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A Con Love Story
John sort of looks like the actor Dan Hedaya (though not as much as you might think). And I believe that Hedaya played some kind of Star Trek officer in one of the movies or series. It worked for him. Why not for John Brizzolara? But yes, he would be the "dark humor infused comic relief" on the show.— August 5, 2009 8:38 p.m.
A Con Love Story
That is a sweet story that repeats itself with every ComiCon, John. And given how the publishing business goes, people like Marlon meeting people like Terry is a wonderful outcome indeed. I'm glad you told this tale, instead of one involving increasingly desperate aging B-movie actresses looking to hook up with twenty something powerbrokers who will treat them like Kleenex. Those are common stories, too, I'm sure. By the way, I liked the illustration of you. I could see you in the more rough and tumble 1960s "Star Trek."— August 5, 2009 1:02 p.m.
You Must Keep Reading
By the way, John, a thought: I would be VERY interested to read your choices for your favorite ten books (fiction or nonfiction). You can tell a lot about someone from such a list, I think. I would like to know your list. But then, you are the fellow who got me reading Merton. Maybe I already have my answer. Best wishes from your old friend in the Northwest....— August 5, 2009 10:01 a.m.
You Must Keep Reading
Good to see your posts, John! I think that every writer, no matter how "hack," secretly (or not so secretly) wants their prose to be deathless and pellucid. Though many authors put too much of the "look at me, Ma, I'm a writer!" in their scribblings. That's fine: everyone has different tastes. Think of Robert Silverbeard writing cheap porno versus some truly fine novels. Heck, Benjamin Disraeli wrote a number of very well received if slightly trashy "romance" novels before he became the famous British Prime Minister. In terms of literature, some days I like filet mignon, and other days an Alberto's carne asada burrito (which I miss). In the final analysis, Robert A. Heinlein put it best: "...the acme of prose style is exemplified by that simple, graceful clause: 'Pay to the order of...'" "Tru dat," and "word" as the yoots of America might say. Please keep in touch, John.— August 4, 2009 3:42 p.m.
You Must Keep Reading
Dear John: that was a great essay! I much appreciated your insights on the novels. After all, you were the one who first gave me the fine quotation regarding every word a novelist writes---either reveal character or advance plot. And if the novelist is good, each word can do both! I particularly appreciate your comment about "taking your time" as you read. It's the difference between junk food and good food. For the mind?— July 16, 2009 4:36 p.m.
We Hijacked a Theater
It's like getting into a Buddy Guy concert! Wonderful article, John.— July 1, 2009 2:02 p.m.
How's It Goin', Everybody?
T.S. Eliot's "April is the cruelest month" proves he was never in San Diego in June during a recession. Nice snapshot of people and their lives, Mr. B.— June 24, 2009 9:21 p.m.
Hula Hoop Revolution II
Ah, youth. Fun to watch, and lovely to remember.— June 18, 2009 5:49 p.m.
Escondido by Night
You know, many years ago, I was sitting in a bar with John Brizzolara. John had just had a cover story in The Reader, or a local magazine (I cannot remember which) published. A fellow walked up, tipsy, and demanded truculently of Mr. Brizzolara "what that damned story was about." John looked at him for a moment, and exhaled smoke like an Italian dragon. "It was about," he drawled, "500 bucks." Look: every writer ping-pongs between writing deathless prose and jumping through hoops to get the check. And never think for a second that free lancers don't get plenty of editorial tweaking and criticism. For the folks who don't like John's stuff, I have a simple solution: write better things yourself, and get them published. There is value in criticism, to be sure, but the most beautiful words in the English language begin with "...pay to the order of..." That's a steal from Robert Heinlein, but every writer I know agrees with the sentiment. So: go forth and show the world that you can write better! If you can, great. John would tip his hat; I have never seen him be unkind about the published work of others. Me, I am glad to see John's work, and hear more about his progress through a challenging life. He does it with more dignity than most people in his shoes. And with more than a little humor, even when it is of the gallow's variety.— June 15, 2009 12:12 a.m.
Port-O-Protector
Welcome back, Johnnie B.— May 27, 2009 12:24 p.m.