Imagination

 

The other half of the Hunter Thompson recording duo was the deeply disturbed fantastically imaginative artist, Ralph Steadman. In usual Thompson fashion, fate played a part in the selection of the artist who would graphically document Hunter's twisted visions. It occurred on the Kentucky Derby assignment when the original artist who was to meet Thompson at the Derby to illustrate his writing, couldn't make it. Last minute replacement recommended by Hunter's editor, was Ralph Steadman. Who was an artist in England at the time, flew over and joined Hunter in what would become the hilariously satire-laden story, The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved. A biting retribution for the wrongs of HST's youth growing up in Kentucky and the Southern "code". The two together formed a life-long bond of boundless imagination when art imitated life...in a fun house! Some of Steadman's artwork can be found here.

With the theme today being imagination, I want to take this time to recognize four writers whose work I have enjoyed, admired, and most importantly...require more of! I believe many of you are familiar with them but for those who are not, please give them an opportunity to entertain you as they have me.

Alex J Cavanaugh

I met Alex online back when he was just about to explode with his site and also his publishing career. He has always been a faithful and constant commenter on my site and was extremely instrumental in doubling my followers during my first A-Z campaign.

 

 

When  CassaStar came out I had already committed to return the favor by buying, reading, and reviewing the book. It is in a genre I like a lot (Sci-Fi) and I was prepared to enjoy the story. But....

 

 

 

 

 

 

WOW! I loved this book. I read it over the period of about 4 days. Not   because I am a slow reader or the book was complicated but because I was not wanting it to end. The book showed what great imagination and storytelling ability Alex possessed. At the end I was sad for it to be over. Then I found out a second book (CassaFire) was coming out...same excitement thing for me except I actually WON a signed copy in one of his giveaways! Amazing, considering how many people must have entered for it.

 

Now we have the final book of the trilogy (CassaStorm) coming out this fall and I can not wait. I still say, some producer somewhere is missing a great movie series opportunity.

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Nancy S Thompson

I met Nancy from last year's A-Z Challenge. We seemed to have bonded over our mutual appreciation for the band, Alice In Chains. And we have frequented each other's blogs ever since. And boy am I glad I did...

I read The Mistaken as soon as it was available. I immediately found myself immersed in, and actually felt a part of, this story. The premise showed great imagination on Nancy's part and the intricate and well-woven story was just captivating.  For her first novel I was blown away with how really GOOD it was. I could feel Tyler's pain, rage, sadness, humanity...all of it. The visuals that were always in my mind as I read, were exactly what I expect from a good book. And this one is tremendous! IF you have not already picked this one up, do it. I can't wait for her next work! Love your stuff, Nancy!!

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Milo James Fowler

I read Milo's work just because I like his cool name!! Just kidding, man. I read Milo's work because it is good, it is insanely original, and it makes me laugh from time to time. I do not know how his thought processes work but it is a little off center. And that's the good part. His Coyote Cal epics remind me of the movie Cowboys and Aliens, only this is more like Gunsmoke.

Milo has sooo much work out there I doubt he sleeps. Or maybe he can write while he sleeps. Or there is a pod beside his bed...something!!! I have read a ton of his work since the stories are short and there is not a one I have not enjoyed. If you crave a little twisted bent to your reading, Milo is your guy. Thanks for the entertainment, man.

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Clarissa Draper

I believe I ran into Clarissa an A-Z or so ago. Her informative blog and creative A-Z posts keeping me coming back for more. Her imaginative foray into writing was the Sholes Key. I must say I saw the book cover staring me in the face every time I visited her site. but it took me awhile to actually but buy the book. I downloaded it to my Kindle and took it to Belize on vacation.

 

I could not put this book down once I started it (obviously I did or my wife would have killed me, on vacation and all). I love a good mystery, growing up a voracious fan of Agatha Christie, and this was a great mystery. Imaginative storytelling and constant "what's going to happen next" anxiety. Again, I had very vivid images of what I was reading and got pulled right into the action. I am eagerly awaiting the next output from Clarissa.

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I am proud to know each of these authors by their works and their blogs. I consider them friends.

Please take time to visit each of these wonderful writer's blogs (click their Names to go straight there). None will disappoint and who knows, you may make a new friend.