My two tribes Mario here,


Father's Day makes me a little extra wistful for my old man and reflect on how different my life is versus the way his turned out. He died at 51, under circumstances that I'd rather explain in another blog.

A big difference is my circle of wonderful friends. I can't imagine my dad, or a man of his generation for that matter, having the web of informal acquaintances that I have, especially with women (no hanky-panky...really). It's not unusual for us--in groups or paired up--to have dinners, go to the movies, road trips, even indulge in some crotch couch-surfing. And we talk about everything, mostly about stuff that during my father's time, would've been delivered in a plain brown wrapper.

It's a lifestyle (outwardly irreverent and pervy but inwardly, we all work our asses off--being a Bohemian ain't cheap) made possible because I'm blessed to live in Denver, where I've found my two tribes: Writers and Artists...who both happened to have hosted spectacular soirees this weekend.



My writer tribe--in the guise of the Lighthouse Lit Fest--convened in the beautiful Montclair Civic Building (located way the hell out on east Colfax) for the Final Agent's Reception. Executive Director Michael Henry, in his snazzy linen suit, emceed the literary carousing.
<--one handed reading...erotica, no doubt




Harrison Candelaria Fletcher and Andrea Dupree kept the conversations smart and bubbly.

Anticipating that I might be drinking a bit (with so much free booze, who could resist?) I took the bus, the infamous 15L, a.k.a. the Colfax Ghetto Cruiser a.k.a. the Vomit Comet.

And then there's my artist tribe...


...who circled the ponies at The Art Salon's reception for The Bold and the Beautiful-Colorful Works by Wild Women. Geishas, koi, pretty birds, and a post-apocalyptic fruit bowl (for when your food feels scared and lonely).





Karma Points for writer pimpage! --> From Publishers Lunch:

Kevin Hearne's IRON DRUID urban fantasy trilogy set in Tempe, Arizona, featuring a rare book salesman, herb peddler, and 2,000 year old druid - the last of his kind - who has been on the run for over two millennia from a very angry ancient Celtic god; the first book HOUNDED primarily features the many Celtic gods; HEXED will focus on Coyote and the Bacchants; HAMMERED will be about a plot against Thor (everybody hates Thor), to Anne Clarke at Orbit UK, by Evan Goldfield at Jill Grinberg Literary Management (UK and Commonwealth).

Chuck Wendig's BLACKBIRDS, in which a woman is cursed with the ability to foresee how people will die, but without the ability to save them --until she foresees a death that forces her to try to change fate, and MOCKINGBIRDS, to Lee Harris at Angry Robot, by Stacia Decker at the Donald Maass Literary Agency (World English).

Not that I'm much on resolutions, but seeing as I'm always telling writers to read, read, read, I decided that it's best if I lead by example. So this week's offering is another splendid book by the amazing Sherman Alexie. First published in 2000, The Toughest Indian in the World is an anthology of Alexie's short fiction. As befitting the title, the works are one-two knockout punches, first a left with humor then a haymaker loaded with poignancy. He'll beat you senseless and you'll love the pounding. Now go read.

Labels: Art Salon, Chuck Wendig, Kevin Hearne, Lighthouse Writers, perviness, Sherman Alexie

  ¶ posted by Mario Acevedo @ 3:04 PM  4 comments

  Get a clue! Mario here:


I have a story in the YA anthology: You don't Have A Clue: Latino Mysteries for Teens, from Arte Publico Press, edited by Sarah Cortez. A *Starred Review* in Book List gives us bragging rights.

Years ago I swore I'd never write a story set in my hometown of Las Cruces, NM, or placed during the 70's. And I've done just that in "No Soy Loco," but with a little twist: mysterious voices, alien criminals, and eye gouging (otherwise, why go to LC?) A perfect tale for impressionable minds.

Manuel Ramos also has a story in the anthology. The book launch party will be Friday, 7PM, May 20, at the Tattered Cover on Colfax. As you can see, Ramos will bring a dose of much needed class to the event.


Also on the radar, I'll be at the South Carolina Book Festival, May 14-15, presenting Saturday on the panel Fantastic Fiction! Werewolves, Vampires and Blood! with

Faith Hunter,
the ever serious Sam Morton,



and the darkly fashionable Kalayna Price.



I'm signing 11AM, on both Saturday and Sunday. More details as we get closer to the date.

My TBR is in serious need of replenishing. If you have any titles to recommend, please post. Any genre, as long as it rocked you.




In the meantime, I can't sing praises loud enough for Sherman Alexie. I just finished War Dances and have started Ten Little Indians. The story, "The Search Engine," made my Muse* cry, it was that freakin' awesome.








* Hey Muse, you lazy bitch. Why can't you give me such inspiration? But no...it's always Happy Hour for you.

Labels: Faith Hunter, Kalanya Price, Manuel Ramos, Sam Morton, Sherman Alexie

  ¶ posted by Mario Acevedo @ 8:54 AM  7 comments