Radical Modern: F. Scott Fitzgerald and New York

A new look at what the City of Giants meant to one literary giant.

Lost Loves
The Love Of The Last Tycoon by F. Scott Fitzgerald

20 Years of Genius on Disc
Maria Callas -- The Complete Studio Recordings 1949-1969

A Rare Treat
Bessie Smith’s 1929 Film Version of St. Louis Blues

July 2009

Sometimes—meaning not often and certainly not often enough—I feel like a success. By "success" I don't mean rich or powerful. I mean something like the fact that I published a book that got a message across or made a splash or was a hit with someone I didn't know before.

Lately, it's been a time of solid successes that I hope will carry me forward a long time. It's as though I opened my door one morning and someone said, "Hello, Jeffrey Round. It's your turn to smile."

In May, at the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival in New Orleans, I saw my new book for the very first time and knew the cover was a great one. (I always feel welcome at S & S, where I run into old friends and make new ones—it's that kind of place.) This time I also came back with a plot for the fourth Bradford Fairfax volume, Bon Ton Roulez—Cajun for "Let the good times roll."

Not long after, the reviews started coming in: Hamilton Spectator, Xtra! and Now. And what reviews—all solidly positive! (Normally I'm prepared to duck and ignore the world for a few months, but not this time.) Surprisingly, Death In Key West made fourth place on the Globe & Mail's "Gay Bestseller list," which I never knew existed until now.

A dream launch at the Moose Factory gallery continued the winning streak. Standing among Charles Pachter's world-famous images, I felt myself in exalted company: writers Gail Bowen, Paul Bellini, Beverley Stone, Michael Rowe and Steven Bereznai attended, as did artists Charles Pachter and Omel Masalunga, singers Lilac Caña and Geri Aniceto, as well as the Writers' Trust (who raised $1000 for the Dayne Ogilvie Grant for young LGBT writers), and my many wonderful friends. (And thank you all for coming!)

I've also had more than my usual share of readings lately, in places as diverse as London ON, the Toronto Public library and the Steam Whistle Brewery. Getting to read as part of Proud Voices on Pride Day was another highlight, and a long-awaited one, too.

I think I'm getting used to this. It's nice, if a bit unusual, to feel accepted and appreciated for once. If it keeps up, I might just keep writing.

Happy Canada Day.

Find June's Intro Here

"Ah! The glamour, the fame and the glories. Keep them, please and just send me some money."

June 29, 2009

It's been a busy time. Following last week's very successful launch of Death In Key West, book two of the Bradford Fairfax mystery series, I was invited to read at the Proud Voices stage as part of Toronto's Pride Week Celebrations. It's something I've been hoping would happen for years. I had perfect weather for my reading on Saturday, but the following day threatened annihilation by thunderstorms that miraculously passed by until the parade and most of the celebrations were over. And as if that weren't enough excitement, today I finished my rough draft for book four of the series, Bon Ton Roulez, Cajun for Let the Good Times Roll. (I'll let you guess what southern city it's set in.) [Read More]

Jeff's Top 40
Books I love.

What I've Been Reading
Some books I've enjoyed lately.