Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Funny Video Day

Zack Attack is back!


Zach Galifianakis interviews Bradley Cooper on "Between Two Ferns"

Click here for more "Between Two Ferns," including thought-provoking interviews with Natalie Portman, Jimmy Kimmel and Jon "Honey Baked" Hamm. I highly recommend this, and highly recommend that you see "The Hangover".

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posted by Jason Pinter at 11:02 AM 0 Comments




Thursday, June 04, 2009

I've Been Punished

If you're a comic book fan, or have a strange desire to see me slaughtered in horrifically brutal fashion, pick up a copy of the new Punisher Max: Naked Kill, written by Bram Stoker award-winning author Jonathan Maberry. Aside from being a fantastic issue, Jonathan was kind enough to name a character after me. And if you want to see what happens to my character (it's the Punisher, I'm sure you have an idea) pick up a copy at your local comic book seller. And I don't want to hear anyone else say, "You got what was coming to you."

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posted by Jason Pinter at 9:50 AM 2 Comments




Monday, April 20, 2009

Look into my eyes...

While speaking at a library over the weekend, I came upon...this. Now, perhaps I am not exactly the demographic that can be persuaded to read a book by a sultry-looking Orlando Bloom...but is this not the most ridiculous thing you've ever seen? It's not as if celebrities advertising reading is a bad thing (just across the room was a poster featuring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart reading a copy of TWILIGHT while looking like they're actually enjoying it. Yes, they were reading it. Not clutching it like Linus with his blanket). So why is this ridiculous? Let's go step-by-step:

1) Orlando does not look like he shows any interest in reading. In fact, he seems to be saying, "Let me take that silly book from you so we can snuggle."

2) What kind of book is he holding? Some sort of bible from the middle ages? I think he's trying to channel Ron Burgundy: "I am Orlando Bloom...I own many leather-bound books, and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."

3) Who does this appeal to? Teenage boys? Nope. Older men? Uh-uh (at least I hope not). Older women? Come on, they're into Hugh Jackman. Teenage girls? Ick. Orlando is 32. That's entering creepyhood.

4) Orlando is clutching that book so tightly it's as if he wants to do everything in his sharp-cheekboned power to prevent you from reading. "Oh, you want this book? You know where I have lots of books? In my bedroom (wink, wink)."

5) "Orlando Bloom @ your library"--is that a threat?

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posted by Jason Pinter at 8:52 AM 7 Comments




Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Can MILF Island Be Far Behind?

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posted by Jason Pinter at 11:00 PM 0 Comments




Friday, March 20, 2009

A Conversation in Bob Barnett's Waiting Room

(note: I have met Bob Barnett, and he's a very nice guy)

(Interior: Elevator opens into the office of a high profile literary agency. President Barack Obama walks out. He approaches the receptionist.)

Barack: Hi...um, Shelly, right?

Receptionist: It's Sheila.

Barack: Sheila, right. Sorry, haven't been here too often. Kinda busy, you know. Did you see me on Leno last night?

Receptionist: Sorry, I don't stay up that late.

Barack: No sweat, neither do I. Anyway, I have an 11:45 with Mr. Barnett.

Receptionist: Sure thing Mr. President. He's running a little late, please have a seat in the waiting room.

Barack: Sure thing. Can I smoke in there?

Receptionist: No, sir.

(Obama, disgruntled, heads into the waiting room, where he is shocked to see...)

Barack: George W. Bush, what are you doing here?

George: Oh, hey Barack. Good to, um, see you. I'm just waiting to meet with my agent.

Barack: Your agent? Bob Barnett?

George: That's right. When it came time to write my book, there's nobody else I would want brokering my deal. Why are you here?

Barack: I, um...needed somewhere to smoke.

George: I thought this was a no smoking office.

Barack: Ok, you got me. I'm here to meet with my agent.

George: Wait...are you saying Bob Barnett is your agent too?

Barack (sighing): Yeah, that's what I'm saying. 

George: Hold on, didn't you used to have a different agent?

Barack: Yeah, but that was a long time ago, back when nobody really knew who I was. 

George: I hear you, partner. Once you hit the big time, you need to run with the big dogs.

(George holds his fist out. Barack just stares at it.)

Barack: Uh...

George: Come on, don't leave me hanging.

(Barack reluctantly touches George's fist)

George: Alright! Terrorist fist jabs for everyone! 

Barack: Please don't call it that.

George: Isn't this so weird? I mean, what are the chances that we'd both have the same literary agent? Isn't that, like, so funny?

Barack: Hilarious.

George: So what's your book about?

Barack: Well, I've written two critically-acclaimed, bestselling memoirs that have sold millions of copies around the world. I'm thinking about a children's book, and maybe a book reflecting on my presidency once I leave office. What about you?

George: Paranormal erotica.

Barack: Huh?

George: I'm just joshing with you. It's a book on the hardest decisions I had to make while president.

Barack: That sounds like it could be insightful.

George: Does it? I kind of wanted to write one of those cookbooks. You know, "Kill 'Em and Grill 'Em" or something. But some 'people' (George makes finger quotes) thought I should write something a little more 'serious' (more finger quotes).

Barack: (silence)

George: So who's writing your book?

Barack: Excuse me?

George: You know, who did you choose to interview you with a tape recorder and then ghostwrite your book?

Barack: Um, I wrote both of my books myself.

George: Riiiight. So who really 'wrote' your books?

Barack: I did. Really.

George: Ok, ok, I get it. You're really embracing the whole 'ghostwriter' thing. Me? I'm thinking of using that Salter guy McCain seems to like. He told me he'd going to need at least half an hour of tape. How about that, he must think I have a lot of wisdom to impart!

Barack: You know, I'm not sure how I feel about this. I mean, during the campaign I basically implied your presidency was up there with the reign of Satan himself. And now we're here, in the same office, selling our books through the same agency?

George (laughing): I know. What are the odds?

Barack: Yeah. What are the odds.

(The door opens. In walks Bill Clinton)

Bill: George! Barack! What are you guys doing here?

Barack: Hey Bill, I'm waiting to meet with my agent.

George (reading a copy of 'Highlights'): Hey Bill, my Dad says hi.

Barack: What are you here for, Bill?

Bill: Well, Bob sold my first two books. Got me a sweet, sweet deal for both of them. So when it came time to write a new book, there's nobody I'd rather have handling my contract. You know Barack, would you mind giving Hillary whatever exercises Michelle is doing for her arms? Hello, two tickets to the gun show please!

(Bill extends his fist. George leaps forward and taps it while Barack shakes his head.)

George: That's right, Bill, you old hoss. So what are you writing?

Bill: Paranormal erotica.

Receptionist: George, Mr. Barnett will see you now. And Mr. Obama, please put out your cigarette.

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posted by Jason Pinter at 9:34 AM 4 Comments




Thursday, March 12, 2009

City of Angels

Apologies for the lack of posts, but I'm on a business/pleasure trip in L.A. for the week. A few thoughts:

--I had the best coffee of perhaps my life yesterday at the Griddle Cafe on Sunset. Just delicious (making Homer Simpson drooling noise).

--I've stopped at four bookstores, and every one of them had at least one of my books. It's really just a thrill to see them outside of New York.

--Met up with my buddy/Killer Year mate Brett Battles yesterday. He introduced me to a very cool coffee shop called The Novel Cafe that seems very conducive to writing. Just tables and tables of people writing on laptops and drinking coffee while surrounded by packed bookshelves. I might have to steal this shop and bring it back to NYC.

--Californians don't have much perspective when it comes to weather. During our time here it's been 65 degrees and sunny, and people are literally apologizing to us for the terrible weather. Little do they know that last week I was literally digging our car out of the snow with a broom.

--Apparently Los Angeles basically shuts down at the slightest hint of rain. I actually kind of want to witness this.

--I'll be going to Barry Eisler's signing at the Mystery Bookstore on Saturday. This will be my first time seeing the renowned store (not my first time seeing Barry), and I'm very excited.

--Tonight we're having dinner and drinks with two friends, one who writes for a fantastic tv show and another who's a junior agent. Trying to get the whole L.A. experience. Tomorrow I will walk around in front of Grauman's and hope to be discovered. A nice producer already asked if I might be interested in writing for "independently-produced, mature-themed videos starring today's hottest young talents." This sounds like a great opportunity, though I did find it strange that he said I'd need to take a blood test before reporting to work. Hmm...

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posted by Jason Pinter at 12:37 PM 2 Comments




Monday, February 09, 2009

Running to Stand Still

Regular posting will resume shortly, as I race to hit my deadline for Henry Parker #5 (#4 is in the can). Briefly, I had a great time at Love is Murder. Met some great folks, saw lots of familiar faces, and though the conference is taking a hiatus in 2010 I imagine I'll be back when it restarts in 2011. Also, I've been having some email issues, so if you've emailed me in the past week rest assured I don't hate you, I simply cannot access my inbox for the time being.

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posted by Jason Pinter at 11:31 AM 7 Comments




Wednesday, January 14, 2009

I'm on Twitter

Since apparently there are still social/networking sites I'm not a member of, I've shortened that list by joining Twitter. You can follow my feed at www.twitter.com/jasonpinter.

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posted by Jason Pinter at 10:48 AM 0 Comments




Wednesday, January 07, 2009

The Snuggie 

In case you haven't yet heard of the Snuggie, watch the below video. It might be the single greatest infomercial of all time, and the most important American historical video document since the Zapruder film. Anyway, once you've watched the video, read this blog by Joe Posnanski. It captures everything glorious about the Snuggie and the people selling it. Remember, if you have a family member that's aching to look like one of the freaky Los Illiminados monks from "Resident Evil 4", the Snuggie is the perfect gift.


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posted by Jason Pinter at 9:56 PM 5 Comments




Monday, December 29, 2008

Because I'm a Huge Dork

Here is Wired's list of the 10 most incredible animal videos of 2008. Including this one, of a gibbon acting like your little sister annoying you in the backseat of a car during a long family trip. Not that I've ever experienced anything like that.


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posted by Jason Pinter at 1:57 PM 0 Comments




Friday, September 19, 2008

Random Book Thoughts

R.I.P. James Crumley. I feel like it was just yesterday that I first read THE LAST GOOD KISS. He was one of the writers who blurred the line between crime fiction and literature, and when you read his books it didn't matter. I remember hearing that Dave White got a blurb from Crumley for WHEN ONE MAN DIES and being so thrilled for him because it was like the pope had personally blessed it.

R.I.P. David Foster Wallace. I'll be honest and admit that I never read a book by Wallace (though I have read many of his magazine pieces and have copies of CONSIDER THE LOBSTER and INFINITE JEST on my shelf that I was hoping to get around to shortly), but there's no doubt the impact he had on American letters.

Could I BE any more excited for Dennis Lehane's THE GIVEN DAY? Not only is he my favorite contemporary author, and not only does it feel like SHUTTER ISLAND came out a millennium ago, but after Janet Maslin's love-fest in the New York Times if my local bookseller isn't open on Tuesday at 9:00 am on the dot I'm pulling a William Hurt in "Body Heat" and throwing a chair through the window.

I could have gotten a galley of THE GIVEN DAY, but I have a rule in which I refuse to take free copies of books written by authors I would buy on my own. I would want people to support my work, and it's only fair to do the same in return. (You have no idea how hard it was not to grab a galley of Charlie Huston's THE SHOTGUN RULE at ThrillerFest last year. I think I actually cried.)

THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE is the new Oprah pick, again another book from my TBR pile. This book has gotten wonderful reviews, and is an interesting pick following Eckhart Tolle. I do wonder, though, if the fact that the book is available only as a $25.95 hardcover(or a large print for the same price) might limit its potential audience (most, if not all previous Oprah picks, I believe, were available as cheaper paperbacks). Especially with the economy the way it is, and disposable income that much harder to come by, $26 will almost certainly deter some potential buyers. I hope I'm wrong, because EDGAR SAWTELLE sounds like a book that deserves a wide readership.

The third part in Christopher Paolini's "Inheritance" trilogy (scratch that, quadrilogy) drops tonight at midnight. I walked by my local b&n the last time they held a midnight release for one of these YA juggernauts (Stephenie Meyer's BREAKING DOWN) and it was just bedlam--to the point where they wouldn't let me in because the store was too crowded. I read ERAGON, have not yet gotten to ELDEST. Hope to at some point soon. I'm tempted to stop by the Union Square b&n (where the wizard himself will be signing) just to check it out. Especially because as of this afternoon our apartment will literally have no chairs, tables or television in it.

Regarding Boris Kachka's NyMag article on the death of book publishing, what Ed said.

For the book I'm working on right now, my bibliography for research sounds like something out of "Seven." (Brad Pitt: "What kind of psycho would buy ten different books on this?")

Oh yeah, I'm also working on a non-fiction proposal in which, over the course of one year, I will read all the books written by people who undertook some silly/dangerous/stupid stunt over the course of one year. I will then beat myself into unconsciousness with those books and burn my proposal into tiny, tiny ashes.

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posted by Jason Pinter at 9:17 AM 6 Comments




Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Review of Alafair Burke's ANGEL'S TIP book launch

A few days ago, the Killer Year folks received a request to review Alafair Burke's new Elle Hatcher novel, ANGEL'S TIP. Since we don't post reviews on the Killer Year blog, we politely declined. I went to Alafair's launch event last night at the Tribeca Barnes & Noble, and I figured if we couldn't review her book, I should at least review her signing. So here we go:

I arrived at the store at about 6:40 and walked around for a few minutes, soon bumping into fellow crime writer and forensic pathologist Jonathan Hayes. Jonathan was kind enough to offer some help with forensic research for my next Henry Parker novel. I first met him at ThrillerFest. He's an exceedingly nice guy, so Alafair already gets points for her good taste in fans.

We eventually wandered over to the signing area, which was slowly filling up to max capacity. I met Alafair's publicist, saw her agent and a few other publishing folks and authors, and by the time the event started the signing area was standing room only. Points for Alafair's drawing power. Points subtracted because I stupidly finished my iced coffee before the event started and I was thirsty.

After a brief intro by the bookseller, Alafair came onstage accompanied by Lee Child. In an interesting twist, rather than conducting a traditional reading, Lee agreed to interview Alafair about her books. Alafair wore a black blouse (was it a blouse? I'm not good with fashion) and Lee wore a cool Vic Mackey-esque black leather jacket. Points subtracted because they both wore the same color. I think that's some sort of fashion faux pas.

Lee began the interview by asking Alafair about her career, and why she chose to switch protagonists (from Samantha Kincaid to Elle Hatcher). Alafair offered good answers, discussing how she reached a crossroads at a certain point in the fourth Kincaid novel which led her to go in a different direction, and went into detail about how her two lead characters differed. Said Alafair, "I didn't want Elle to just be a blond Samantha." Points for her ability to create two distinctly different lead characters in two very different settings (New York and Portland). Points subtracted because Samantha Kincaid isn't good at taking care of her dog.

They also discussed a scene in a recent Reacher novel where Jack meets a prosecutor named Samantha in Portland (hint hint) and has a few nights of romance (wa wa wee wa) with her. Points because the perpetually broke Reacher paid for the pizza.

Alafair discussed why her law background made it a necessity to get all the details right in her books, and how personal experience aided in the writing of the first Hatcher novel, DEAD CONNECTION. Points for her candidness. Points subtracted because, despite what Alafair said, no husband is ever difficult. Cough.

After Lee finished with his grilling, they took questions from the crowd. Alafair pointed out a bunch of her former students (she's a tenured law professor) in the audience. She also discussed the difficulty of being Professor Burke in the classroom, and Alafair Burke the author in public. Points because I went through a similar thing while juggling editing and writing. Points subtracted because she undoubtedly handled it better than I did.

Once the Q&A was finished, Alafair and Lee signed copies of their books. Points subtracted because each row was called up individually, like we were boarding an airplane. Points added because Alafair signed my book with a funny inscription.

Final Grade: Lee Child was an engaging and witty interviewer, and Alafair's answers were always interesting and provocative. This was a nice change of pace from the traditional reading/signing, and it made me want to read ANGEL'S TIP. So my final grade for Alafair's event is an A. 

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posted by Jason Pinter at 8:34 AM 2 Comments




Tuesday, August 05, 2008

For one minute and fifty seconds, I don't hate Paris Hilton

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

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posted by Jason Pinter at 11:27 PM 0 Comments




Monday, July 28, 2008

Monday Tidbits

Last night was the first signing for THE STOLEN, held at the terrific Open Book. The crowd was enthusiastic, and I set a personal record for most books signed at one event. Thanks to Terry Lucas and her wonderful staff for putting on such a great event.

Bookbitch has just posted their review of THE STOLEN:
"Pinter is a force to be reckoned with in the thriller world. His plots are smart, his writing is crisp, and Henry Parker is everything a hero should be."
Read the full review here (scroll down a little bit)

THE STOLEN technically goes on sale tomorrow, but it has been popping up in stores. If you read it let me know what you think at jason@jasonpinter.com. Click here to see upcoming signings and events.



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posted by Jason Pinter at 8:57 AM 1 Comments




Thursday, May 29, 2008

Regis Lets One Rip

I nearly fell off my chair when I saw this. Look at Regis's intense concentration, and then watch Kelly's unsuccessful attempt to ignore the smelly elephant in the room.

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posted by Jason Pinter at 1:23 PM 1 Comments




Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Best (and worst) blurbs

When a book, especially a first novel, is published, the author, agent and editor bend over backwards in an attempt to secure endorsement from other authors (hopefully highly recognizable ones) in order to entice people to buy it and stores to stock many copies. 

I'm fairly new to the blurb process, having only blurbed one book in my nascent career. And that blurb was incredibly difficult to write. You want a blurb to speak effusively about the book in question, but not so much that it becomes over the top (and readers become skeptical). Authors ideally want a blurb to contain two things: 

1) a pull quote about the book ("The Willow Tree is a phantasmagoric treat!"
2) a pull quote about the author ("Bill Fester is phantasmagoric!") These are desirable because they can be used on several books.

Anyway, a newspaper article got me thinking about the best and worst of the lot. I remember picking up Warren Ellis's CROOKED LITTLE VEIN and seeing this quote:

"Stop it, you're scaring me." --William Gibson

Now that's a great quote. I'd love to know some oft he best, worst and silliest blurbs you've ever seen. Here's a good one to start things off:

The London Spectator on CLEAR by Nicola Barker:
"The brilliance of Barker's style is beyond perfection."

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posted by Jason Pinter at 1:40 PM 7 Comments




Sunday, May 11, 2008

Line of the week:

My wife, upon realizing that Bruce Willis and his girlfriend were seated at the table next to us: 

"At first I just thought it was a father having dinner with his daughter."

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posted by Jason Pinter at 9:00 PM 0 Comments




Friday, April 25, 2008

Happy Birthday!

The Man in Black turns two years old today. Though he still is not potty trained, he has taken a few baby steps. I promised myself I wouldn't cry...

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posted by Jason Pinter at 9:07 AM 1 Comments




Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The Man in Black Turns Two
(Day 3)

Speaking in Tongues: What editors and agents really mean

(this should probably be updated)

In Defense of Starbucks and Mitch Albom: or How I predicted Ishmael Beah and David Sheff's books becoming huge bestsellers

Publishers and Pixar: or Why are there no imprints for men?

Down With the Sickness: or why not all viral videos go viral

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posted by Jason Pinter at 9:57 AM 2 Comments




Tuesday, April 22, 2008

posted by Jason Pinter at 9:47 AM 0 Comments




Monday, April 21, 2008

The Man in Black Turns Two!

On April 25th, The Man in Black will celebrate its 2nd anniversary. And since blogs can't actually celebrate (For now. I expect them to become sentient beings--a la SkyNet--by 2011), I hoped we could celebrate for it.

So every day this week I'll be posting links to my favorite TMIB posts ever. Some oldies, some goodies, some that probably should have never seen the light of day. Enjoy!

Report from the Black Orchid: This was the very first "event" I went to as an author. Didn't know anybody, so of course I made it my business to drop a lot of names.

Series Potential: A look at the positives and negatives of writing a series with recurring characters.



Filet Mignon vs. Big Mac and Fries: (or why consumers buy different formats)

The Class of 2007: see where Killer Year began

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posted by Jason Pinter at 9:02 AM 0 Comments




Thursday, April 03, 2008

B.C.W.P.
(Blatantly Cute Wilson Photos)






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posted by Jason Pinter at 8:50 AM 0 Comments




Friday, March 14, 2008

Friday Links

I'll post some photos from my Seattle trip on Monday, but for now here are links to two recent interviews.



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posted by Jason Pinter at 9:34 AM 0 Comments




Saturday, February 23, 2008

Fellas, this is not romantic

My favorite part? The guy leaves holding a beer. Suppose he needed it though...

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posted by Jason Pinter at 6:11 PM 3 Comments




Thursday, February 14, 2008

Back in a few...

I'll be away for a few days on a short battery recharging trip, and then it'll be mach 5 (or mach 17, or whatever the new razor is) until THE GUILTY comes out on the 26th.

See you soon!

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posted by Jason Pinter at 6:11 AM 1 Comments




Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Patry Francis's THE LIAR'S DIARY

I first met Patry Francis during BEA last year, and we saw each other again last summer at ThrillerFest. Since we're are both members of Killer Year, after months of correspondance it was a pleasure to finally meet Patry in person. She had received glowing reviews for her debut psychological mystery THE LIAR'S DIARY. And in person, Patry was just as warm as the reception for her book. I'm proud to call her a friend and colleague.

Patry was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. And while our hearts and prayers are with her for a quick and painless recovery, it is the hope of her friends and fellow writers that her wonderful debut novel will find its way into the hands of many eager readers. If you've been debating what to read next, you can stop looking.

New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Mitchard said the LIAR'S DIARY, "Twists and turns but never lets go."

Kirkus Reviews called it, "Genuinely creepy."

The New York Daily News said it was, "Outright chilling."

The paperback edition of THE LIAR'S DIARY arrives in stores today. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. And as soon as that final page is turned, we're sure you'll want to help spread the word.



Visit Patry's website at www.patryfrancis.com, and read her blog at simplywait.blogspot.com.

You can purchase a copy of THE LIAR'S DIARY at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local Booksense retailer.

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posted by Jason Pinter at 7:31 AM 2 Comments




Monday, December 31, 2007

Goodnight 2007

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posted by Jason Pinter at 8:36 AM 2 Comments




Monday, December 03, 2007

Spirit Airlines:
Great marketing, or just never saw "American Pie"?

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posted by Jason Pinter at 5:59 PM 3 Comments




Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!
from the world's largest turkey

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posted by Jason Pinter at 9:12 AM 0 Comments