Devoted to publishing, publishers and to those who craft the written word

 The last time I saw Josh Kilmer-Purcell read, the audience was treated to back-up singers and dirty jokes. Climactically, we all got pelted with candy. 

All fledgling writers can learn from the reading style of the man who wrote I Am Not Myself These Days. The memoir recounts his days as a popular drag queen, and the book even has an official tee-shirt.

Today he is a guest on my deceptively simple feature: Five Easy Questions.  

In the spirit of Jack Nicholson’s mad piano player, I run a weekly set of quality interviews with writing pioneers—delivering some practical, unexpected advice about web publishing.

 Jason Boog:
Besides writing a tremendously funny book, you also specialize in wacky, interactive readings. What's your advice for writers trying to spice up their readings?

Josh Kilmer-Purcell:
Don't read directly from your book. Continue reading...

Find the section of your book that you'd like to read, and turn it into a one man/woman show.

What you've written for the book is not  sacred. Adapt if for a reading as if you we're adapting it for a screenplay.  You've got more senses working in your favor at a reading, and utilize them all.

Except smell. Try not to be smelly.

Jason Boog:
One thing that fascinates me about your career is that are also a successful advertising copywriter on top of your career as a writer. How do you balance writing and your day job? How do you drag yourself to the computer after a long day?

Josh Kilmer-Purcell:
Balance? What's that?

I'd like to say I'm one of those writers who dutifully rise at 4AM and type away for a couple of hours before their jobs. But I'm not.

I will put off writing for as long as I can. There's not a deadline that I won't tempt. So mainly, I write out of fear of my agent and editrix. They're a formidable duo.