Legs, staying power, and thanks to all you nifty readers.

An author friend of mine told me something a couple months ago. He said Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse might not be the sort of novel that rockets to the top of the bestseller list, but he thought it would be the kind of book that would stick around, that people would find slowly, mention it to other people who would it turn mention it to others. Authors know how important word of mouth is in this racket. I hoped my friend was right, and now, it looks like he might be ... although time will tell. And it is rather nice that some folks are still talking about a book that came out back in the summer. I got a double-shot of goodness from Cameron Hughes who recently had nice things to say about Go-Go at January Magazine, and he was cool enough to repeat himself at Bookgasm. Recently, my editor at Touchstone said the book "apparently has legs" and happily reported they are going into a second printing. So now I have to thank some folks. You guys. Readers. If that sounds corny or like a suck-up manuever ... well, too damn bad because it's the readers who deserve to be thanked. Thanks for word-of-mouthing me into a second printing. Thanks for telling your friends. Thanks for getting the word out. Please keep doing what you're doing.

Take THAT, Cormac McCarthy!

Okay, I know I'll never sell as many books as Cormac McCarthy, but it's pretty cool when neato-guy Cameron Hughes and the fine folks at January Magazine include Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse on their Best of 2008 list with this very generous write-up.

My favorite part:
"I daresay Gischler’s book is even better than Cormac McCarthy’s slightly overrated The Road, because its satire is a lot smarter and its humor brings out just how horrific the world’s situation has become."

Thanks!

Tor.com = Coolness

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Go read this:

http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=10495#more

SF Site = Awesome

I base that claim on this:

http://www.sfsite.com/12b/gg286.htm


My favorite chunk: "Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse is one action scene after another, linked together to tell the tale of a man trying to find sense in an insane world. It's been described as Tarantino-meets-Christopher Moore-meets-Mad Max, and that's pretty damned accurate. It's cheesy B-Movie post-apocalyptic science fiction, supremely confident in its senseless over-the-top exuberance, and its devil-may-care attitude is contagious. Chock-full of "what the f***" scenes, it's one heck of a story. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down again."

My sincere gratitude to reviewer Michael M. Jones.

The kid stays in the picture!

I'm happy to report that my screenplay Silent Harvest -- based my short story which originally appeared in North Florida Noir -- has been optioned by an independent producer in New York. More as developments unfold ...

Noir Festival

You can't really see it, but I'm pointing to my name on the program. Thanks to my dad for the picture.

More to come...

Back from the Alps ...

... To find that Baton Rouge is being hit by snow. SNOW!? And not a few freak flakes. Actual stick to the ground snow. I bet I live in one of the very few cities in the nation where schools have been closed for both snow and hurricanes.

More on my Italian trip later. Right now. Jet lag ...

Is it cold in the Italian Alps?

In a few hours, I'll be jumping a jet to Courmayeur, Italy where I've been invited to participate in a swanky Noir Festival. Big shots Marcus Sakey and Richard Price will also be there. I'm not sure anyone will be paying any attention to me with luminaries like that cluttering up the place, but I'm honored to be included. Catch you guys on the flip side.

The To Be Read Pile and maybe a Private Eye Novel

The to-be-read pile is out of control. ARCs, manuscripts, books of all kinds and genres. I'm finding it hard to keep up, especially with my reading time shrinking and shrinking, so much other stuff sucking away my time, comic books to write and edit, minor tinkering on a screenplay, and an outline due for a novelization project. But, hey, gotta make the time to read. Right?

I feel like I'm in the mood for a private eye novel, and there just happens to be one in the stack -- Swann's Last Song by Charles Salzberg. This is a debut and was sent to me by Five Star quite a while ago. I'm going to dive in. Anyone out there read this one yet? No spoilers please.

Noir Cinema: THE LAST LULLABY

I've now had a chance to watch Jeffrey Goodman's noir gem The Last Lullaby and am happy to report a thumbs up on the film. If you're wanting a fast-paced Transporter or Die Hard type experience then you're coming to the wrong joint. Rather, Last Lullaby is slower and moodier as one might expect from serious, modern noir. And just before the viewer might think things are a little too slow, maybe a good time to wander away and fix a sandwich, Goodman reels us back in with a sudden jolt of violence. And not cartoon violence. Not Captain Kirk fist fighting a lizard man violence. When Price (Tom Sizemore) pulls aside a would-be rapist and gives him a pasting, we are offered a palpable experience which we know hurts. When somebody takes it in the gut or the groin or the face it hurts. Characters don't shrug off punches like Rocky Balboa. And yet this is not an action film. It's very much about character. And while the screenplay by Max Allen Collins & Peter Biegen is good, the real triumph of the film is in the performances of Tom Sizemore and Sasha Alexander. We see the loneliness in Sizemore's eyes, the desperate need on Alexander's face.

The film was shot mostly in and around Shreveport, Louisiana, and Jeffrey Goodman has likely carved a place for himself in American cinema with this debut. I look forward to his next project.

Mmmmmmmmmmmm.

It's that time again ...

The new PLOTS WITH GUNS is ready for your enjoyment.

So go. Enjoy.

The Noir Picture Show

Cool dude Scott Phillips recently put me in contact with Louisiana filmmaker Jeffrey Goodman. This is how I was able to weasle a copy of Goodman's feature The Last Lullaby, starring Tom Sizemore. I'm very much looking forward to screening this film which has been raking in the festival awards. Anyone out there see this yet? Chime in. But no spoilers please.

Many Bothans died to bring you this post.

My son is five years old and has been seeing the promos on TV for the Star Wars: Clone Wars animated series. This sparked a discussion. Did you know there were Star Wars movies before this cartoon? Waaaaaay back when daddy was a kid. I was eight years old when I saw the first film in the theater. My wife was four years old. (No, we didn't go see it together. It wasn't that long of an engagement.)

So the wife and I decided it would be okay for our son to watch the original three Star Wars films. Daddy would sit there right beside him to explain anything too scary. The kid loved these films.

In Return of the Jedi, Luke, Chewbacca and Leia rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt. Light sabers flash. Explosions. Awesomeness. When the dust settles, my five year old son turns to me and says the following:

"Princess Leia is beautiful."

My boy. So proud. The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree, does it? Poor kid.

It makes a great holiday gift, you mofos!

Whoa. It's very cool to be on the same list as Neil Gaiman and Stephen King. What list? Cool guy Michael Berry has put me on the SanFrancisco Chronicle's list of Science Fiction holiday shopping. You can check out the whole list HERE. Bring your credit card.

Ouch, I hurt myself.

So, here's the thing. I'm addicted. In the past month or so, I've eaten roughly 1200 bags of Cape Cod Salt & Vinegar chips. Sooooo much salt. Sooooooo much vinegar. I feel like somebody has taken a belt sander to my tongue. This can't be healthy.

Thanks, Brian!

I'm a few dates late to the party on this one, but I would like to express my appreciation for this snazzy review of Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse.

Much obliged!

And just to be fair and balanced, here's a young lady that thinks Go-Go "sort of sucks."

She thinks I wrote the book on whiskey sours. Gong. Any other guesses?

Want to see a librarian interview various authors?

Go HERE and scroll down.

Enjoy.

Have you guys heard about this project?

The ATOMIC BOB trilogy, a space opera by Emerson LaSalle (with forward by Victor Gischler).

Book #1: PANGALACTIC DEATH HUNT

Book #2: HOOKERBOTS OF THE OUTLAW NEBULA

Book #3:THE ATOMIC FLYSWATTER

(The picture has nothing to do with the project, but I think it sets the right tone.)

As you can see in the photo, I've been working out.

Got the Day Job Blues?

If you do, then perhaps check out The Customer is Always Wrong: The Retail Chronicles from Soft Skull Press, edited by cool guy Tulsa resident Jeff Martin. I just got my contributor's copies today. I wrote a piece called "Ear Man" about my days as a hearing aid salesman. (What?)

Why does the Lake Mills Library kick total ass?

Go HERE to find out.

I'd like my Nobel Prize now.

A porn-addicted, booze-addled Cormac McCarthy.

A big thanks to Paul Lewis at MetroPulse (Knoxville's alternative weekly) for this great review.

Much obliged!

Return from Bouchercon

What a damn great time. Congrats to Ruth Jordan and Judy Bobalik and all the folks who worked hard to make Baltimore so fun. It was great catching up with so many people. In the blur of names and faces, I absent-mindedly re-introduced myself to a few folks I'd already met, and barely got to hang with a few people I'd seriously meant to spend more time with. People who were supposed to buy me drinks and vice-versa. People I wanted to have significant chats with. People I wanted to pull aside to say how much I really liked their novels/short stoires. I just wasn't able to get to it all. The time just flew right on by.

Best of all, I met a number of readers who said those words every author longs to hear: "I really love your work." I have the best damn readers in the world.

Thanks.

Hopping a jet plane for Bouchercon tomorrow

Yes, folks, I'm heading for Bouchercon tomorrow afternoon. I look forward to seing old pals and making new ones. Etc.

Apparently, I'm on some panels or something. Come see me.

Go-Go Girls Michigan Style

A big thank you to Ray Walsh at the Lansing State Journal for this nifty write-up.

Much obliged.

The New Book

It'll be almost a whole year until my next novel from Touchstone hits the book shelves, but since I've recently finished all edits, I thought I'd give it a quick mention now. (Technically, I expect one more round of routine copy edits, but for all intents and purposes, it's in the can.)

For months, I've been referring to the novel as Bad Alchemy, but my publishers have provided me with a new title: Vampire A Go-Go. We're hoping to tap into that sweet sweet Vampire cash. While Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse was a more satirical effort, Vampire A Go-Go leans more toward parody, poking some playful fun at the find-the-treasure/secret type stories like Davinci Code and National Treasure. Also, some fun with the horror genre. Of all my novels, this is the one I would most likely call a "romp."

I'm now eagerly awaiting to see what they come up with for a cover. Fingers crossed for something spiffy.

Local Boy

225BatonRouge is a slick local magazine here in town, and they did a little interview with me HERE.

Paul Newman, R.I.P.

We'll miss you Fast Eddie, Hustler, Butch, Cool Hand Luke ...

You like books? How about festivals?

Then you should make a point to hit the Louisiana Book Festival October 4th here it Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I'll be doing a little book talk thingy on Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse. More details as the event draws nigh.

James Crumley, R.I.P.

In grad school, when I was deciding I might write crime, my pal Anthony Neil Smith handed me a pile of books. On top was The Last Good Kiss. I read it.

Then I decided to write crime.

Back in the Buffy

The house once again hums with multiple episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer since my professor-wife has been asked to contribute another essay on the show. Since when did my wife become cooler than I am. Always? Who said that? Shut up!

My Top 3 Navy Films

1. In Harm's Way
2. The Sand Pebbles
3. Mr. Roberts

Why navy films? No idea.

Electricity back on ... kiss my ass, pre-industrial society.

I have been basking in the awesomeness of air-conditioning. Hurricane Gustav put quite a smackdown on Baton Rouge, and i was without power for a week.

A favor: During that week, i was only able to check e-mail intermittently. If you sent me an e-mail and i didn't reply, then somehow it slipped thru the cracks. Please send again.

Now if the cable would come back on, I'd be all set.

Check me out at Sci-fi.com

Sci-fi Wire is the official news service of the Sci-fi Channel. They were cool enough to give me a mention.

Right here.

I am not legend

I feel like a quitter.

After four humid nights without power, sitting with a candle and a battery-powered AM radio making coffee every morning on my Chargriller, I finally cashed it in and headed to my in-law's house in Memphis. Hot showers and Internet. Hooray.

Folks, Baton Rouge is a mess. Trees and power lines down everywhere. Peopel are actually going to New Orleans to get away from the mess in Baton Rouge. The radio announcer said people were waiting 3-4 hours for gasoline.

I'm going to rest here a few days then head back. I hope to God the power is back on by the time I return. They say it might be up to four weeks for some people to get back the juice.

Live from Hurricane Gustav: update #10

News reports that Gustav has turned slightly north ... more toward me.



Stop that, Guastav! Go away.

. . . . . . !

Damn. Power keeps going out. Thankfully it seems to come right back on.

Live from Hurricane Gustav: update #9

Whoa. Big gust of wind just whipped down my street. More branches and leaves in the lawn and street. Very messy looking out there. Lights just flickered a minute ago. Not sure when/if the power will go.

The picture above is from my swimming pool.

Live from Hurricane Gustav: update #8

Decided to go outside and assess the storm first hand. I stood under the carport, took my cup of coffee with me, so I was invincible. The wind is picking up, the tops of the oak trees thrashing around pretty good. Moderate rain. Small branches and leaves all over lawns.

-----

The power went out during this post. Came back on 10 seconds later. Lucky blogger saved it as a draft. Not sure how much longer I'll have juice.

Stay tuned. You may hear more ... or not.

Live from Gustav: update #7

Woke up this morning and it sounded like I lived on the beach. The wind in the trees sounded like surf. The sky is a uniform gray. Gusty but still not bad. Landfall anytime now.

I need coffee.

UPDATE: Rain has picked up significantly in the last 30 minutes.

Live from Hurricane Gustav: update #6

Finally there is rain. No wind. Nothing like a storm. But rain.

Sirens continue all over town. The radio announcers say not *if* the power goes out but *when.*

It begins.

Interview!

What with all the hurricane stuff, I've been remiss in mentioning that excellent author Tom Piccirilli has posted THIS INTERVIEW with yours truly. Check it out.

Thanks, Tom. You da man.

Live from Hurricane Gustav: update #5

I've been hearing sirens all day up and down Government Street. Seems strange to me since there's still no sign of wind or rain. Maybe car wrecks from people running around for last minute supplies. I don't know. I refuse to leave my house.

I'm hearing Cat 3 ... better than Cat 4 or 5.

Ribs on the grill almost done. Beer supply is adequate.

Live Frome Hurricane Gustav: update #4

In accordance with state and local officials and F.E.M.A I will later be grilling spare ribs.


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Live from Hurricane Gustav: update #3

Contra-flow began at 4:00 a.m. this morning, all the traffic moving away from the storm. The sky still does not look hurricane-ish. Radio announcers sound more and more serious by the hour.

Later this morning I will go outside and secure loose items around the yard and house to cut down on the flying debris factor.

In the middle of all this, I'm still hammering on final edits for the next novel.

Live from Hurricane Gustav: update #2

A sort of orderly craziness at the Albertson's as people stock up.

I have water, food, batteries and shotgun shells.

Stay tuned.


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Attention, Baton Rouge

I will be signing books at the brand new Borders near the Mall of Louisiana at 4:00 this afternoon. Show up for a signed book or just to visit or to bring me a meatball sub.

New Issue of PLOTS WITH GUNS

If you loves ya some hardboiled short fiction, then check out the new issue of PLOTS WITH GUNS.

Gustav update #1

The storm is still a long way off. But Baton Rouge big-wigs will meet today to discuss if Saturday's LSU football game will be postponed or not since the game traffic might complicate the evacuation traffic.

Okay NOW the storm is really getting inconvenient.

Reporting live from Hurricane Gustav

Well .... not yet. But it's coming this way. Baton Rouge is right in the path, so most likely it will turn one way or another and hit 50 miles away. But I'll be right here to report all the pulse-pounding action. (Provided I have electricity.) If I lived in New Orleans, I'd be packing the car, but since I'm in a non-flood part of Baton Rouge I'll stick around mind the homestead.

More as developments ... uh ... develop.

Robert Heinlein? Chime in.

In the previous post a brief (but nice) discussion about which of Heinlein's books were better than others got me wondering. I've read most of his novels, but never got around to Friday. Anyone want to convince me to read (or not read) this one? Opinions please. I appreciate that the girl on the cover looks like she's about to fall out of her clothing, but I'm not sure that's enough to get me to pick up a copy.

My Essential Science Fiction Reading List

Purely subjective and in no particular order:



1. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick
2. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
3. Santiago by Mike Resnick
4. Beggars in Spain (and sequels) by Nancy Kress
5. Lucifer's Hammer by Niven & Pournelle
6. Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan
7. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein
8. City of Truth by James Morrow
9. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (and sequels) by Douglas Adams
10. Worlds (and sequels) by Joe Haldeman


You?

Chicago Sun Times

Thanks to David Montgomery for this great mention in the Chicago Sun Times. He says some generous things about me and Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse. I now fully expect all Sun-Times subscribers to rush to their favorite book stores to order several copies.

Chime in with a suggestion please.

Guys, help me out. I'm looking for odd little independent comedy films. No Hollywood formula stuff. Quirky small pictures but still a good laugh. Suggestions?

Busy busy busy ... in a good way.

Summer has been the best kind of hectic. Buzzing around Texas and playing golf with fellow wordsmith Anthony Neil Smith while hitting various signing events has only been part of it. I've also written an arc of Punisher Max, finished a short story for an anthology, and I've just over the last couple of days put together a synopsis or three which I'm hoping will eventually become novels. Time will tell.

I've also just completed a feature-length screenplay. It's an adaptation of my short story "Silent Harvest" which appeared in the anthology North Florida Noir. I wrote the screenplay specifically to be shot with a small budget in mind. Deciding right now the best way to show it around.

I hope everyone else had a fruitful summer as well.

It's PODCAST time!

Check me out at In For Questioning.

Thanks, Angie!


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You say you want a revolution?

Then click over to Revolution Science Fiction for this great Go-Go review!

Thanks, Jay!

Jim Winter interviews Victor Gischler

At THE RAP SHEET.

Go read it, mofos!


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BOOKGASM!

I want to thank the cool folks at BOOKGASM for THIS.

Yeah, baby.


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An interesting examination of comic book sales as pertains to Yours Truly

Thanks to Gorjus over at Pretty Fakes for THIS.

Winterize your To-Be-Read pile!

Thanks to Jim Winter for his kind words about Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse!

Damn it, don't you mofos want a freebie?

Actually, I've had a pretty decent response to my offer to send anyone who asks for it a free .pdf file of "Duffers of the Apocalypse" the short story that originally appeared in the anthology Damn Near Dead. Again, the "apocalypse" in the short story is figurative, so it's not a sequel to Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse or anything like that. But hey. It's a freebie.

There's no expiration date on this offer, but this will be the last time I mention it since it's time to move on to other things. But anyone who wants the file should feel free to e-mail me: victor.gischler@gmail.com

Twitter

I think I'm on Twitter now.

I don't know what Twitter is.

Huh.

I've never been to Heaven ... but I've been to Oklahoma.

Thanks to the folks at the Tulsa World for THIS great write-up of Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse.

Great Stuff!

No, seriously ... it's FREE!

I want to thank all the folks who responded so positively to the offer of "Duffer of the Apocalypse" free as a .pdf file. But it's not too late. What are you waiting for? No obligation. (See previous blog post for details.)

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An Apocalypse Freebie!

Big thanks to David Thompson at BUSTED FLUSH PRESS for allowing me (along with editor Duane Swierczynski) to contribute a story to the excellent anthology Damn Near Dead. I'm proud of the story I submitted "Duffers the Apocalypse." Now, the "apocalypse" in the short story is figurative -- unlike the apocalypse in my recently released novel Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse. (Everyone's purchased a dozen copies, right?)

Anyway, David Thompson has heroically put together a handsome promotional pdf file of my Damn Near Dead story. Want it? All you have to do is write me at victor.gischler@gmail.com and I'll be happy to send you the file free of charge. If you like what you read, you might be motivated to purchase my keen novel or to purchase a copy of the anthology in which the story appears. (Or BOTH! Isn't that a hell of a good idea?)

Testing, Testing.

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Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse takes the Page 69 test HERE.


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If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some APOCALYPSE in your hair.

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Many thanks to Michael Berry at the San Francisco Chronicle for THIS.




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Keep doing what you're doing!

A big thumbs up to all the folks who have been giving me great word-of-mouth on my novel Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse. I really appreciate the supportive e-mails, blog posts, etc. Keep up the good work. Remember, if you like a book, tell people about it. (Especially if it's mine!)

The Word from The Road

Just checking in from the Hyatt Regency in Houston. (We Pricelined a ridiculously low price for the room and it's as cheap as a Motel 6.)

Just want to thank everyone for the GO-GO support so far. Cool folks showing up to the signing events, great comments and messages on-line, supportive e-mails from folks who've enjoyed the book.

Tonight's Event: Murder by the Book here in Houston. Looking forward to it.

Okay, Texas, Here we come!

Okay, people, listen up. Anthony Neil Smith (Yellow Medicine) and I are heading to Texas for some events. Be there or we'll lay a smackdown on you.

July 10 Remember the Alibi, 7:00pm
8055 West Avenue #101
San Antonio, TX 78213

July 11 Book People, 7:00pm
603 North Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78703

July 13 Barnes & Noble, 2:00pm
7700 West Northwest Highway
Dallas, TX 75225

July 15 Murder by the Book, 6:30pm
2342 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77005

Guerrilla Marketing 101

GischlerCorp's operative in Annapolis, Kieran, reported the following in the backblog of a previous post:

OK. My take on Guerrilla Marketing 101. So, I loped by Barnes & Noble in Annapolis today and there it was— five gleaming, perfect bound copies. I snatched up one and remembered I needed to get a baguette and some coffee at the market next door—so I figured I’d grab my copy on my way back. On my way out I strategically placed the copy in the sweet spot “New & Noteworthy” near the front. Maybe someone would pick it up while I was shopping. Yeah. You guessed it. When I returned it was gone! I checked the sci-fi aisle to see if some bitter drone reshelved it, but no. Four copies. So, yeah. I did it again. Color me a shifty bastard.

Bravo, agent Kieran. GischlerCorp will be moving you to upper-management on the 40th floor. All operatives are directed to follow this example. Let OPERATION SHIFTY BASTARD commence.

It's GO TIME! (Or, more to the point, it's GO-GO time!)

Today is the official release date of my new swanky novel Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse. I'm hoping everyone who's been on the fence about ordering will go ahead and take a leap TODAY. Do you want the end of the world to be bawdy, violent, darkly humorous, irreverent and just plain over-the-top? Then order your copy right here, right now!

I see some kind folks have already been working hard to spread the word. You have my sincere gratitude, and I'll be writing a very enthusiastic letter to the karma people on your behalf.

GO-GO Eve

Almost GO-HOUR. Ready for launch.

Tomorrow is the official release date for my new novel Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse. If you've been thinking about buying it, but you've been wallowing in indecision, then make tomorrow the day you finally pull the trigger and order the book from Amazon.com. We've seen other authors do this before. Everyone order the book on the same day and watch the number shrink on Amazon. Sure. Let's give that a try. But if you're more inclined to support your local book seller, then that's cool too. Whatever gets you across the finish line. Thanks.

And just to get you in the mood, you can read this very generous write-up. Big Blogpocalypse thanks to David Montgomery.

Man Hunt!

If you've read Anthony Neil Smith's excellent novel Yellow Medicine, then you know the protagonist is a sleazy corrupt deputy named Billy Lafitte. But where is Billy these days? THIS BLOG will help keep track of sightings and news. I mean, if this LaFitte guy was sniffing around my town, I'd want fair warning.

Attention, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Our home town paper the Advocate has run a nice review of Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse. Ace reporter Greg Langley interviews me as well. Thanks to him and the paper for the opportunity.

Remember, Baton Rouge, I'll be signing at B&N July 8 at 7 p.m. See you there.


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Trying to get the "word of mouth" ball rolling

Folks, the "official release date" of my new novel GO-GO GIRLS OF THE APOCALYPSE is July 8, but it's my understanding that some copies are already getting out to readers via Amazon.com and elsewhere. So I think it's a good time for this blog post.

I haven't done a lot of "hard selling" on this blog, but the truth is, I hope everyone will consider buying a copy. I'd also like to talk about how you can help me out a little bit. GO-GO is a brand new kind of novel for me with a new publisher, and the simple truth is I want to do well.
If you buy the book and don't like it ... well, that's cool. Not every book is for every reader. The fact is, you bought the book and gave it a chance, and that's all an author can reasonably ask.

But if it turns out you like the book, here's how you can help. Pass the word. Give me stars on Amazon.com or mention the book on your own blog. Talk it up at your local saloon, coffee shop or favorite book store. Start a fight in an alley over which passages are most moving. Stage a sit-in at your local bookstore until they stock 250 copies. Tell people. Word of mouth is the best way for people to hear about a good book.

You don't have to do this. You have my gratitude for simply buying the book and giving it a shot. But if you help me get the word out, talk it up, get on board the buzz train ... well, I'll put in a good word for you with the karma people.

Thanks.

-------------------

In case you're curious what people are saying:

Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse.Gischler, Victor (Author)Jul 2008. 336 p. Touchstone, paperback, $14.00. (9781416552253).Nine years after Mortimer Tate retreated from the end of the world (he thought) to the Tennessee mountains, three men appear before his cabin. He emerges, desperate for conversation. Unfortunately, they mistake his intentions, and he is forced to shoot them. Despite this inauspicious incident, Mortimer is optimistic enough to venture down the mountain. What passes for civilization surprises him: a chain of strip joints called Joey Armageddon's Sassy-A-Go-Go has set itself as mankind's savior. But as with any fledgling world-saving operation, there is opposition—to wit, the terrorist-like Red Stripes, whom Mortimer is sent to defeat. His subsequent breakneck journey is full of cannibals, slave runners, bad booze, and other dangers, none more perilous than hope. Although this dark comedy makes one laugh, it isn't a romp in a postapocalyptic playground. It's violent and sleazy, laced with moments of quiet gravity, anintelligent satire of how American society works even after it has broken down (the label forpostapocalypse Jack Daniel's in chapter 23 is pure comic gold). Compulsively readable.— BOOKLIST (Krista Hutley)

"Guns, girls and alcohol occupy almost every inch of this raucous thrill ride, providing nonstop opportunities for both action and comedy…the humor of this armageddon western is woven deeply enough to keep Mortimer's adventures feeling like a party." – Publishers Weekly

"[GO-GO GIRLS OF THE APOCALYPSE is] bound to be the best title of 2008.. .Gischler's going to be a writer you can't pin down. I think his readers will follow him (it would be a mistake not to), and everybody should be eager to see what he's going to do next." - Bill Crider

"engaging tale of life after the end of the world" - Kirkus

"Gischler specializes in morbid humor, dark sarcasm, and comic noir, complete with violence and mayhem. Eccentric seriocomic sf in the tradition of Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams, this postapocalyptic adventure is recommended for most mature sf readers." - Library Journal

"a robust cocktail...Gischler's tone is wry with wit but sensible enough to be earnest and, at times, unabashedly horrific...if Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse is any indication of what Victor Gischler is capable of--Punisher MAX fans will be more than satisfied in the months to come. Make an effort to hit a book store on July 8th and grab a copy of this book; hell, maybe even head into a strip club and order a neat shot of Jack Daniels for atmosphere--you'll shudder at the starkness and chortle with laughter at the same time--this is one hellishly good read."

- Steve Ekstrom, Newsarama

"Take Philip K. Dick, add Mickey Spillane, mix with amphetimines, and you've got GO GO GIRLS OF THE APOCALYPSE...funny, moradant, crazed, riveting, satirical, sardonic -- and despite all that, it's got a plot. Bravo for Victor Gischler." - Mike Resnick, Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author

"If Pynchon ever decided to write an insane action novel, this would be it. All out sustained brilliance, nobody is writng the unique lunacy that Victor Gischler is." - Ken Bruen, author of The Guards and American Skin

"First, who wouldn't want to read a novel titled GO-GO GIRLS OF THE APOCALYPSE? Second, who could have guessed the book was even better than the title? Part Christopher Moore, part Quentin Tarantino, Victor Gishler is raving, bad-assed genius." - James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of Map of Bones and Black Order

"If it's all going to go to hell, you might as well have some Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse to go with it. Weird just doesn't say it for this one. Gischler gives weird a kick in the butt, sends it right over the edge of the abyss. Wild fun." - Joe R. Lansdale

"Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse proves, if proof were needed, that Victor Gischler is among the most demented, nimble, and flat-out hilarious American satirists working today. Listen closely: that sound you hear, somewhere out there, is Vonnegut's applause." - Sean Doolittle, author of Barry Award-winner The Cleanup

"It's rare that I read a book in one sitting anymore these days. But occasionally, a book reaches out, grabs me by the lapels, and says Finish me. Finish me or I will cut you. It is my great pleasure to inform you, with a slight quaver in my voice and a quick glance over my shoulder, that Victor Gischler's Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse is just such a book. This is a novel that makes On Chesil Beach seem like an embarrassing waste of your time." - PrettyFakes.com

The author is always the last to know

My wife's friend (hi Jennifer) snapped this with her camera phone in the Baton Rouge Barnes & Noble. See where it says "reading" at the bottom. Uh ... I had no idea. I just assumed I'd be sitting at a table doing the usual. Hmmmmmmmm. I'll need to look into this. Since my book is laced with vulgarity and violence (i.e. fictiony goodness), I usually refrain from reading in places where there might be children, etc.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Scholarship

My smart, pretty, awesome wife Jacqueline Bach (a professor-ish type person at Louisiana State University) has contributed a piece to a collection of scholarly essays about the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The collection is edited by some old chums of mine at Rogers State University where I used to misguide creative writing students. The tome is called The Truth of Buffy -- a must for hardcore, scholarly-inclined fans and university libraries with a good pop culture collection.

Kind of quiet around here ...

So I'm actually fairly busy, at work on some projects, etc. But it sure does seem quiet around here. Cricket sounds coming from the inbox. Let's get a little chatter going. How about some suggestions? Movies I should see? Books I should read? Beers I should drink? Let's hear it, folks. Wake me up. The caffeine just isn't doing it this morning.

THUGLIT PRESENTS: HARDCORE HARDBOILED

I got my handsome contributor's copy in the mail today, and I'm eager to dig into all of the neato-keen stories. Another big thanks to Big Daddy Todd Robinson for allowing me to take part. GO BUY SEVERAL COPIES RIGHT DAMN NOW!

Punisher Max at Pulp Secret

I'm glad I could provide THESE GUYS with some fodder for some heated debate. (By the way, dudes, LOVE the dancing.) Keep up the good work, guys. A pretty good web-show on comic books.

PUNISHER MAX: "Little Black Book" hits stores today!

Want to hear me babel about it like a giddy child? Go HERE.



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Get thyself PUNISHED.

This week my Marvel Comics debut Punisher Max: Little Black Book hits stores. I'm pretty excited. Props to excellent cover artist Dave Johnson and also to Jefte Palo who did the kick-ass interior pencils. I'd also like to thank David A Price over at MARVEL NOISE for saying such encouraging things about the issue. Much obliged!

Since nobody else is home, I'll pour myself a big-ass beer and congratulate myself!

I have just finished a draft of BAD ALCHEMY the next novel I'm scheduled to turn in to Simon & Schuster. (At least, that's the working title.) Werewolves? Zombies? Vampires? Grad Students?

We got 'em.

Now to pour this beer down my face and try not to think about all the editing I have ahead of me.

Do you enjoy guns? How about plots?

Because the new issue of PLOTS WITH GUNS is up right now dammit! Go HERE.

Remember those Italian language tapes you got for Christmas?

Well, you can practice what you learned HERE.

Newsarama is my new best pal

Nothing is more gratifying for an author than when a reader or reviewer really "gets it." So a big thanks to Steve Ekstrom whose review appears HERE.

Kicking it Shatner style

Drink a beer then go HERE.

Thanks to Professor Fury for the heads up.

THANK YOU, BOOKLIST!

From Booklist:

Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse.
Gischler, Victor (Author)
Jul 2008. 336 p. Touchstone, paperback, $14.00. (9781416552253).

Nine years after Mortimer Tate retreated from the end of the world (he thought) to the Tennessee mountains, three men appear before his cabin. He emerges, desperate for conversation. Unfortunately, they mistake his intentions, and he is forced to shoot them. Despite this inauspicious incident, Mortimer is optimistic enough to venture down the mountain. What passes for civilization surprises him: a chain of strip joints called Joey Armageddon’s Sassy-A-Go-Go has set itself as mankind’s savior. But as with any fledgling world-saving operation, there is opposition—to wit, the terrorist-like Red Stripes, whom Mortimer is sent to defeat. His subsequent breakneck journey is full of cannibals, slave runners, bad booze, and other dangers, none more perilous than hope. Although this dark comedy makes one laugh, it isn’t a romp in a postapocalyptic playground. It’s violent and sleazy, laced with moments of quiet gravity, an
intelligent satire of how American society works even after it has broken down (the label for
postapocalypse Jack Daniel’s in chapter 23 is pure comic gold). Compulsively readable.
— Krista Hutley

NASA, please get to work on this.

Beer in orbit? It's not just a refreshing beverage, it's also propulsion. Be careful when you pop that top. Check HERE for the story. Thanks to Mike Cane for the heads up.

Wish I could be there.

As most of you might know already, the mystery convention MAYHEM IN THE MIDLANDS is going on in Omaha as we speak. This is a very fun convention which I've been to three or four times, and I'm hoping to get back soon. Fellow Crime Dogs Sean Doolittle and Anthony Neil Smith sent me some golf outing pics to show me all the fun I'm missing.

Next year, Guys. Next year.

Neil, I hope you're selling numerous copies of Yellow Medicine.

Friday's Forgotten Books

This nice lady asked me to tell you about a book I think needs a little attention. Sounds like a good idea. Listen up.

When I was approached about doing this, I was right in the middle of watching the film Blade Runner -- one of my all time favorites. I have the new neato-keen 5-DVD set, complete with "the making of" etc. Blade Runner, as most of you know I'm sure, is based on the Philip K. Dick novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? But this isn't the forgotton novel I want to talk to you about. The enormous cult following of Blade Runner has made many familiar with the PKD novel, but the simple fact is that Phil wrote a lot of damn books. A lot.

One of the somewhat overlooked novels is a gem called Clans of the Alphane Moon. This is the novel in which PKD out LaSalles Emerson LaSalle. Clans of the Alphane Moon clearly demonstrates PKD's willingness (eagerness?) to toss reality and plausibility out the window in favor of a great yarn. Also, PKD's brand of science fiction deals far more with themes than it does with the extrapolation of technology. Clans revolves around a mental assylum planet that was abandoned by Earth during an interplanatery war. When Earth authorities return to the moon decades later, they discover that the loony-toons who were left behind have formed themselves into clans. (For example, the paranoids form a clan that is obsessed with building their defenses to fend of all the attacks they imagine.) Back on Earth, our hero (with the help of an intelligent slime mold) uses a remote control robot to spy on his wife.

Yeah.

Die hard PKD fans will already know about this one, but those only familiar with PKD'S more glamorous work might want to take this crazy, pulp sci-fi side trip.