Thursday, September 9, 2010

Dis & Dat

It's been a while since I've tossed up a random ... What is going on in my life post so here it is ... a random what is going on in my life.

As most of y'all know I finally finished writing The Feedstore Chronicles a month or so ago. After researching literary agents that handle humorous memoirs I have began querying. So far I've only target a small group to test the waters but I'm happy to announce that right at half have requested more material. So now I have several partials and a pair of complete manuscripts out for consideration. Several requested time for an exclusive read and while I couldn't grant that due to the fact I already had material out to other agents I am pausing before I send out more query letters.

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I've been working on a few short stories but at this point I am not pleased with any of them. Getting back in the fiction groove has been hard after spending two years writing creative non-fiction. I'm starting to wonder if that is not where my true talent lies and thanks to the talented Erica Orloff I am now considering writing a non-fiction memoir-esque collection of humorous essays about my carnivorous take on life. She suggested I title it ... At The Altar of The Gas Grill.

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A little less than two months from now a group of my writing friends are gathering in Colorado. I have never met any of the people in person yet I consider them to be among some of my closest friends. Odd? Perhaps but I'm really looking forward to the trip. Given the banter about the event it sounds like it will be more frat party than writing retreat. Given that we have never met and will be marooned in a Colorado cabin together I see the weekend as Gilligan's Island meets Animal House.


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Speaking of both Colorado and beer I consumed a bottle of Avery's Mephistopheles' Stout this past weekend


Mephistopheles was a demon in German folklore and is often confused with the Devil himself. Not not lettuce, but Satan. And coming in with an alcohol content just shy of 17% this stout brewed in Boulder, Colorado definitely has a dark side. As you can see in the picture it pours dark and thick. It sort of glugs out of the bottle, but carries a rich malty aroma that is pleasing to the nose. At first sip the beer is creamy, and malty with some chocolate overtones. As it slides down your through there is a slight but pleasant burn that you can feel deep in your chest. Somewhat like taking a shot of Rum.

By the third or fourth drink the beer tastes even better, but it is not for the faint of heart or stomach. Or the timid consumer as this stout sells for 8 bucks a bottle. I would recommend and will drink it again, but next time I will not chase it with six pack Shiner Bock or a large Canadian bacon pizza. Nope, the night did not end well.


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Once again I am coaching flag football. I have a great group of 13 boys and 6 girls on my squad. 5 third graders and 14 second graders. We are already having fun and I do believe we might even win a few games this year.

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My oldest son, Tarek is playing his first season of tackle football.


 A 4th grader, he is the biggest kid on the team and could toss around most of the other boys, but he is of such good-nature that this fact has not dawned on him yet. Maybe one day he will suit up for Amarillo High school rather than simply wear his dad's t-shirt. And for those who know me and say Hey, wait a damn minute what are you doing with an Amarillo High shirt? You graduated from Caprock all I can say is beggars can't be choosy. The shirt was given to me after the fire.

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The Saints kick off tonight. Maybe they begin this season the way they ended the last one. Winners. And Brett Favre you have totally ruined your reputation in my eyes so I hope your season begins the way you last one ended ... on the ground looking up at a Saints defender.

Who Dat!

24 comments:

Monnik said...

I kinda hope Brett stays on his feet until the Packers can finish him off.

My son has his first football game (8th grade) tonight too.

"It's the most wonderful time... of the year!"

Stephen Parrish said...

half have requested more material

Yay! And Erica's suggestion is brilliant.

Desert Songbird said...

Congrats on the writing! I just started a new venture for me; a long-lost friend and I are co-writing a humorous and poignant fictionalized account of our high school years. Should be interesting; I'll need to start shopping those queries soon. Best of luck to you.

Favre has gone beyond pulling a Jordan. He has now passed beyond pathetic and into absurd. Sigh....

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I'm sure the Canadian bacon played no part in your gastro-intestinal woes. We are a gentle, peaceful people and our bacon is likewise.

sybil law said...

I wish I had that beer right NOW. (Yes, I know it's only lunchtime!)

Loving the picture of the boy!!

jjdebenedictis said...

I cannot wait to read The Feedstore Chronicles. Those agents had better read (and offer) fast!

Elana Johnson said...

Wow, you do A LOT. Coaching football, writing, querying, gathering. Congrats on all the requests -- that is so exciting!

Charles Gramlich said...

I could go for some of that beer. My favorite of that stripe is chimay ale, 8 bucks a bottle but well worth it.

Luck to your boy.

Anonymous said...

Travis' Wife

Man you are busy. I too am excited about your writing. I am excited about you going to Colorado. Not only do you get to have a great time you will be out of my hair for a while. You for got the part about drinking beer and eating a whole Pizza...goof. That is one cute kid despite the fact he has an Amarillo High T shirt on.

Rebecca said...

I am right there w/ you about Favre. What is wrong w/ him? Does he want to be the butt of every joke on Sports Center?

And I'm looking forward to several wins this season, too!

Hart Johnson said...

How funny that you would run across me and then me you on a day we are both blogging about writer friends and the closeness of people who've never shared space. You will love it. They truly ARE closer friends, so enjoy it.

And you covered another of my loves... microbrew: but HOLY COW! 17% is a lot of beer! Back when I was a micro-pusher, anything over 8% we'd only serve in our 8 oz glasses! That's stronger than a barley wine. (looks fabulous, though)

Wordvixen said...

1 tip for the Colorado trip: Film EVERYTHING. If it's merely entertaining, it'll be good for the blog. If it gets more interesting than that, it'll be good for blackmail.

Mucho congrats on the querying, and perhaps Erika is right... You do have a natural gift, and the material to draw from.

Interesting. I actually got a word for the word verification: harps I think that's a first.

Vesper said...

Travis, such good news from the agents! Best of luck to you! I remember reading that first page you had submitted to an agent's site a while ago - it was excellent!

Also, I would like to taste that beer... :-)

Old Kitty said...

Mephistopheles! 17%!! Wow!!! I've not heard of this but 17%? Gordon Bennet.

Oooh yesterday I had something called "Summer Fruit" - a very light ale, sweet and fragrant - lovely! And then also tried "Doombar" - dark and treacly!

YAY!!! for your successful querying!!! I've got everything crossed for you - this is really fab news!! Wonderful - good for you!! I really enjoyed the snippets you put up here of Feedstore Chronicles!!

I think your carniverous memoir will be fab - especially with a title like that!

It'll be great to meet up with your critiquing buddies - I hope they like their beer!

Awwww your boy is adorable!! He is - he's lovely!!

Take care
x

Little Messy Missy said...

I so need to buy me some of that beer! Good luck with the writing.

Cloudia said...

Congrats on FSC and on your boy!


You da real ting, writer man


Warm Aloha from Waikiki

Comfort Spiral

Dawn Anon said...

Omigosh... how exciting about the Feedstore Chronicles!

Being Beth said...

I can't think of a better place to have a writers retreat than a cabin in Colorado. And, mega congrats to you on your Feedstore Chronicles. Can't wait to buy a copy, for surely it'll be snatched up.

Eric said...

Travis, you comin' to my neck of the woods? Damn, if you have five minutes in between your fun and are looking for a place to visit, my humble abode is open for ya. I'll even make sure I have a couple beers if I know you're comin ;)

I also promise that to hide the lettuce. My wife buys it, what can I say.

Angela McCallister said...

I think just one of those beers on an empty stomach might be plenty to keep me dizzy and happy for a short while ;)

Congrats on such a great response rate on the queries! This is a really great sign. I'll bet you'll be announcing good news soon.

Lynn said...

That retreat / meet up sounds wonderful. I've always wondered what it would be like to meet all my fellow bloggers at once.

Kath Calarco said...

Congrats on the requests. I'm sure a contract is on its way. Cheers!

Robin Lemke said...

So, so glad to hear that you're querying. Please keep us posted!

And that's one cute kid you have. ;)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

I always love the update posts. :)

First, I'm so excited for the interest in Feedstore! And having read other non-fiction by you (but by all means not humorous) I do agree you handle it well. I think the grill idea is perfect for you.

Second, have FUN in Colorado! I'm trying to swing a trip to Seattle where I could meet a couple writer friends as well.