Atticus Books has been publishing (and will soon publish) great authors like Steven Gillis, JM Tohline, and Steve Himmer. Publisher and founder Dan Cafaro has been putting together some great line-ups the last few years. Atticus Review Editor-in-Chief Katrina Gray kicks out a new issue every frickin’ week and these issues are just as impressive as the books. Thanks to them both (and Managing Editor Libby Kuzma) for including me in Atticus Review’s latest.

The past issues of Needle have included the likes of Ray Banks, Anthony Neil Smith, Dave Zeltserman, Chris F. Holm, Frank Bill, Nigel Bird, Nathan Singer, Patti Abbott and too many to list here.

I’ve had Erwin’s Main Attraction (think rape, publicy executed elephants, archery) in the hopper for quite some time now and got a lot of comments from editors around the horn, but it proved to be a bit bulky. Stripped her down to bare bones and I feel it works much better now. Thanks again to the folks over at Needle to giving me such an opportunity.

Will let you all know the release date. Now get back to that horse porn! Those pictures won’t download themselves!

-O’Shea Jackson

Our first guest was crime-writer and Hidden Shamrock owner Michael Harvey (The Chicago Way, The Fifth Floor, The Third Rail). Mary Beth Hoerner read from his first novel “The Chicago Way.” Full disclosure: We stole the title. With Mr. Harvey’s permission, of course. During this first event, I was given the opportunity to talk with Michael on stage and pick his brain. It was a real treat, which sounds a little Carol Brady, I know, but she was hot. Just ask Barry Williams.

Anyway, the crowd was very involved, we held a themed contest, Michael Harvey signed books, and I think everyone had a great time. Plus Mr. Harvey is just so passionate about every thing he does–and he does a lot: fiction, non-fiction, film documentaries, television. You name it.  Talking to the man was incredible easy and informative, whether you’re a writer or not.

We’ve yet to secure our second featured author, but our third featured author (can’t tell you who just yet) is sure to knock your dick in the dirt. You should come out. Go here for all the info:

The Chicago Way

Please join us from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2 for readings by local writers Christine Sneed (Portraits of a Few of the People I’ve Made Cry), Geoff Hyatt (Malagon Rising), Scott Miles (editor of The Best Underground Fiction: Volume One) and Sean Rohwedder. All read original short stories and host trivia segments related to this month’s theme (“Ric Hess”), during which you can win books and other prizes.

We’ll also bookend the evening with readings of original work by Ric Hess, our good friend, literary fellow-traveler and (as owner of Sheffield’s) an unparalleled host, who passed away on January 17. Additionally, tonight’s featured readers host trivia related to the people and things Ric enjoyed–author Graham Greene, the Cubs, craft beer, barbecue smokers and more.

We’re in the back-back room at Sheffield’s (3258 N. Sheffield Ave.). Grab a seat, a drink and a bite to eat at 7; readings begin at 7:30. There’s a $3 cover charge. You’re welcome to stick around after the show for drink specials and conversation with the authors, hosts and audience.

Also working on another separate reading series with Columbia College phenoms (and all around kick-ass ladies) Mary Beth Hoerner and Julia Borcherts. It’ll be held once a month at The Hidden Shamrock. Crime writer Michael Harvey (The Third Rail) owns the bar and will be the  featured reader in its debut. All dates are tentative (first one will be sometime in March) so more details later.  Pretty excited about being a part of this series…

Be on the lookout for the next issue of Crimefactory, which will include my story “Paddy Wagon.” Will drop a line once the story is live, but in the meantime go on over and check out the great fiction/interviews  this magazine offers.

Here’s the details:

Please join us from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2 for readings by local author Geoff Hyatt (“Malagon Rising”), Scott Miles (editor of the “Underground Chicago” anthology) and Chicago writer Sean Rohwedder. All read original short stories and host trivia segments related to this month’s theme (“Love, Baby!”), during which you can win books and other prizes.

We’re in the back-back room at Sheffield’s (3258 N. Sheffield Ave.). Grab a seat, a drink and a bite to eat at 7; readings begin at 7:30. There’s a $3 cover charge. You’re welcome to stick around after the show for drink specials and conversation with the authors, hosts and audience.

 Fuck off. 

10. Beat the Reaper, Josh Bazell – This novel made me laugh. The over-the-top ending (in which the narrator carves out his own shin bone to use as a weapon) is the kind of writing one can only aspire to—it’s so absurd, but it’s handled so deftly. Looking forward to Bazell’s second novel. Wait. Did I spoil the ending? It’s probably because I don’t believe in spoiler alerts, so, suck it.

9. Hogdoggin’, Anthony Neil Smith – Not sure why no one’s clamoring over this novel? It’s fucking good. Each character has depth and drive. Plus, it’s violent. I like violence. Some might say that I love violence. Particularly splayed innards. See next pick.   

8. The Red Riding Trilogy – Did you not expect movies here? Does the multi-media switchover bother you? Grow up and listen. This trilogy of movies hits hard. Just watch the first movie. Trust me. See your intestines on the ground there? They got knocked the fuck out because you just watched 1974. So pick ‘em up and stuff ‘em back in and then I dare you NOT to watch the second or third movie. Just FYI: you’d be a complete pussy if you didn’t watch second or third movie.  

7. Gutshot Straight, Lou Berney – Lots of flip floppin’ here. Crosses and double crosses. Berney does a nice job with the dialogue, and he took me to fucking Panama for Christ sake. There’s strippers, too. Can’t beat that.  

6. Galveston, Nic Pizzolato – Not a conventional mystery by any means. Pizzolato handles the narrative (it switches between the past and the present) the way Pavel Datsyuk handles the puck. It’s a thing of beauty (even though you want to occasionally yell at the stubborn Russian to SHOOT THE FUCKING PUCK!).

5. The Wire – If you haven’t seen The Wire from beginning to end, you’re probably an asshole. I said ‘probably.’ You prick.

4. The Ruiner, Made Out of Babies – I’m totally jockin’ these mother fuckers. Easily the best album I’ve heard all year. Julie Christmas belts it out and the music just grinds. Reminds me of the Jesus Lizard with more control.

3. Ardmore Traditional Cask, Single Malt Scotch – Making the holidays easier. I like to have a healthy slug before I slip the transmission into Drive and head out into mall traffic.

2. The Ask, Sam Lipsyte – Always a pleasure reading Sam Lipsyte’s stuff. I keep one of his books near the shitter at all times. It never gets old. Never.

1. Selma Miles, my daughter – Yeah, I know. Putting my daughter as my number one top ten pick of the year is a little sappy. But she fucking rules. End of story. My wife rules, too. I love them both.

Also, it’s the start of the NHL season, mothers. Wings roll it out against the Ducks tonight, then square off with the Hawks in Chicago on Saturday. 

Still working on novel #2 and tinkering with novel #1. Realized that the first novel is crime/mystery. The second is more suspense. Not that you give a fuck.

More later…