008 he tapped the celebrity obsession with "POOKOO," a story about a former famous athlete whose headline-grabbing ways turned him into a tragic sex-driven phenom.

This time, the new character of his novel-in-progress gets his own page on Twitter.

"This new book mentions the life after the Internet," Shiloh said. "I wanted to use all of the bells and whistles and practical uses of the Net in "Pookoo" but couldn't because it was set in 1991. This story is right up to date."

Currently Shiloh is keeping the new title and Twitter page secret but will announce it on his own site and author Twitter page in the months to come. The tweets will be directly from the upcoming novel.

"It's a nice progression from producing on the Inter," Shiloh said, who began producing for the Internet in 1995 with his celebrity chats on AOL.

Shiloh gained a worldwide audience in 15 countries when offering "Pookoo" for free as an e-book from his sites. The comic-yet dark novel is available at Amazon.com as a Kindle or paperback.

To follow Shiloh's tweets, log on to http://www.twitter.com/dlshiloh.

Mancow urged me to use Twitter

2009-06-24T20:56:00.002-05:00

Radio icon Mancow Muller's recent use of Twitter - including a message to put on Twitter info he's gained over the years - finally got me into Twitter. The Chicagoan who sometimes drops by my hometown (Rockford) has posted some rather Zen stuff - along with insight into our current times. I was a little surprised (and pleased) by what could be termed Zen.

Anyway, I'm now available to follow:

http://www.twitter.com/dlshiloh

Grass is greener with TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE flick

2009-06-22T12:15:00.003-05:00

OK, I haven't read the book but I did see the trailer and THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE is coming to a theater near you. I'm a fan of time travel so I checked it out...

I have a few major problems with the story and wonder how on earth it could be a bestseller.

First, how many women would put up with a disappearing act like this joker does.

Second, he meets her when she's a child. (Creepy) (Reminds me of the teenage girl with the 100-year-old vampire of Twightlight - double creepy BUT accepted...Hmm...)

Three, how can she support him? Does he get librarian checks? I though he was hopping through time.

Fourth, wow, it seems like a plausible (cough, cough) reason for any guy not wanting the commitment of marriage...whoops, I'm gon---

Fifth, If it's the romance of it, the moral of the story seems to be the perfect guy is not always around. You want what you can't have.

Sixth, an absent father which of course is society's great gift.

Susan Boyle, Conan, Breaking News

2009-05-30T07:47:00.003-05:00

British singer Susan Boyle, who wowed everybody by her performance of "I Dreamed A Dream", seems to be buckling to the pressures of fame. I wonder what everyone expects from her now - she hit the wrong note at the beginning of a song and some have decried a washing-out for her. Hmm.

Conan O'Brien was interviewed by "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno. Jay's "Headlines" and "Jay Walking" segments were the best (much of what Jay did was sexual jokes) but Conan was a force for unleashing the nuttier side of a TV Host. My wife and I watched the "last show" and we watched Carson's last show. Conan needs to be himself and the marketing people need to tap into his irreverence - the world is irreverent, after all. Conan's more Steve Allen.

BREAKING NEWS - I've been watching CNN of late and they'll report on 'Breaking News early in the day. Hours later they're still calling it 'Breaking News."

Ol' clock on the blog says...

2009-05-28T21:33:00.002-05:00

My blog clock reminds me a bit over 200 days until I deliver THE PILGRIM COMMUTER book. Gee, I hope he makes it...

On another deadline, June 13th is the last day I will have the free download of POOKOO on my site. So head over to dlshiloh.com NOW!

I WON'T offer a free download of the next two books (at least I think so at this point) so it's a chance to get some free Shiloh while you can.

Why are you still reading? Head over to dlshiloh.com NOW!

By the way, thanks to the 1,000 readers who have grabbed their copy of POOKOO. Send me a note on what you thought of it...

Question: Do the Cubs LIKE losing?

2009-05-28T21:27:00.003-05:00

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/05/28/zambrano.suspension/index.html?cnn=yes

Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano was suspended for 6 GAMES after a hot-head fit over a "bad call." I used to report sports and know that no athlete ever griped to the ref (or ump) and got them to start making calls their way. I really think the Cubs need to make t-shirts that spell it out for their die-hard fans (yours truly, included): Cubs Baseball: A Losing Tradition.

Fighting the N. Koreans 'old school? No.

2009-05-28T21:14:00.003-05:00

Hot on the heels of condemning North Korea's aggressive moves with testing nuclear material and launching missiles, this U.S. general pointed out that the U.S. could fight North Korea in an old-style war, if needed.

Oh boy.

As the leaders of the free world we need to show that while we could, we won't. Whether North Korea is rattling its proverbial saber or showing it wants in the nuclear country club, it doesn't make sense to answer with a campaign like that. That would mean invading there - I know of no North Korean navy (maybe there is one) and their missiles currently wouldn't hit the Lower 48...the whole cockeyed idea sounds like a Major League ball team saying, "Yeah, we could play a few games with a AAA team."

I wonder if the saber rattling is one way to give validity. Let's go back to the minor league/major league reference. It would be the minor league's "World Series" (or Super Bowl, to mix sports) but it wouldn't be some historic (and certainly noble effort) for the U.S.

No, send in the economists and peacemakers.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_pentagon_nkorea

Photoshop, CGI could've avoided NYC-Air Force One flap

2009-05-08T22:36:00.002-05:00

A skilled Photoshop and CGI artist could've saved the White House administration a lot of heat about a $300k+ boondoggle some joker ordered - and subsequently resigned over. It's too bad we can't see all of what was shot - and maybe we will.

Can anyone hook up the folks in D.C. with a copy of Photoshop?

Where No installment has gone before: Abrams flick a hit

2009-05-08T09:06:00.001-05:00

OK, I've been a Star Trek fan forever - I wrote fan fiction at age 7 in 1970. So after a Saturday matinee, what was the new movie like?

J.J. Abrahms rendition of the Star Trek franchise takes it to where no installment has gone before - and offers promise for the series to be revived in theaters.

The Lost and Cloverfield director took his take on a series rich in character and story and updated it with CGI effects (such as in the last three Star Wars installments). We see the genesis of all of the major characters. It hit all the must-see buttons with me including key character phrases and quirks.

I'm not going to get into the plot - that would spoil it for you. But I am reminded of seeing the 1979 version ("Star Trek - The Movie"). It updated starship graphics from the original series in a quantum leap way. So does this. I remember being pumped up to see the characters that I'd only watched in reruns (OK, maybe as a pre-schooler I bopped around the living room as Dad watched it).

Abrams did a great job with exposition - through character development and back story, including Kirk and Spock. It's quite a cue to Hollywood that no matter the FX, you need characters and story - and then cast it superbly.

Box office? I predict that the opening weekend will near the $100 million dollar mark.

Would I see it again in theaters? Yes - the big screen shows it in all its glory. And of all the Star Trek movies, I'd buy the DVD of this one once it gets released.

STAR TREK review soon...

2009-05-08T09:01:00.003-05:00

As an original series STAR TREK fan, I'm looking forward to seeing the new movie this weekend. From the previews it looks to have the CGI action of STAR WARS. But the key to anything is story and characters - characters we identify with or like.

The key to its payday prowess is whether it will draw past its base, although I imagine Trekkies going 2 or 3 times and that will boost box office.

I won't be wearing my Starfleet shirt, btw. (I don't have one - but maybe I've got a Velour shirt somewhere...

So check back for the review. And don't forget to get your mother something for Sunday...or wife or significant partner who's ...maybe take her to STAR TREK.

Target.com now offers POOKOO

2009-05-06T07:59:00.002-05:00

Target.com now offers POOKOO, which is cool...so if you're already shopping online at the Bullseye, don't forget to drop a copy into your basket. Lenny would ant you to.

PS _ I am working on an event which may get Lenny the Lobster out of his shell and into the public. Keep checking back...

POOKOO audio book scheduled for production

2009-05-05T07:54:00.002-05:00

I found LearnOutLoud.com and am happy to say that I will be producing an audio book and will post it at the site. Check out what they have - and while you're at it, go to Pookoo.net and get your free sample of "The 6-Foot Lobster" before the whole book gets recorded.

THE END IS NEAR (of a free download, that is)

2009-05-01T10:10:00.005-05:00

OK, we decided to pull the plug on the free e-book novel POOKOO but you can grab it before June 13th. You can buy it as a Kindle book on Amazon or as a paperback... but the updated version is available off my two sites. The flu is mentioned in the book - but the bird flu.

Anyway, continued thanks to all of my readers. I've really been torn about moving on with the PILGRIM book but want to give you a novel and not a blog in book form. (Books should speak to all times, not just that particular day).

I just watched 12 MONKEYS again 2 days ago and it's extremely topical. Check it out if you haven't. Bruce Willis, Madeline Stowe and Brad Pitt show their acting chops in this sci-fi time travel flu tale...I give it 5 stars.

Massett arrives to discuss 50's video

2009-04-27T09:57:00.002-05:00

Chicago actor Michael Marius Massett arrived in northern Illinois at a Homefield Multimedia pre-production meeting to discuss plans for a 1950's rockabilly music video.

"We're excited to have Marius aboard and think he's going to bring something special to this unique take on 1950's culture," D.L. Shiloh (pictured right) said.

The shoot is slated to tape in June.

Pre-production chugs along on SINGED movie

2009-04-01T08:07:00.003-05:00

The fact that I haven't blogged is a GOOD thing because we've been busy doing the studio thing and the pre-production thing...head over to http://www.homefieldmultimedia.com for what we've been up to.

Studio channeling Part 2

2009-03-05T06:39:00.001-06:00

Yesterday recorded another channeling incident in the studio on the CDs second-to-last track - a Native American inspired track with drums.

Channeling in the studio: 'Eyewitness' update

2009-03-03T20:50:00.006-06:00

Wanted to give you an update on the forthcoming CD & book. I've been in the studio and happy with the work. Think I've been channeling Robert Palmer via Thomas Dolby on a new track titled "Memo." I still have a little tweaking on it but I can't wait to see how the trance track does on a dance floor test.

Another track (the second of the CD) has a synth and snare polish that echoes Lou Reed and Shawn Mullins. It's the first track slated for single release.

Check back for more news.

POOKOO trailer

2009-01-25T16:02:00.000-06:00

Knipschield gets 'New Covey Cover Award' nomination

2009-01-19T07:42:00.002-06:00

An Illinois pre-press printing specialist who worked on Michael's Jordan's 1998 book “For Love of the Game” has been nominated for a New Covey Cover Award for his work on D.L. Shiloh's 2008 satire “Pookoo.” Learn how to vote for this artist.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Jan 19, 2009 – ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS – An Illinois-based pre-press printing specialist who worked on Michael's Jordan's 1998 book “For Love of the Game” has been nominated for a New Covey Cover Award for his work on D.L. Shiloh's 2008 satire “Pookoo.” The public can vote for the cover starting January 20th at the award's web site at http://thenewcoveycoverawards.blogspot.com.

Knipschield', who hails from Freeport, Illinois, has over 20 years in the pre-press industry, as well as running PMK Creations. The book cover includes renderings of javelin thrower Katlin Hillmacher and Lenny the Lobster, a restaurant mascot.

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE:

http://www.prlog.org/10169069-mix-of-humor-and-darkness-fuels-knipschields-new-covey-cover-award-nomination.html

Download update - 180 in just November

2008-11-13T09:33:00.001-06:00

Thanks to what is becoming a word-of-mouth thing, there have now been 180 downloads in the month of November at pookoo.net and dlshiloh.com - from 11 countries. Point your friends over. (Hey, it's free.)

Just for the record, D.L. doesn't stand for DownLoad.

Notebook of PILGRIM work lost at Kerasotes theatres

2008-11-09T23:01:00.005-06:00

OK, it was my son's birthday so we took him to see a movie at our local Kerasotes multiplex and saw the Oscar-worthy "The Changeling", directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Angelina Jolie. Ironically, it's a story about loss. [Let me say, Jolie can act.]

Well, the kids wanted to move from the back to the 2nd row and we did. I brought along a new black notebook I've kept for the last 3-4 weeks and had it in hand, rather than in my coat pocket. As we left, I realized I didn't have the notebook. So while they waited for me outside in the car, I looked in the theater with an usher but couldn't find it. For about 6 hours afterward I was just flattened. I couldn't believe it. Mixed with the mother's sense of loss in the story, I was so ... I couldn't focus. Anyway, I left my business card and what else could I do?

I tried to visualize what I had in the notebook - I liked what I was doing. I couldn't see anything. The loss is tough and sets me back. I look at this blog's TIMECLOCK and see more days tick away. The only thing to do is breathe. Tomorrow is another day - and hopefully I don't lose another notebook!

Music to read POOKOO by...songs from the book

2008-11-07T07:55:00.002-06:00

Here's a new web service called 8Tracks - I uploaded selected songs that are mentioned in POOKOO - from David & David's "Welcome to the Boomtown" to Marvin Gaye. It's about half of what's mentioned, but enjoy. Follow the link:

http://8tracks.com/dlshiloh/november-2008-mix-song-selections-from-pookoo

The day the 21st century started

2008-11-04T22:53:00.002-06:00

Today, with the win by President-elect Barack Obama, the 21st century started - and the 19th century ended. This historic win is a victory for anyone who believes in the power of the American Dream. I blogged that America will get the President it deserves and I am proud of my countrymen who see hope instead of fear.

The Obama-Biden Administration needs to be an inclusive voice, rather than exclusive, being the voice for every American no matter one's "Red" or "Blue" status.

I'm personally proud of this Chicagoan and Illinois son and wish him - and our country well. It gives me hope that our best days are ahead.

Digging through old notebooks, watching voters in the rain

2008-11-04T07:02:00.004-06:00

As of this writing, I'm watching the action at the polls on CNN: voters in the rain out East. The leaves here in my front yard are of burning reds and orange. Haven't gotten out to the voting place yet, but I saw a TV ad where Starbucks gives you a free 12 oz. cup of java if you tell them you voted. So vote and then go get a cup.

Yesterday I combed through some old notebooks from 1990...I have two photos from that time. It's coming together. But I'm working with Pete Knipschield to get the fonts correct and all that. I'll keep you posted.

117 downloads in last 3 days

2008-11-03T21:21:00.002-06:00

Just a quick note - 117 downloads of POOKOO were made the past three days over at POOKOO.net, so I want to thank every one who's taking the journey. I couldn't believe it so I had to create a support ticket to my site's ISP host. They confirmed the number.

Amazing - and it makes me want to keep writing.

BTW, I hope you go out and vote tomorrow. I know I will...

2008-11-01T09:50:00.001-05:00

Chicago dates on the horizon in '08-09

2008-10-26T09:31:00.002-05:00

The first Chicago dates for readings of POOKOO are getting set...Madison and Milwaukee may be "on the radar", according to Homefield Multimedia. Stay tuned for times and places. A "special event" for the Super Bowl is in the works.

Work on PILGRIM slowed by POOKOO's fixes

2008-10-26T08:56:00.003-05:00

I should be working on PILGRIM now, especially with that time clock on the right side of this blog ticking like a bomb in a James Bond movie, but there's some fix-up work on POOKOO: Special Edition to do.

That makes me wonder, what should be in a 'special edition'? I guess it got called that because we're all STAR WARS fans here, but what the hell makes this version special? Does that mean there will be an ultimate edition someday???

Anyway, today I start work in the basement digging for items that might be fitting for such an edition since that's what the publisher has called for.

Some of my favorite books are biographies: Nathanael West, Raymond Chandler, Carlos Baker's Hemingway, some on Orson Welles. I just bought a cool book of H.G. Wells/Orson Welles' versions of War of the Worlds. It's a must buy, especially for the story's fan and those interested in how a story gets translated through the years by several people in different medium.

Video blog may be a part of the solution

2008-10-21T09:30:00.001-05:00

I thought maybe a vlog might be something to do, but it'd have to be chockful of other stuff besides my word count, etc. It should have a contest...

The Myth & Truth of Deadlines pt.1

2008-10-21T09:22:00.003-05:00

Lessons on deadlines, Part 1:

OK, so I set a deadline and want to avoid a 17-year odyssey this time 'round with the new book. I'm not interested in an odyssey. A journey is OK, but the other entails having to slay creatures and bad guys and the pay is low.

With 400 + days, sometimes it still feels like all the time in the world. Kinda like that term paper you hear about at the beginning of the semester and when it's the end of the semester you go, what?

I can't lull myself with thinking I have a lot of time. I am revising POOKOO for the special edition. I have a life, too. So without doing any number crunching, that 400 + is probably a lot less. Add that, add a bit of stress from teenagers and you lose two days this past week due to migraines.

I know whom I'm voting for so I really don't need to watch the election stuff. The economy - I can only handle so much. So I keep myself busy with all this. Then once in a while I wonder, what about the next one? (I know what the next book is.)

"Special Edition" POOKOO in the works

2008-10-16T09:13:00.003-05:00

OK, so while I was at making corrections (see PRESS RELEASE) I decided that I may as well put some things in the back of the book to make a special version of POOKOO. Suggestions have been photos of locales in the book, diary pages, an afterword, a "POOKOO" map of Chicago and a prediction of the 2008 US election. (No, wait, not the last one). So if you have suggestions e-mail them in. Remember, as a reader, it's your POOKOO.

Voice actors sought in November

2008-10-16T08:50:00.002-05:00

Know of anyone over 21 in the southern Wisconsin/northern Illinois area who's into acting? Here's a chance for them to be in on a script reading of POOKOO by the screenwriter. Refreshments, no pay, great for the acting resume. Check out the Craigslist ad for more details. No, Lenny the Lobster won't be there but D.L. Shiloh will make an appearance.

http://rockford.craigslist.org/tlg/867364913.html

Last Titanic survivor selling off items to make bills

2008-10-16T08:39:00.003-05:00

Here's a heartwarming story - the last survivor of the Titanic, a British woman (96) is selling her Titanic suitcase to make her medical bills incurred while at a nursing home. An auction is to occur this Saturday for Millvina Dean. She was 10 weeks old when the ship sunk.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081016/en_afp/britaintitanichistoryauction

New watchword for 2008 - Crap!

2008-10-15T08:33:00.004-05:00

OK, if you're trying to meet a deadline (see countdown clock to the right) or have been watching the Dow's roller coaster ride, I think a PG-expletive shout for 2008 is to say, "Crap!" I can't get too caught up in things like a Recession.

The experts will tell you about securing your money, but if you can, don't get all wracked up and despair. Make sure your bank is federally insured, etc. etc.

Start a book discussion group, get a free paperback & discounted prices

2008-10-12T08:48:00.001-05:00

This week I was talking with a reader who's read POOKOO and I suddenly realized he was talking about the characters with ownership. I guess I forgot about that. You get caught up in creating and of course have ownership but you can forget how others get into it. I was asked things about one of the main characters (Julie). You forget it takes a life all of its own.

If you start a book discussion group on POOKOO, let me know. I think I could even manage some discounted books. Let me know via e-mail (dlshiloh@dlshiloh.com).

NEW BOOK UPDATE: 430 words done on PILGRIM

2008-10-12T08:21:00.006-05:00

Good news...I woke this Sunday morning before 5 a.m. and did my usual routine, balancing publishing and writing, checked my local football scores, drank my Folgers coffee. I'm happy to report that I worked on 430 words on THE PILGRIM COMMUTER. I have no idea if this book will be longer than POOKOO. But I can tell you a few things. But I promise I won't let any cats out of the bag. (That's a hell of an expression...)

It's a different book than POOKOO. PILGRIM has elements of first and third person narrative (about the extent of my English education)...and it takes place in 2008. POOKOO is set in the fateful year of 1991. I guess you could say they have borrowed from my real life (I used to proofread & live in Chicago, I live in the suburbs now) and have more based in fact than any James Frey book. But I freely admit that where the fact starts, the fiction takes over.

POOKOO topped out at roughly 80,000 words which sounds like a lot; it's about 190 pages in a 6" x 9" paperback.

430 words may not sound like much, but i recall that was Hemingway's average daily output. I may even work more after cutting the yard and grocery shopping. 430. It's a matter if they are 430 good words and when I re-read them we'll see. But PILGRIM is more like my short stories than POOKOO - I think it is more accessible to the average reader: it's about men & women, kids, jobs, very mainstream.

It's probably too candid of me but if you read POOKOO you'd probably never guess I worked for a hometown newspaper. When you read PILGRIM you'll go, "sure, he just ramps it up."

*****

Abebooks.com sells POOKOO to UK - yikes!

2008-10-12T08:14:00.003-05:00

OK, 8 am this Sunday morning and I ran a check on my book and saw that Abe Books sells copies of POOKOO - which was cool for 2 seconds until I looked at the price...$32.69! It sells for $10 over at Amazon.com. I specifically made a new book price at $10 for several reasons - and even give away (yes, GIVE AWAY) a free e-book version, since I'm a new author.

I suppose there's shipping to the U.K. but that seems downright...I DON'T want you to pay that. It's in paperback. A hardback shouldn't be that much. We have a global financial crisis going on...

COMPARE - A look at Harry Potter books - $1...

HARRY POTTER:
http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?kn=harry+potter&sts=t&x=0&y=0

POOKOO:
http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=1203017287&searchurl=bi%3D0%26bx%3Doff%26ds%3D30%26isbn%3D1438248164%26pfxid%3Da_14821939%26sortby%3D2%26sts%3Dt%26x%3D79%26y%3D15

Ok, the economy is really pissing me off

2008-10-07T09:58:00.004-05:00

Tonight Round 2 of the McCain-Obama debates and we'll be tuned in to see how they do. Whomever becomes President won't probably be able to do a 180 on the economy, but they will need to do what FDR did in his first days and have stop-gap measures.

I told my son today as I drove him to school that he should do good in school, go to community college (where it's cheap) and then be more prepared for what happens with the economy. He asked me how will he afford that - and I said, well do good, be good and we'll help how we can.

A note to those of us who survived Reaganomics - it feels like the 80's again. Less jobs, higher prices, uncertainty. I'm about to bust out my PURE 80s collection and grow a mullet...radical!

I know that I need to curb spending, DON'T HIDE my money in a mattress, and most of all, stress out. Maybe I need to find LOVE HITS OF THE 80s...either that or Zamphir, although I was a Vangelis aficionado myself.

Novel keepin' me busy: did the Cubs win?

2008-10-06T08:02:00.002-05:00

Work on my new novel has kept me away from the blog, so much, I haven't been keeping busy. A read-through on the movie script is being set up, which I'll sit in and "advise." So we need voice actors for the November event.

My wife and I went to Milwaukee last night and saw Alanis Morrisette - great show. We were in the center upper balcony. About 2000 strong showed.

New humongous prime number has strange implication.

2008-09-27T16:23:00.002-05:00

The news that math experts found a new prime number (a 13-million-digit prime number), is not only staggering but a clue to the financial crisis. I think it's the odds of the financial crisis in the US being fixed anytime soon.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080927/ap_on_fe_st/prime_number_prize

Time to begin work: starting the new book this weekend

2008-09-27T10:15:00.005-05:00

I sat this morning over coffee and scrawled out a page of THE PILGRIM COMMUTER. I've got 30-50 pages of notes on the book, but I think this weekend I need to roll up the sleeves and begin proper work. My friends, who know it took me 17 years to complete POOKOO, probably raise an eyebrow over the goal of finishing for a late 2009 release. But I learned a lot and a lot of it was what not to do. The third novel will benefit from things I learn on this book. And 5,000 words have already been written on the third novel. But to get to that, I have to finish PILGRIM. As my wife says, "the only way out is through." (She's a big ALANIS MORISSETTE fan.)

So my notes today include such a stir occurring in the world: hurricane aftermath, which we've so quickly forgotten about, because there's a financial crisis and an election, and we have another school year and hobbies like football and a 1,000 other things. My own challenge is to be within the world and then to go write and be apart from it. Writing is truly a strange avocation because you end up living and then screen what you experience through whatever story you put down on paper. I was asked the other day on BlogTalkRadio if there was a burning story I had that I wanted to eventually get to (Book No. 3). I also would like to write some "lighter fare" as they say, a football story or two and not all the deep existentialist stuff I gravitate toward. All in good time.

So I'm sharing here with you what I can the process of living and writing. As a reader, you live and read and the work filters back into your life (if a writer is lucky). It's a symbiotic relationship, writer & reader.

I'm starting off slow this weekend - cleaning up the office, sorting through the odd scraps of paper, putting them into the computer. That way when I sit down in a week or two I'll actually have the outline to finalize and then each successive week there will be work. Another challenge is to do work as a publisher with POOKOO; I'm lining up events, appearances and awaiting that POOKOO's movie script will be done. If you ever wished for a full life and then you get it, don't moan and groan over its complexities.

Well, I've got a lawn to cut - you do, too, probably Have a great weekend.

Packers lose to Cowboys, but Bears lose, too

2008-09-22T08:40:00.001-05:00

The Packers lost to Dallas last night, but division rival Chicago Bears lost in OT so they keep the distance.

2008-09-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

Cubs clinch - but not World Series yet

2008-09-21T07:31:00.004-05:00

Now that the Chicago Cubs have clinched a playoff spot, the question is - can they make it to the big show? And really, after waiting 100 years, isn't it all about the ultimate real goal? The Cubs need to make it to the World Series. If they're playing the cross-town rival Chicago Sox, it's anyone's game. Otherwise, automatically, the Cubs need to win. Otherwise, it's 101 years and counting.

There's a chapter in POOKOO about the Cubs. It's Chapter 11, "The Wrigley Suit." Go to dlshiloh.com and get the free e-book of POOKOO an read this chapter (and the whole book).

2008-09-17T22:00:00.001-05:00

Wall Street's blues - what's it mean for you?

2008-09-17T21:01:00.004-05:00

I'm not a financial wizard by any stretch of the imagination, but I know with the Dow dropping 449 points, it means something. A CNN poll today revealed that it's scaring 75% of people.

Maybe it meant your 401k, which you may not have control over as far as which funds are selected, are taking a big hit, just like during the 2000 Wall Street slide. Internet and Tech stocks soared until the bottom fell out. Maybe you work in one of the fields that will be affected - banking, loans, mortgages. Maybe you were wanting to buy a home but now find that once-open door being unceremoniously shut.

Whoopie Goldberg was on The View today reminding how in the old days people used to hide money in their mattress. Are we returning to a Depression?

If you remember, recessions almost seemed to be the order of the day until the Cold War ended and the "Age of 90s Prosperity" came upon us. It all seems very cyclical. Of course they talk about the Cold War possibly returning because of what Russia did in Georgia recently, which wouldn't be very good at all. I don't think it's time to restock your leftover Year 2000 stash of supplies, but you might want to wait out a few big ticket items.

Gasoline: If barrels are way down, why aren't gallons?

2008-09-15T08:28:00.004-05:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080915/bs_nm/markets_oil_dc

This is a supreme example of fuzzy math. Gas was at $147 a barrel in July and now dropped to $94 (Sept. 15, 2008). But yet the price for a gallon hasn't really changed. I know they're blaming it on Ike, but c'mon. I think they're really selling snake oil, folks.

Wall Street's financial woes a lot of bull

2008-09-15T07:33:00.004-05:00

Was this any surprise to you, another financial crisis on Wall Street? Paper companies in a paper industry - worse than fiction writing (because you actually get the whole book in hand when you buy one) - is such a scam.

The falling of Merrill Lynch and Lehman will cause ripples on Wall Street today and this week. Mix hat with the bailout of Freddie Mac & Etc. and it's just another move on Wall Street. All I know is that it's bull for the 401k investor. Maybe Grandma & Grandpa were right when they hid their money in mattresses...

Individuals are not up to task to secure a future, not when they rely on a system that does not have their interests. I don't have an MBA and really can't handle money managing like it takes. Although, the last 2 stocks I bought made a profit before I sold them...I'll stick to fiction - at least it's honest compared to many other institutions we rely on.

But will the monkeys see Terminators?

2008-09-11T22:32:00.003-05:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080911/sc_nm/brain_vision_dc

This link is to a story how scientists (mad, no less) figure how humans see objects, and of course they used monkeys (again). I'm listening to Peter Gabriel's "Shock the Monkey."

So the research says this may lead to robots being able to see. That reminds me: season 2 of Fox's "Terminator" is off to a rip-roaring start. But that's another blog entry...

A Million little pieces: election picture gets puzzling

2008-09-09T22:52:00.002-05:00

The latest salvos in the battle for the White House is against Alaskan governor Sarah Palin, whose every move is now being scrutinized, and counter scrutiny into the opponents. It really doesn't show clarity, this investigative look, and with so little known about Palin, the picture will beget startling and argumentative points. Will the public debate solve any of our nation's ills - or just reveal that we are the Untied States of America? At some point we need to get past debate and move into action and I don't know if Election Day will really bring us to that. A 50-50/52-48 type of election result is not a mandate. What did Lincoln say about a house divided?

Rodgers' era begins with victory over Vikings

2008-09-09T22:49:00.002-05:00

Aaron Rodgers directed a strong victory over NFC rival Minnesota Vikings Monday night as the Packers began what will be known as The Aaron Rodgers Era. Rodgers finished the game with under 200 yards, 1 TD passing and 1 rushing - and was 18-of-22 in passing attempts. He's competent and if you remember last year's near-win against the Dallas Cowboys (whe Favre got hurt), Rodgers shows he can lead. My question is how healthy can he remain. Other than that, thumbs up.

Favre looks sharp in NY debut - weird for us Cheeseheads

2008-09-07T19:53:00.004-05:00

As Green Bay fans, it was bittersweet to watch Brett Favre break off his career with the Packers. Similar to when Michael Jordan left the Bulls (twice). But Favre proved he still has the ability in the Jets win over the Miami Dolphins, 20-14.

Now some would say the Dolphins aren't strong competition. But for Favre, this win is something to build on as he learns the offense. I think some of his looks show it must have been surreal being in an AFC uniform. With Favre in, it's good for the NFL.

BRADY OUT WITH KNEE INJURY - NOT GOOD FOR THE LEAGUE

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are a force, like the New York Yankees. With winning so many trophies people may get a bit of Yankee-dissing...but I hope people are tactful and respectful of Brady's talent and wish him well from his season-ending injury today.

SEASON OVER FOR ROSCOE RUSH SEMI PRO TEAM

I do PR work for the Roscoe Rush. Last night our squad finished out the season, losing in Iron Bowl XII to the Madison Mustangs, 23-13.

Walter Reed 'error' at RNC

2008-09-06T07:26:00.004-05:00

The RNC erroneously flashed a picture of a California middle school instead of Walter Reed Hospital. You know, it happens, and when I saw it I didn't know. But I wonder if the staffer who got the photo for the Powerpoint has been reduced to taking out the office trash now.

It looks like a nice school.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080905/od_afp/usvotemccainschooloffbeat

With new speech, Sarah Palin sticks it to the Dems

2008-09-03T22:36:00.002-05:00

Her tongue out, that is. CNN couldn't use a better picture?

Advanced technology at its finest

2008-09-03T22:29:00.005-05:00

How much is a particle accelerator? What, you ask. The French have devised a way to date old wine - using a particle accelerator. In other words, atom smashers. The one pictured here is from the Fermilab in Illinois, but I highly doubt (and hope) the scientists are testing their wine. No need to test Budweiser - remember, it has a "born on date."

I realize old wine is rare and expensive but does it justify firing up a particle accelerator? How about solving time and space issues? Maybe if they just crack open a few of the bottles, we won't care what the cost is...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080903/sc_nm/france_wine_dc
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particle_accelerator

Digital books video link

2008-09-03T08:42:00.003-05:00

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2008/09/03/green.ebooks.itn

This video describes digital books and digital readers...one official from a British museum says it's a fad and that it'll be what people give at Christmas (maybe like a power tool or La-Z-Susan). Back in the 90's they said the Internet would pass.

POOKOO is available at Amazon.com in Kindle form - and the PDF from the two home sites (dlshiloh.com, pookoo.net).

Link to BlogTalkRadio show

2008-09-03T06:52:00.001-05:00

Live on call-in internet radio as a guest

2008-09-02T10:25:00.005-05:00

This press release tells all - D.L. to be on BlogTalkRadio with Jacqueline Foreman (pictured). I'll be discussing POOKOO. http://www.prlog.org/10112699-near-death-experience-focus-as-shiloh-appears-on-your-mental-health-radio-show-sept-16th.html

NOLA residents should get out

2008-08-30T23:40:00.003-05:00

New Orleans Ray Naggins might be using fear of God tactics to urge his citizens out - but they should listen. At 11:41 Central time, radar for Hurricane Gustav had left Cuba and looks like it's heading for The Big Easy.

A restaurant worker in the below linked story says he'd weather it out...but if it's your job or your life, head north.

Hopefully the U.S. Government steps up no matter where the storm lands. Being an election year, I bet it does.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/08/30/new.orleans/index.html